Overview:

These criteria are intended to measure a broad scope of environmental effects. By looking at pollution levels and how the area has changed over time with respect to flora and fauna habitat quality, we can see the relations of an area to the larger whole.

Analysis:

16. Area and Percent of Forest Land Subject to Specific Levels of Air Pollutants (E.G., Sulfates, Nitrates, Ozone) or Ultraviolet B that May Cause Negative Impacts on the Forest Ecosystem
The whole watershed is listed by the EPA as Better Quality/Low Vulnerability, with over 75% forest cover. 50 areas of concern are listed in this watershed according to the EPA. However, the sources of pollution are far away from this site and do not pose a threat. The prevailing weather patterns run west to east, so most of those releases are blown away from the Farm.
Most of the companies in the area are in compliance and are not releasing toxic substances into the air or water.
Freeman Tree Farm is fairly safe as it sits at the headwaters of several streams so no downstream pollution is likely to reach the forest, also.

For more information, please visit the EPA's Surf Your Watershed, HUC number 05010005

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Indicators:

  1. Area and Percent of Forest Affected by Processes or Agents Beyond the Range of Historic Variation
  2. Area and Percent of Forest Land Subject to Specific Levels of Air Pollutants (E.G., Sulfates, Nitrates, Ozone) or Ultraviolet B that May Cause Negative Impacts on the Forest Ecosystem
  3. Area and Percent of Forest Land with Diminished Biological Components, Indicative of Changes in Fundamental Ecological Process and/or Ecological Continuity.