RESEARCH: Land Use Characteristics and Water Quality: A Methodology for Valuing of Forested Buffers

In this study, water quality and basin characteristics data from different basins of the Fish River basin, Baldwin County, Alabama, were used to develop a valuation model. This valuation model is based on the effectiveness of “contributing zones” identified and delineated using methods described by Basnyat and others (Environmental Management]1999] 23(4):539–549). The “contributing zone” delineation model suggests that depending on soil permeability, soil moisture, depth to water table, slope, and vegetation, buffer widths varying from 16 m to 104 m must be maintained to assimilate or detain more than 90% of the nitrate passing through the buffers. The economic model suggests the value of retiring lands (to create the buffers) varies from $0 to $3067 per ha, depending on the types of crops currently grown. The total value of retiring all areas identified by the contributing zone model is $1,125,639 for the study area. This land value will then form the basis for estimates of the costs of land management options for improving (or maintaining) water quality throughout the study area.     

Reestablishing Naturally Functioning Dunes on Developed Coasts

Common beach management practices reduce the ecological values of coastal dunes. Mechanical beach cleaning eliminates incipient dunes, habitat for nesting birds, seed sources for pioneer dune colonizers and food for fauna, and artificially small, stabilized foredunes reduce the variability in microenvironments necessary for biodiversity. Recent initiatives for reducing coastal hazards, protecting nesting birds, and encouraging nature-based tourism provide incentive for the development of a restoration program for beaches and dunes that is compatible with human use. Suggested changes in management practice include restricting or rerouting pedestrian traffic, altering beach-cleaning procedures, using symbolic fences to allow for aeolian transport while preventing trampling of dunes, and eliminating or severely restricting exotic species. Landforms will be more natural in function and appearance but will be more dynamic, smaller and in a different position from those in natural areas. Research needs are specified for ecological, geomorphological, and attitudinal studies to support and inform restoration planning.     

完达山地区药用植物资源调查与开发利用

通过对完达山地区进行长期调查发展,该地区共有药用植物资源80科224种,并以植物分类学进行了统计,提出了合理开发利用药用植物的建议,为研究和合理利用完达山地区药用植物资源提供了基础材料。     

咸宁市桂花旅游资源开发利用研究

根据对咸宁市桂花旅游资源开发利用条件的分析评价,提出咸宁市旅游业的发展应以开发其特有的优势资源“桂花”为先导,并结合其它旅游资源的开发配置,逐步形成集桂花观赏、文化、娱乐、科研、生态及商品生产为一体的桂花旅游资源发展模式。     

重庆市耕地资源可持续利用研究

分析了重庆市耕地资源利用现状、利用中存在的主要问题及其产生的原因 ,提出了重庆市耕地资源可持续利用的相应对策。     

伊犁河水质的综合评价及分析

通过对伊犁河多年水质监测资料统计分析 ,对其进行了综合评价。分析比较了各断面、各水期的水质综合指数及年际变化 ,掌握了伊犁河水质分布规律、年际变化与污染物排序 ,以及伊犁河水质污染状况。     

用经济手段管理森林防火的尝试

实践证明,在市场经济条件下,运用经济手段管理森林防火工作,是使森林防火工作由单一行政命令的传统模式向经济、法律、行政相结合的新的森防管理模式转变的有效途径。     

一起非法自制的土锅炉爆炸事故分析

通过介绍自制土锅炉的结构及制造过程,分析了其发生爆炸事故的原因。