An analysis of spatio-temporal landscape patterns for protected areas in northern New England: 1900–2010

• DOI: 10.1007/s10980-015-0184-6
• Publication Date: 2015-03-25T11:01:41Z
• Authors: Spencer R. Meyer; Kate Beard; Christopher S. Cr...; Robert J. Lilieholm
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Ecology; Geography, Planning and Development; 15. Life on land; Nature and Landscape Conservation

Landscape ecology theory provides insight about how large assemblages of protected areas (PAs) should be configured to protect biodiversity. We adapted these theories evaluate whether the emergence decentralized land protection in a largely private landscape followed principles reserve design. Our objectives were determine: (1) Are there distinct clusters PAs time and space? (2) becoming more spatially clustered through time? (3) Does resulting PA portfolio have traits characteristic ideal design? developed an historical dataset enacted since 1900 northern New England region US. conducted spatio-temporal clustering, pattern, aggregation analyses at both scale for specific classes ownership, conservation method, degree protection. found frequency increased time, that area-weighted heavily influenced by few recent PAs. clustering around preexisting was driven primarily establishment focused on natural resource management, rather than strict reserves. Since 1990, complete has aggregation, but patches become less aggregated smaller, while allow extractive uses larger. extension diverse underscores importance prioritizing choices context existing PAs, elucidates effects individual actions within areas.