Laserfiche WebLink
<br />the native natural communities have been substantially impacted by human activities. <br />Some of the activities that have significantly impacted natural communities include the <br />following: <br /> <br />· Roads and railroads began to fragment prairies, savannas, and other communities in <br />the mid- to late 1800's. <br /> <br />· Agriculture affected hydrology by draining wetlands and altering streams. Farmers <br />altered upland vegetation communities by clearing, plowing, suppression of regular <br />fires, and overgrazing. These effects are evident in the reduction of native vegetation <br />diversity in prairie and savanna areas. Plantings of low diversity and non-native <br />species, such as smooth brome were carried out to replace prairie. Soil erosion by wind <br />and water increased where native cover was removed and runoff increased, adding <br />sediments to wetlands, and eventually the Mississippi River. <br /> <br />· Urbanization fragmented natural communities further with the addition of more roads, <br />streets and utilities. Construction typically compacts soils, and changes the local <br />hydrology. Large areas of impervious surface and drainage of wetlands increases the <br />amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants carried to local water bodies. <br /> <br />· Non-native, aggressive species like honeysuckle, buckthorn, burning bush, caragana, <br />barberry and many others have been added as landscape materials. Changes in habitat <br />and the increasing presence of humans in the landscape have brought changes in <br />animal populations, decreasing or eliminating some species such as meadowlarks and <br />elk, and enabling others such as English sparrows, European starlings, and whitetail <br />deer. <br /> <br />Roseville Comprehensive Plan - 2002 Update <br /> <br />The Land and its People - Page 3 of 30 <br />