The Effects of Tactical Vehicle Training on the Lands of Fort Carson, Colorado. An Ecological Assessment.
Abstract
Extensive field studies were conducted at Fort Carson, CO, to quantify the effects of Army tracked vehicle on mammals, birds, vegetation, and soils. Ecological variation between two major habitats--pinyon-juniper woodland and shortgrass prairie--was quantified. Soil disaggregation and increased bulk density resulting from training activities were observed on both habitats. On the pinyon-juniper site, tree and shrub cover decreased, herbaceous cover increased, open-field and edge bird guilds increased, and the woodland bird guilds decreased. On the short-grass prairie site, perennial grass cover decreased, woody forb production increased, and open-field bird guilds decreased. On both sites, mammals favoring woody habitats increased. Originator supplied keywords include: Fort Carson, CO; tracked vehicles; ecology; training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA152142
Entities
People
- V. E. Diersing
- W. D. Severinghaus
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory