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Assessment and demarcation of trail degradation in a nature reserve, using GIS: case of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Author(s) -
Chatterjea K.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.793
Subject(s) - environmental science , nature reserve , recreation , infiltration (hvac) , soil compaction , hydrology (agriculture) , geography , environmental resource management , forestry , ecology , soil water , soil science , geology , geotechnical engineering , archaeology , meteorology , biology
With a significant rise in popularity of nature areas, particularly in urban settings like Singapore, Nature Reserves are being increasingly opened for public recreational use. In the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR), the only remnant primary rain forest reserve in Singapore, trail networks are being expanded to meet this growing public demand. The physical condition of the present trail networks was assessed by monitoring the changes in surface compaction, soil moisture, infiltration rates, soil organic matter content, root density, litter cover and rill development. These parameters were compared with similar data obtained from undisturbed forested slopes to analyse the degree of changes brought about by trail usage. Significant changes occurred in all measured parameters, indicating observable degradation of the trails, particularly on vulnerable slopes. These changes are due to the heavy and increased use of the forest by visitors. Penetration resistance and shear strength of the top surface layers of the trails are important indicators of trail degradation status and these have been plotted, using GIS, to demarcate trails under different levels of stress. This field monitoring provides a relevant local assessment of trail conditions. It has potential for use in decision‐making in future planning and forest management under similar site conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.