CHAPTER 1I: APPROACH AND METHODS 54
F. Forestry Conversion
Includes conversion of natural forest habitats to anthropogenic habits managed for silviculture. Native
vegetation is removed, the site is prepared and replanted with off-site or non-native species, often in a
row-crop monoculture-type method primarily for commercial timber. Results in habitat destruction and/
or fragmentation.
G. Ground Water and Surface Water Withdrawal
Includes excessive direct groundwater and surface water withdrawals for agriculture, industrial and
municipal water supplies. Excessive withdrawal can result in lowered water tables, diminished aquifer
discharges and reductions in water available to sustain stream base flows, spring discharges, isolated
wetlands, karst environments and seepage communities.
H. Incompatible Agricultural Practices
Includes agricultural practices that do not meet Best Management Practices (BMP) standards. These
practices impact the environment well outside the actual agricultural operation through releases of
excess nutrients, toxins or sediments. Includes practices that degrade stream or wetland habitat quality.
I. Incompatible Forestry Practices
Involves poor forestry BMP implementation and site management activities that result in altered
structure and composition of adjacent natural habitats or degraded stream or wetland habitats. Examples
include excessive chemical use, effects of harvesting equipment, bedding and excessively high stocking
densities.
J. Incompatible Grazing Practices
Involves high, generally unsustainable rates of herbivory that intensively affect a species or entire
natural communities. Usually attributed to domesticated herbivore management (cattle).
K. Over Exploitation/Incidental Capture
Includes commercial exploitation, poaching, by-catch and unscrupulous or excessive collecting of
animals or plants by individual or corporate operators. Impacts may include mortality of individuals,
population declines and changes in community composition.
L. Incompatible Resource Extraction Practices
Includes extraction of minerals, oil or gas or similar activities that result in the disturbance or destruction
of natural habitats as well as secondary impacts such as sedimentation or releases of toxins. Includes
surface, subsurface and instream activities. Impacts from construction and actual production may
include increased sediment loads, contamination from leaks and spills, downstream scouring, habitat
destruction and disturbance, fragmentation and creation of migration routes for invasive exotic species.