CHALLENGES

Identification
When the pattern of an ecotone is highly mixed, it may escape detection as most ecological classification systems seek uniform units. (Risser, 1987).  Mixed or mosaic ecotones are a jumble of identifiable pieces, and the mixture distinguishes it from more homogeneous neighbouring landscapes.

Therefore, The Land Between previously was undetermined to be a holistic unit and maintained a low profile. As a result, today it sits amidst larger well-defined regions and at the edge of many conservation agency interests. Planning and protection responsibilities for the area are diverse and fragmented. More limited road access and scientific study has also made it more challenging to discover where specific features are found across The Land Between. Because of this low profile, limited information exists to document the special values of The Land Between, understand its functions, or monitor changes.

Vulnerability

The Land Between is a fragile place. Due to its thin soils, rapid drainage and interconnected waters, it is very susceptible to disturbance and contamination. Standard forms of use and development- for housing; septic systems; golf courses and roads can easily result in damage that does not recover quickly. Disturbance here is long lasting

Land Use and Development

The Land Between is under accelerating threats. Development is increasing rapidly, pushed by an increase in total population, and by retirees and commuters moving into the area.

New roads to support new developments are being etched into the landscape, further fragmenting landscapes and habitats. Quarry operations to support new roads and developments are increasingly restricted further south, and have quickly become a major land use and a major concern. Habitat loss or degradation due to harvesting, removal, alterations, over-use and/or competition from invasive species adds to the cumulative impact.

Dr. Tenley Conway and Namrata Shresthra of University of Toronto have been assessing development threats from land conversion or intensification in The Land Between through research and understanding of land use dynamics in exurban landscapes using remotely sensed data and census data.

The Land Between retained Paul Heaven of Glenside Ecological Consultants to research and map developed as well as natural shorelines throughout The Land Between using remotely sensed data.

Students from Trent University, through the Trent Centre for Community Based Education, investigate development trends, demographics, threats and planning protection mechanisms throughout the region.

These research papers and more are available on our Science and Discoveries page.