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Geotechnology-Based Modeling to Optimize Conservation of Forest Network in Urban Area

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Abstract

Forest network development in urban areas faces the challenge from forest fragmentation, human-induced disturbances, and scarce land resources. Here, we proposed a geotechnology-based modeling to optimize conservation of forest network by a case study of Wuhan, China. The potential forest network and their priorities were assessed using an improved least-cost path model and potential utilization efficiency estimation. The modeling process consists of four steps: (i) developing species assemblages, (ii) identifying core forest patches, (iii) identifying potential linkages among core forest patches, and (iv) demarcating forest networks. As a result, three species assemblages, including mammals, pheasants, and other birds, were identified as the conservation targets of urban forest network (UFN) in Wuhan, China. Based on the geotechnology-based model, a forest network proposal was proposed to fulfill the connectivity requirements of selected species assemblages. The proposal consists of seven forest networks at three levels of connectivity, named ideal networks, backbone networks, and comprehensive network. The action priorities of UFN plans were suggested to optimize forest network in the study area. Additionally, a total of 45 forest patches with important conservation significance were identified as prioritized stepping-stone patches in the forest network development. Urban forest conserve was also suggested for preserving woodlands with priority conservation significance. The presented geotechnology-based modeling is fit for planning and optimizing UFNs, because of the inclusion of the stepping-stone effects, human-induced pressures, and priorities. The framework can also be applied to other areas after a sensitivity test of the model and the modification of the parameters to fit the local environment.

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Abbreviations

UFN:

Urban forest network

LCP model:

Least-cost path model

SSE:

Stepping-stone effect

PUE:

Potential utilization efficiency

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Acknowledgments

This study has been sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31300589), the National Science and Technology Supporting Program of China (2013BAJ02B01), and the Long-term Track Research Program of National Forest Ecological Station in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Zigui) of the Yangtze River, China. The authors greatly appreciate the thorough review and valuable comments from the anonymous reviewers on how to improve this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Horticultural & Forestry Sciences/Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology, Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China

    Mingjun Teng, Zhixiang Zhou, Pengcheng Wang & Changguang Wu

  2. Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection/Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of the State Forestry Administration, Chinese Academy of Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China

    Mingjun Teng & Wenfa Xiao

  3. Department of Geography & Program in Planning, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

    Elizabeth Lord

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  1. Mingjun Teng
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  2. Zhixiang Zhou
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  3. Pengcheng Wang
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  4. Wenfa Xiao
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  5. Changguang Wu
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Correspondence to Zhixiang Zhou or Wenfa Xiao.

Electronic supplementary material

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267_2015_642_MOESM1_ESM.txt

Supplementary 1: The code of the batch process for least-cost path model based on Python and ArcGIS. Supplementary material 1 (TXT 4 kb)

267_2015_642_MOESM2_ESM.txt

Supplementary 2: The code of the batch process for converting the generated least-cost paths from raster to point in format. Supplementary material 2 (TXT 2 kb)

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Teng, M., Zhou, Z., Wang, P. et al. Geotechnology-Based Modeling to Optimize Conservation of Forest Network in Urban Area. Environmental Management 57, 601–619 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-015-0642-6

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