Gauging the ecological capacity of southern Appalachian reserves: does wilderness matter?

Abstract

A multi-unit wilderness system in the Southern Appalachians was evaluated for its long-term capacity to support biodiversity and provide other forms of “ecological insurance.” Based on spatial thresholds for selected species, community and ecosystem level attributes, ecological capacity was found to be conditional, hierarchical and interactive. Existing reserves appear to have successfully maintained some ecological structure and processes for up to half-century. However, most reserves theoretically large enough to represent certain animal taxa were too small to sustain, in situ, all native habitats for these taxa. Designated wilderness did not represent all major forest types common to the bioregion. Additions to the network would enhance but not completely safeguard the ecological capacity of this wilderness system.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 2: Wilderness within the context of larger systems; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Haney, J. C.; Wilbert, M.; De Grood, C.; Lee, D. S.; Thomson, J. 2000. Gauging the ecological capacity of southern Appalachian reserves: does wilderness matter?. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 2: Wilderness within the context of larger systems; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 128-137