Ecosystem Structure Function and Change Term Paper

Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest

Major structural and functional dynamics of the ecosystem

The area that is currently known as Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest was originally farmland. The Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest today is dotted with cemeteries and abandoned homesteads, remnants of how it was used in the past. However, in the 1930s, soil erosion was rife and the land had been largely overtaken by indigenous pine trees. The federal government purchased the land, as part of an effort to rehabilitate it (Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, 2013, Virginia Department of Forestry). The federal government returned the land back to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1954. The forest now spans 19,808 acres (Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, 2013, Virginia Department of Forestry). It is a popular site for horseback riding, camping, hiking, and other leisure activities as well as a preserve for various types of trees.Human effects on the biogeochemical cycles in that ecosystem

Over-farming had a negative impact upon the forestland for many years. Now, the human interactions with the forest are focused on sustainability. Fishing is permitted with artificial lures with single hook only during fishing season; all horses must pass a Coggins test to ensure the health of wildlife; hunting is limited to specific areas. Most importantly, the state forestry department has tried to cultivate diverse tree species to enable sustainable use of timber; instituted measures to improve water quality as a demonstration of scientific forest management; supported the diversity of native flora and fauna and encouraged the community to engage in outdoor recreation at the Forest (Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, 2013, Virginia Department of Forestry).

Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest no longer has any areas devoted to farming partially because of.....