Run-off and Land Use Change

Compared to a fully forested tract and the state of development in 1999, a large, 63% reduction in greenspace occurred. Not only did the greenspace area decrease, but the type of vegetation radically changed. The ground beneath the forest canopy was not tread upon, and thus it was not compacted. Instead of a near-monoculture of trimmed vegetation with its superficial root system in 1999, tree roots of the forest extended deeper into the soil, thereby reducing erosion. Moreover, burrows from animal activity on the forest floor would increase infiltration rates. Thus, infiltration was greater in the forested landscape, and thus run-off was less. By 2018, the green space had decreased again, now down to 32%. The area of gravel increased from 19.4% to 26.0%. Two buildings had been removed, but the area became part of the gravel portion. An additional area converted to pavement also occurred.

It must be acknowledged that accurate assessment of the perimeter of each of the types of development (greenspace, pavement, building, gravel) in the 1999 photograph is hampered by the quality of that image.

The land use changes seen here impact water quality in Lake Champlain by increasing run-off volume, since impervious and less pervious surfaces are receiving the rain fall. This increased run-off may flood streets, thereby picking up oil or transmission fluid, and carrying those pollutants into the lake. The parking areas, whether pavement or gravel, will also collect oil from the cars, and this also will be added to the run-off.