Landscape dynamics in the wildland-urban interface

Abstract

The wildland–urban interface represents landscape change—changes brought about by urbanization, by shifts in forest management, and altered disturbance regimes, each having ecological, social, and economic ramifications. In this chapter, I will focus on some of the ecological ramifications associated with landscape change, primarily forest fragmentation and deforestation, resulting from urbanization. In particular, I will review forest fragmentation from a landscape and site perspective; examine the ecological aspects of edges, corridors, and roads; and discuss fragmentation in relation to human health issues as they pertain to the wildland–urban interface.

Citation

Zipperer, Wayne C. 2012. Landscape dynamics in the wildland-urban interface. In: Laband, David N.; Lockaby, B. Graeme; Zipperer, Wayne, eds. Urban Rural Interfaces: Linking People and Nature. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI: 17-28.