Land_Use_Activity[1]
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School
Florida Gulf Coast University *
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Course
3920
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by ellyhutson
Assignment: Maps and Land Use
Background
In the lower right corner of the map (Lee County) is an area outlined in blue. This area is
called the DR/GR, which stands for density reduction – groundwater resource. It is a large area
of land (over 80,000 acres) just east of Estero that was established jointly in 1990 by the State of
Florida and Lee County with the specific purpose of protecting the principal water supply for
most of Southwest Florida including both Estero and Bonita Springs as well as Fort Myers, Cape
Coral and even areas of Naples.
The density reduction name refers to how land was to be developed in this precious
natural area- only one home per 20 acres of land. For several years, the 5 person Lee County
Board of County Commissioners has encouraged development of the DR/GR alleging that
development will not harm the groundwater resource property. Developers have successfully
lobbied the Board and produced arguments that support a pro development position. Studies
done by several independent agencies including FGCU show just the opposite effect predicting
that development in the DR/GR could cause it to lose its ability to safely collect rainwater, leach
it down to the main aquifers that store our water and thereby permanently harm our water
supply, not to even mention the adverse effect on our wildlife habitat of which the DR/GR is a
principal part. The one home per 20 acres is being replaced by much denser construction, as
many as 12 homes per acre, this does not include all impervious surfaces, roads, parking lots,
etc. nor does it include the commercial, educational, and retail development that will be
necessary to support all the residential construction.
Part I
Using the Base Map within the assignment, respond to the following prompt. You can
double click the map to zoom in and drag to specific areas. To return to the large map click
“Exit Zoom” in the top left corner.
1)
What do the colors and symbols in the “key” of the map mean?
Using the base map, it says that the neon green is conservation lands, where the white
diagonal stripes is mitigation lands.
2)
Get familiar with the map and find the following locations. Put a check in the box once you
find them.
●
Where you live (If you live in Lee County)
●
FGCU
●
RSW (regional airport)
●
One field trip site we’ve been to, or will go to, this semester
●
Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
●
Fort Myers Beach
●
Cape Coral
●
Lehigh Acres
●
Agricultural/farm areas
●
Mining areas
●
A place you like to visit regularly
4) Both agriculture and mining areas are found within the DRGR. What do you think this means
for our water supply?
Mining can affect ground water conditions, for example, causing damage to natural
aquifers and the flow of underground water. Mining can also increase or decrease
surface water, with the pumping of water in or out of mines. Mining also creates
pollution. With this, agriculture can experience low productivity and the quality and
quantity of crops, and our overall water supply depending on the demands.
5) What types of conservation lands or special environmental features do you have around your
home?
My house is very close to Six Mile Cypress Slough (a conservation land), and is five miles
away.
6)
What percentage of conservation lands does Lee County have
? How does this compare to
the rest of Florida?
Lee County has 20% of conservation lands. Out of the 67 counties listed, Lee County is in
the bottom 20%.
Part II
Click on the different tabs below the map (Water Quality, Wetlands, Wildlife).
Analyze each of
these individually and record observations and inferences you make about each
.
Water Quality
-
Observations: The Caloosahatchee River and the land close by violates water quality
standards.
Inferences: I can infer that the Caloosahatchee River is polluted with low water quality and
it is seeping into the surrounding land. There is also low water quality near conservation
lands.
Wetlands
-
Observations: The wetlands line up exactly with the conservation areas on the base map.
Inferences: I can infer that all wetlands are protected due to the biodiversity that it
provides and does for our water supply and ecosystem.
Wil
dlife-
Observations: There is lots of wildlife activity in the wetlands, as well as the surrounded
area.
Inferences: I can infer that the land is conservation land or protected and that helps
species grow without any threats.
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