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Not all ski slopes are created equal: disturbance intensity affects ecosystem properties
Jennifer W Burt1, Kevin J Rice
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA. jenniferwburt@gmail.com
Summary
Ski slope construction methods impact mountain ecosystems differently. Clearing vegetation causes less ecological damage than machine grading, preserving soil health and plant diversity.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Downhill ski areas are significant anthropogenic disturbances in mountain regions.
- Ski run creation methods, primarily clearing versus grading, vary in disturbance intensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effects of different ski run construction methods (clearing vs. grading) on ecosystem properties.
- To compare ecological impacts on cleared runs, graded runs, and adjacent reference forests.
Main Methods:
- Extensive surveys of vegetation, soils, and environmental characteristics.
- Comparison across seven ski resorts in the northern Sierra Nevada, USA.
- Analysis of plant community composition, soil properties, and erosion potential.
Main Results:
- Machine grading resulted in greater negative impacts on plant diversity, soil nutrient cycling, and erosion potential compared to clearing.
- Cleared ski runs showed ecological similarities to reference forests, with potentially higher plant species and functional diversity.
- Grading significantly altered ecosystem properties, indicating a more severe disturbance.
Conclusions:
- Clearing is a less damaging method for ski run creation than grading.
- Minimizing grading can help preserve mountain ecosystem functions and biodiversity.
- Ecological considerations should guide ski area development practices.
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