Science

Research As A Precondition For Setting Forest Goals

Knowledge of the environmental dynamics at play in the Sandy Springs forest  is a precondition for setting reasonable forest goals. The city has actually taken a major step in this direction when it calculated canopy coverage by watershed .see below. We would like to suggest that the data be further refined by sub dividing each drainage basin into commercial, residential, and protected areas such as federal lands and city parks. Such an organization of data allows the city to identify the diverse challenges and appropriate responses to the health of the canopy. 

One research area that Environment Sandy Springs is reviewing is the ability of GIS to identify potential wildlife and aquatic habitats. If it is feasible to identify  habitats then the city’s policies could guide development away from habitats through the use of such software as CorridorDesign.