. Critical trends in Illinois ecosystems. Ecological assessment (Biology); Environmental impact analysis; Nature; Pollution; Conservation of natural resources; Environmental quality. LaMoine River Watershed 79 4!b â A Cropland () ^ DB Upland forest () c , \ 3 ^ n C Grassland () ^ â D Water () ^H D E Bottomland forest W '^ H F Urban/built-up () B s --^ r D G Non-forested wetlands () Figure 50. Big Rivers land cover Plant and animal life Although animal life has declined statewide since European settlement, it remains riclily varied here. The region is a haven for bird
. Critical trends in Illinois ecosystems. Ecological assessment (Biology); Environmental impact analysis; Nature; Pollution; Conservation of natural resources; Environmental quality. LaMoine River Watershed 79 4!b â A Cropland () ^ DB Upland forest () c , \ 3 ^ n C Grassland () ^ â D Water () ^H D E Bottomland forest W '^ H F Urban/built-up () B s --^ r D G Non-forested wetlands () Figure 50. Big Rivers land cover Plant and animal life Although animal life has declined statewide since European settlement, it remains riclily varied here. The region is a haven for birds, largely because of its extensive tracts of upland and floodplain forests and riverine bird species that live in the area (at least 90% of the species found in Illinois) are ecologically diverse and, although some are able to live in a variety of habitats, many occupy only one or a few habitats. Thirty-three of them are on the T&E list and 23 of those breed in the area. Basin acreage - 1,133,172 acres State land* -10,147 acres Federal land - 21,199 acres Total natural areas - 5,584 acres High-quality natural areas - acres Nature preserves - 509 acres * Does not iiidiide natural areas or nature preserves that may be state owned. Among the rare plant species found here is the decurrent false aster, a federally threatened species. Two federally-listed endangered species, the Indiana bat and the gray myotis,are also found here, as is the state-threatened river otter. The largest venomous snake in Illinois, the timber rattlesnake, also makes its home here. Local economy and outdoor recreation Most of the Big Rivers area is rural and has experi- enced minimal population growth since early settlement. (Calhoun and (ireene counties have actually lost population in the last 120 years. Only Madison County, which is located in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area, has grown significantly. Its population grew five-fold between 1870 and 1970 â from less th
Size: 1346px × 1855px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorillinoisnaturalhistorysurveydivisi, booksubjectnature
