environment help

Each of these essays should be written from your changing perspective on issues addressed in the class. The first essay will ask you to identify and research the causes and consequences an environmental issue that affects your home town or region. The second essay will require you to expand on the first essay to address what actions the community in response to the environmental impact (social activities, political and economic decisions) and should be summative, asking you to express how you personally can help to contribute to the resolution of the environmental issue that you identified.

 

This first essay should be a minimum of 3 pages (double spaced and size 12 font) . When writing the essay please consult the rubric to ensure you receive the maximum number of points

Example 1

I grew up playing outside every day with my brother and sister. I have highly fortunate to have had the childhood I did and it is largely in part to Upper Bidwell Park. I wouldn’t have had the open space to find tadpoles and snakes and birds or squish my toes into the dirt or clamber over and around boulders if Annie Bidwell had not gifted the first 1,902 acres—the park is currently 3,670 acres one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. In addition to supplying the children and families of Chico with a huge area to explore Bidwell Park is also home to many species of natural wildlife. The benefits of having an area like Upper Bidwell Park in California could be amplified because California is one of the 34 hotspots in the world meaning that California has a diverse set of flora and fauna (Hotspots Defined). The issue arises when this natural haven and its occupants are threatened.

A number of prominent—and large—houses were built along the south ridge line of Upper Bidwell Park. These houses and their placement are the culmination of several different oversights on part of everyone involved in each stage of the 15 year approval process. While most of the controversy is in the disruption of the park’s view shed there are also less obvious damages. The first is that in the development of these houses, which are located in Canyon Oaks a gated community above California Park, may be encroaching on the land gifted to the city by Annie Bidwell. John Scooling, a retired attorney and hiker who lives in Canyon Oaks, has been investigating the boundary line between the park and the subdivision. In the original deed, from 1905, and a U.S. Geological Survey done in 1951 the boundary line is virtually the same. However in comparison to the subdivision maps the boundary is farther north. That would mean that these houses that are “set back” from the park boundary line are really right next to the boundary or encroaching on the park land. Not only does this dishonor the park it is also sets a dangerous precedent for the future of the park and the wildlife that live there (Speer).

One of the major threats to wildlife is habit loss. Habit loss can occur in three different forms habitat destruction, fragmentation, or degradation. Destruction is when the habitat is destroyed directly. Fragmentation is when the habitat is split up, or fragmented, into pieces which make the quality of the habitat decline, possibly to the point where the specie cannot survive. Or perhaps the environmental change is too great for the specie to adapt to. Degradation is when the systems involved in an ecosystem are change, invasive species are introduced, or pollution changes the ecosystem enough so that native species are no long supported. One of the main drivers of habitat loss is land conversion for development (Wildlife Conservation).

This makes the repercussions of the new houses on the south rim of Upper Park not just about aesthetics. With the expansion of Chico homes and increased traffic to Upper Park new species are introduced to the park. Human activities bring most non-native species either by foot traffic or intentional planting. These new species can become invasive since the native species are not use to the added pressure the new species will exert. These invasive species can reduce the overall biodiversity. New exotic plants planted in gardens in Canyon Oaks could escape and quickly spread into the park. This will affect the ecosystem within the park and possibly drive out the native species.

In addition the new houses decrease the overall size that the wildlife can live in. This creates more fragmentation which puts more pressure on migratory species. There is less continuous habitat for these species to roam. Included in this habitat loss is an increased edge effect which pushes the species into an even smaller area (Guardino). While Bidwell Park is already fairly isolated further isolation or encroachment into the habitat will only put more pressure on the species currently living there and potentially have disastrous outcomes on biodiversity. The more land taken from the park the less healthy the ecosystem.

The increased pressure on our local habitats is only a small part of a larger issue that is happening all over the world. Habitat loss and decreases in biodiversity is a small part of the overall health of our planet. If we can keep our local ecosystems healthy then perhaps we can begin to change the direction of our planet and increase biodiversity and suitable habitats as opposed to our current direction of loss.

Works Cited

Guardino, Josephine. “Bidwell Park In Peril.” Bidwell Park in Peril. Friends of Bidwell Park, Fall 2005. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. .

“Hotspots Defined.” Hotspots Defined. Conservation International, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. .

Speer, Robert. “Unwanted Neighbors.” Chico News & Review. CN&R, 27 July 2006. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. .

“Wildlife Conservation.” National Wildlife Federation. National Wildlife Federation, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. .

Example 2: B level paper…No references cited

The Oceano Dunes are minutes away from where I grew up. The sand dunes are the largest remaining dune system south of San Fancisco and the second largest in California. The Dunes are located along a beautiful stretch of land that goes 18 miles along the coastline that extends from southern San Luis Obispo to northern Santa Barbra.  Its a very unique environment and because of the giant mounds of sand attracts many visitors. The Dunes are perfect for dirt bikers and people who enjoy off road vehicle use. The dunes also are the only area in California where people can legally drive on the beach. Every year two million people come to the dunes and tens of thousands of trucks and off-highway vehicles are driven on the Dunes. This is horrible for the environment and brings up a lot of controversy. No other location in San Luis Obispo and perhaps no other state park generates as many environmental impacts. The topics of controversy not only includes the delicate ecosystem but air quality and littering. 

One of the most worrisome conflicts concerning the Oceano Dunes is the air pollution. Nipomo Mesa is directly downwind of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation area and it has the worst particulate pollution in the county. Larry Allen who is the San Luis Obispo county air pollution control officer says “ The Mesa is violating every state and federal level for particulate matter on a regular basis.” The Air Pollution Control District is beginning a yearlong monitoring program along with experts from UC Davis to find the source of the pollution. They are trying the determine if it is the amount of pollution is caused by the off road vehicle use or perhaps strong winds blowing off a large area of sand dunes. Although it is figured it is the large amount of vehicle use. 

