The Land Development and Cover Vital Sign measures the conversion of land from forests, farms, and natural areas into land for homes, businesses, and roads. During the past 150 years, Puget Sound lost at least two-thirds of its remaining old growth forest, more than 90 percent of its native prairies, and 80 percent of its marshes. With an estimated 1.5 million additional residents expected in the Puget Sound area by 2050, the need for housing and commercial development and the network of infrastructure (roads and utilities) to serve such development must be balanced with protection of the important functions provided by forested and riparian areas as well as agricultural lands. This Vital Sign tells us about the gains (through restoration), maintenance (through protection) and losses of habitat (through development), and also how well the region’s ongoing human growth is being directed to protect the best remaining natural areas and working forests.
VITAL SIGN INDICATOR | PROGRESS | STATUS |
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VITAL SIGN INDICATOR | PROGRESS | STATUS |
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