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Centennial Woods: An Ecological Assessment Including Reccomendations for the Centennial Woods Natural Area
Desilets, Kara Floberg, John
Desilets, Kara
Floberg, John
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Abstract
This assessment describes the ecology and physical features of the 147 acres of undeveloped UVM property, which includes the officially designated 65.91-acre Centennial Woods Natural Area. The area serves a critical role for both academic research and recreation, with thousands of annual visits from UVM students and local residents who use the woods for field study, walking, skiing, and bird watching. Management of the Woods is complex, involving various university, city, and citizen groups, with the primary goal of preserving the area in its natural state as an outdoor laboratory and urban open space.
The report reviews land use history and provides predictions regarding the future of the natural communities within the area. The report also recommended new boundaries for Centennial Woods that are based on ecological principles rather than the contemporary "geometric" borders. The assessment was prompted by a desire to resolve debates regarding the permanent protection of the area. It aims to provide an ecologically-based plan that maintains natural communities and addresses potential issues such as ecosystem decay and habitat fragmentation.
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Date
1997-05