Wildland-Urban Problems and Solutions

 There are a few challenges that are present in managing urban-wild spaces. I would say that the most common one would be the increase in habitat fragmentation. A lot of roads and urban areas separate habitats into small habitat patches. This can cause a loss in biodiversity, because the edge habitats increase while the habitat area itself decreases. Not to mention, there is a high change for habitat isolation as well, which decreases biodiversity (1). In general, habitat fragmentation increases the chances of extinction for native species. To solve this issue, I would say that connection patches should be added. This way, there is a land-connection to these fragmented habitats, so ground species have a higher chance at making it from habitat to habitat.

Another problem that is common in urban-wild spaces is the introduction to invasive species. Invasive species are often brought in through humans. Whether that is bringing them unknowingly through transportation, or older generations bringing them over because they thought that they would provide extra decoration, invasive species are brought to these areas almost exclusively by humans (2). For my solution, I would suggest inspections for foreign species in cargo vehicles. Whether they are land or water vehicles, inspections should take place before they even enter the urban-wild area. This way, there is more of an conscientious effort to keep foreign species out of these areas, because oftentimes, these invasive species are brought here by accident.

Personally, I believe that we can simultaneously protect and enjoy these habitats. I love to fish, swim, and just simply going outdoors in general. I think that we should be vocal in letting other people know and learn how to protect their environments as well. Because I believe that these people want to be in nature that has more natural species and healthy environments for these animals. Nobody wants to go fishing in a lake up North where all the fish that they can catch are Asian carp. People want to keep nature as it is, but they just need to learn simple things they can do to help make that happen.

(1) Woodland Trust. “What Is Habitat Fragmentation and What Does It Mean for Wildlife?” Woodland Trust, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/08/what-is-habitat-fragmentation-and-what-does-it-mean-for-our-wildlife/#:~:text=Fragmentation%20happens%20when%20parts%20of,a%20road%20through%20a%20woodland. Accessed 4 June 2023.

(2) “Urban Environments Are Hotspots for Invasive Insects.” US Forest Service, www.fs.usda.gov/features/urban-environments-are-hotspots-invasive-insects. Accessed 4 June 2023.