Biologic Landscape Impacts assess the effects of each Alternative on biodiversity, bear habitat, and Monroe County's Special Natural Areas. These Biological Impacts are obviously closely related to the Geological Impacts in that the greater the area conserved, the less the negative effects of development will be felt.
The Plan-Trend and Build-Out both do poorly because of the lack of adequate land conservation and their consequent widespread development patterns.
The decentralized but denser development pattern used in the Township allows for a great degree of habitat area "connectedness." The Spine protects large areas of land, but effectively cuts off a key wildlife corridor from the south-west to north-east corners of the County through the Cranberry Bog.
The Southern strategy protects large areas of land and uses lower density zoning in the north, therefore comparing favorably regarding Biologic Impacts.
View of Long Pond.
Lastly, it is no surprise that the Park impacts the Biologic Landscape least, as it conserves the most land while concentrating new development in and near already developed areas.
Maps showing biologic impacts:
Existing Biologic
Impact
Plan-Trend Alternative Biologic
Impact
Build-Out Alternative Biologic
Impact
Township Alternative Biologic
Impact
Southern Alternative Biologic
Impact
Spine Alternative Biologic
Impact
Park Alternative Biologic
Impact