There are many benefits for an ecosystem to have a large connected habitat
These benefits assist in conserving the North Cascades ecosystems biodiversity, and decreases many of the negative effects that smaller fragmented habitat may present. Several of these negative effects of a fragmented habitat are listed below, along with explanations of how a non-fragmented habitat reduces these effects.
Biological benefits:
1. Reduces effects of Isolation Impacts:
The ability of animals to disperse among a habitat. If a place within the North Cascades is endangering or threatening to a species, they are able to relocate to a safer and more suitable location.
2. Reduces facilitation of species invasions:
The most common place to find invasive plants is along side of roads or where high human activity is, roads allow a pathway for invasive's to move into the habitat (Groom, 2006, ch. 9). Loss of habitat of the national forest surrounding the North Cascades, will open more pathways for Invasive Species to come in and displace or threaten the native species residing there. Also, this deforestation would increase chances of the invasive species to successfully settle and outcompete in the North Cascades, because unlike the native species who have adapted to the current habitat for centuries of years, the invasive species are not specialized and can adapt and thrive in new disturbed habitats (Groom, 2006, ch. 9).
Prevents from more sunlight from coming into the forest and warming the edges, making them more susceptible to forest fires. No deforestation, therefore having no negative edge effects, will also reduce exposure to more predators, and overcrowding the forest interior, and from invasive species moving in through open corridors (Groom, 2006, ch.7). The Photo below from USDA National Agroforestry Center, shows a clear and simple illustration of an edge effect. Edge effects can increase chances of having parasites and diseases introduced into an ecosystem, competition from invasive species and potential displacement or extinction of the ecosystems native species. Also, the image below shows how edge effects can lead to less forest interior and shading by the forest, potentially altering optimal conditions for some of the species that are living there.
4. Offers Wildlife Refuges (Habitat Refugia) :
Habitat refugia is particularly important for biological responses to future climate changes, and species adapting to warmer conditions (Groom, 2006, ch. 12). Refugia is seen in mountain habitats, like the North Cascades Mountains in Washington State. If an animal for some reason where to become uncomfortable in its current spot, because of the large connected and similar environment that a mountainous ecosystem offers, it is able to relocated easily. This is great because without even leaving their primary habitats, species can shift down to lower elevations, or move further east or west, and find more favorable conditions to live.
5. Prevents from Area Effects:
Bigger habitats are always better, they offer less edge and exposure to harm and more interior and protection (Groom, 2006, ch.7). Large carnivores like bears who require large areas to move around in and support their way of life, will not retain their necessary resources if its too dangerous for them to cross matrix or if fragments are too far away.
6. Reduced threats of Smaller Fragments:
Populations existing in smaller fragments are more prone to lose genetic diversity through genetic drift (Groom, 2006, ch.7). Populations are also more at risk of experience crowding effects, and resources becoming more at risk of being depleted.
Additional Expected Benefits if North Cascades Habitat is Conserved:
- Recreation ( visitor use/activities, satisfaction)
- Wildlife Habitat ( baseline trends, protections, numbers)
- Public health & welfare
- Clean water (quality quantity, flows)
- Historical Ecology
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