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Abstract
Humans are a major component of the environment, and all human activities impact the environment, which includes other humans. Researchers have only recently focused on spatial and temporal impacts of historic human activities on the land and water of the Middle Rio Grande Basin. Interrelationships of these and the effects of periodic severe cold periods, early or late frosts, droughts, insect infestations, and other "natural disasters" such as epidemic diseases, earthquakes, fires, and floods have been minimally explored but not systematically studied. Furthermore, the equally complex history of plant and animal introductions and extinctions by humans, although generally understood, still need additional research of their temporal and spatial occurrence and impact on other biotic components. Finally, the role of world view exhibited by various groups as related to environmental impact, change, and future resource management needs must be considered.
Parent Publication
Citation
Scurlock, Dan. 1995. Environmental history [chapter 2]. In: Finch, Deborah M.; Tainter, Joseph A., tech eds. Ecology, diversity, and sustainability of the Middle Rio Grande Basin. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-GTR-268. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. p. 12-28.
