Deforestation in Illinois: Problems and Description

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The effects of deforestation around my home and throughout my state are becoming more evident every day. When a deer or other wild game loses its home, they move into cities, urban areas, and parks; thus causing issues with the human population. Most people living in Illinois have hit or nearly killed a deer driving on Southern Illinois roadways. This common occurrence could be kept at bay or maybe even avoided if the deer and wild game had more space to reside. There are many points that coincide with this reality but the main issues are the small subtle ones that affect everyday life and are often overlooked. Picture the Illinois we will leave for our children. Do you see a lush green forest or miles and miles of concrete and steel?

. When people see new construction or a recently paved road, they often do not realize the sacrifice that was made to create these luxuries. Most people pass some form of construction on the way to their jobs or school every day. This simple fact sparks questions regarding what this area looked like before it was inhabited by humans. Illinois forests have undergone drastic changes in the decades since European settlement. Only 31 % of the forest area present in 1820 exists today. (Iverson Pdf) Tearing down trees to build new structures isn’t bad if done in moderation, in some ways with time and good planning its wonderful. However, anyone that hunts or claims to be an outdoorsman will relate to the incomparable feeling experienced when alone in the woods and far from the hustle of the urbanized world.

A point has to be made about hunting and outdoor life in Illinois, which is a common interest throughout Illinois. Though it may not interest everyone, the livelihood and a portion of income is g...

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...es do have solutions; however, just a careful watch and conservation of forests can help in the long run. Planting trees in yards or getting a group together to start an urban forest would be a great idea to help the cause. Common sense and a little hard work can help restore forests, closer to their original state, and avoid problems throughout the Illinois effecting society as a whole.

Work Cited

Iverson, L, R, Forest resources of Illinois: what do we have

and what are they doing for us ? Symposium Proceedings:

Our Living Heritage. Champaign. IL: Illinois Natural History

Survey Bulletin 34; 1991: 361-374,

Www.fs.fed.us/ne/newtown_square/.../other.../ne_1991_iverson001.pdf. Web

"Introduction for Creating Habitats and Homes for Illinois Wildlife." DNR. Web. 14 Sept. 2011. .

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