Designated Protected and Significant Areas of Dutchess County, NY
Chapter 7: Designated Significant and Protected Areas of Dutchess County (DRAFT) Chapter 7: Designated Protected and Significant Areas of Dutchess County, NY ______________________________________________________________________________ Emily Vail, Neil Curri, Noela Hooper, and Allison Chatrchyan1 February 2012 (DRAFT ) Significant natural areas are valued for their environmental importance Chapter Contents and beauty, and include unusual geologic features such as scenic Protected Land Critical Environmental mountain ridges, steep ravines, and caves; hydrological features such Areas as rivers, lakes, springs, and wetlands; and areas that support Other Significant Areas threatened or endangered species or unusually diverse plant and Implications for Decision- Making animal communities. Both significant natural areas and scenic Resources resources enhance the environmental health and quality of life in Dutchess County. An area can be significant for several different reasons, including its habitat, scenic, cultural, economic, or historical values. Many areas are significant because they are unique in some way. 1 This chapter was written by Emily Vail (Cornell Cooperative Extension Environment & Energy Program), Neil Curri (Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Environment & Energy Program), Noela Hooper (Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development), and Allison Chatrchyan (Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Environment & Energy Program). The chapter is presented here in DRAFT form. Final version expected March 2012. The Natural Resource Inventory of Dutchess County, NY 1 Chapter 7: Designated Significant and Protected Areas of Dutchess County (DRAFT) Significant natural areas provide many ecosystem services, including wildlife habitat, water supply protection, recreational space, and opportunities for outdoor research. (For more information on ecosystem services, see Chapter 1: Introduction.) In order to sustain their value, it is import to protect these areas.
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