What types of human impact have changed the Rocky Mountains?

Answer 1

• Past forest management practices. Most of the ecoregion's forests have seen changed composition and function because of customary harvesting practices, such large clear cuts, single species selection, and removal of dead and downed trees. Habitat fragmentation affects vulnerable animals such as mountain caribou, fishers, and goshawks.

• Changes in fire frequency and intensity. The alteration of the natural fire regime has changed water, nitrogen, and carbon cycles. The denser forest of smaller trees that has resulted is more prone to disease, insects, and large fires.

• Recreation and sprawling development. The Canadian Rocky Mountain ecoregion has become an outdoor playground. Plant and wildlife habitats suffer when lands are converted to Golf courses and vacation homes.
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• climate change
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• air pollution

Answer 2

Human impacts on the Rocky Mountains include mining activities, logging, agriculture expansion, urban development, recreation, and climate change. These activities have led to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, water pollution, and disruption of wildlife migration patterns. Conservation efforts are being made to mitigate these impacts and protect the ecosystems of the Rocky Mountains.