Completed Competitive Grant

Retrospective assessment of landscape, land use change in the Clear Creek Watershed

Project ID: 2004-E08

Abstract

Using aerial photos and historical records allowed researchers to create a compelling picture of the changes in the Clear Creek watershed since 1940.

Key Question: Can significant events contributing to the overall health and functioning of agricultural watersheds be understood through the study of landscape history?

Findings: Analysis of landscape history reveals significant changes in space and time. Examples from this study include the identification of persistent patches of remnant natural vegetation and areas of concentrated urban or suburban development, and pinpointing periods of rapid change in the stream network. Such knowledge can be used to inform future conservation planning and/or regional development policies.

Lead investigator: Lisa A. Schulte, ISU Natural Resource Ecology and Management, et al

Year of grant completion: 2007

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Models and assessment tools, Watershed and ecoregion

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The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/2004-e08 on 01/21/2013