Natural Resources

Define Natural Resources Natural resources are all those things with which we come in contact that can be used to perform any useful function.

Examples include: Mineral Energy Sources Forest Fish and Wildlife Water Soil

Explain the difference between non-exhaustible, renewable, and exhaustible natural resources. Non-exhaustible: natural resources that can last forever regardless of human activity. They renew themselves continuously. I.e. surface water and air

Renewable Resources Renewable Resources: natural resources that can be replaced by human efforts. I.e. forest, fish and wildlife

Exhaustible Resources Exhaustible Resources: natural resources that cannot be replaced or reproduced. I.e. oil, mineral resources, and soil

Explain the importance of soil and water conservation. Both are exhaustible resources Both serve as a filter Limited quantities of each Foundation of life

Erosion Control Mulching Straw or wood chips used to provided a protective layer over the soil.

Discuss the importance of forestry. Forestry Provides… Wood Products Habitat for Wildlife Filtration System for Air and Water Reduced Soil Erosion Recreation Revenue

List the purposes that a forest serves. Protect watershed Production of timber Provision of wildlife habitat and recreation Regulation of stream flow Control of erosion General aesthetics

Environment for Fish -Forest vegetation that shades water courses from the full heat of the sun contributes toward the prevention of excessive stream temperatures.

Flood prevention and water flow -Forested watersheds where management is carefully practiced, extremes of water flow in winter and summer are avoided, thus aiding in flood control.

Wildlife Habitat -Wildlife uses the trees and forest as food and shelter.

Prevention of Soil Erosion -Water that moves through forested soils, does more slowly and stays free of sediments.

Reduction of Wind Erosion -Trees are used as windbreaks and slows down the force of wind.

Habitat for Songbirds -Forest and rural areas are habitats for songbirds. If forest are taken away, the population of songbirds will reduce.

Removal of Gas Pollutants -Sulfur Dioxide is used for metabolism for trees. The roots will absorb soil and water pollutants through the roots, aiding in the cleansing of soil and water.

Removal of Particulates -Trees catch particles that are in the air. The leaves usually hold onto the particles until the particles are washed to the ground by a rain.

Noise Abatement -Trees act as a sound barrier.

Temperature difference in city areas -Trees block the heat from the sun. The heat absorbed in the transpiration process also cools the air in the immediate vicinity of the cities.

Greenbelts as Moisture Storage Zones -Water is diverted from trees into storage zones. Trees also pump water from the soil, allowing for additional storage.

Effect on Property Values -Property values are enhanced if trees are growing on a city lot or a ranch.

Barriers to Reduce Glare and Reflection -Trees are being utilized effectively as barriers against excessive glare and against reflection from high-albedo surfaces, such as concrete and glass.

Discuss recreational use of natural resources. Camping Hunting and fishing Observing Canoeing/boating Hiking Biking