Another concerning factor is illegal dumping by ATV’s. Many campers instead of dumping their tank of sewage at a dumping zone will dump their tanks into the sand. This is illegal but many people do it because having a empty tank will decrease the weight and increase their gas milage on the way home. Dumping any kinds of liquid is illegal in any state park. Liquids could leave behind many harmful pollutants. Rangers say it is impossible to estimate how much illegal dumping goes on but are hoping it is going down because in recent years Oceano is now offering free dumping sites. There are also fines for dumping and they can be up to $3,400. 

In the Oceano Dunes there are a handful of endangered birds and fish. Protecting these species is incredibly important and is the focus of many environmentalists. There are been lawsuits that blame the state for not protecting these species and pleading for more protection. Two shore birds, the Western snowy plover and the least tern nest primarily on the open sand. This happens to be where people camp and drive their ATVs. Park officials are trying to protect them. They have fenced off 300 acres of the park and reserve them for the birds to nest. Preservation of these birds have been a huge undertaking for the rangers of the dunes.  A park official claims “ We have one of the most cutting-edge endangered species programs in the state”. In 1993 there were 16 nests and in 2011 there were at total of 172. Although researchers are still worried. One of the main worries is Memorial Day weekend because it is one of the most popular weekends but it happens to occur during the plover nesting season. Researchers are hoping though the birds will sense the human presence as predators and nest outside of the recreation area. The Sierra Club’s goal is to eventually take the plovers off the threatened species list. They proposed year around fencing but the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area rejected it. 

The Oceano Dunes provide a environment for a delicate ecosystem but it is peril due to the popularity of tourists. 2 million people come each year and leave a impact on the environment. The county of San Luis Obispo is doing its best to protect the ecosystem, although its a challenge considering the dunes are active all year. The popularity of the dunes brings in a sufficient income and unfortunately that is more important than closing off large fragments of the area.  It has been a on going environmental issue that is slowly becoming resolved. 

Example 3

Water Pollution in Butte County

         

For about a year and a half now I have been really interested in sustainability. I chose to take this class because I wanted to learn more about the environmental aspect of sustainability. One subject we have talked about in class has really caught my attention. This is the subject of water scarcity. With fresh water being such a small percent of water on this planet we really need to focus on keeping our water sources uncontaminated and as full as possible. What I’m going to be focusing on is the storm water drainage in Butte County and why they may be risking our water supplies.

          Storm Water Drainage systems are used in Butte County to drain excess rain and groundwater off of paved roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and roofs. They are fed mostly by street gutters, which are found on many busy streets throughout Butte County. These Strom Water Drainage systems are designed to send the storm water directly into our water supplies; for example, Big and little Chico Creek that run through our campus and The Sacramento River that is used as a fresh water source all the way down to San Francisco. Sounds like a great way to keep the water from collecting in the wrong areas and puts them into a place where it can be used again. So, what’s the problem?

          In 2004 the Regional Water Quality Control Board informed Butte County of the pollution of water supplies due to polluted storm water draining. What happens is the storm water doesn’t go into the water supplies in the same quality as it was when it fell. As the rain falls and rolls across impermeable surfaces to the drains it collects anything in its path. This includes any pollutants that may be on the ground. Things like cigarette butts that may have been thrown on the ground, oil leaks on the drive ways, any kind of pesticides used on landscapes, and even animal wasted, are all collected and sent untreated into our water ways. These are the same waterways that we gather fish, drinking water, and swim in daily.

          In 2007 Butte County had performed their second Storm Water Public Opinion Survey, in which they randomly selected residents within Butte County Storm Water Management Program’s permit area to survey asking questions relating to water pollution and storm water management issues. In this study they found that 84% of those surveyed, used pesticides in the past year, 16% said they leave their pets waste while on walks, 47% said they wash their car’s at home. (Butte County’s Second Public Opinion Survey) As we now know all of that then gets washed into our waterways.

          So, what does this polluted runoff do to the water supplies? The United States Environmental Protection Agency has highlighted a few major problems with polluted storm water runoff. First off the sediment that is collected during run off can cloud the water making it very hard for the aquatic plant life to grow. This can even lead to the destruction of aquatic habitats. Excess nutrients can cause the death of algae, which are very crucial to an aquatic system. When they die and decompose at the bottom of the water supply they can actually reduce the amount of oxygen in the water, which could lead to death of fish. Debris, like plastic bags, alcohol containers, and cigarettes all wash into our waterways. These could really affect the aquatic life. Think about the image of a dolphin’s mouth trapped closed by a six pack ring; something we have all seen in a movie or show. Think about how all this affects our swimming areas. Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into our swimming areas like One Mile, and cause health risks to our children.

          I have actually experienced this first hand. One day I was visiting a section of the Big Chico Creek with my wife. It was right across the street from the Sacramento River, which means it would soon enter it. When we got to the water we couldn’t believe what we saw. The water was super cloudy and brown. It didn’t look as if it had any life in it at all. We even saw trash lining the edge of it from visitors before us, or maybe even through the run off.

          It turns out that many people are still unaware of the problems behind storm water pollution. The first Storm Water Public Opinion Survey in 2005 showed that 91% did not recall ever even hearing about storm water related messages through media; although in 2007 the number of people aware of the storm water messages increased to 30%. (Butte County’s Second Public Opinion Survey) However, this is still a very low number. With the awareness so low on a problem so big we can only imagine that people are taking any measures to reduce the problem.

          Polluted Storm Water Drainage systems are a large problem in Butte County and all measures should be taken by the locals to reduce the problem. Through programs like the Butte County Storm Water Management Program and Keep Chico Clean the county must become aware of the causes and consequences of this issue.

         
         

Citation

“After the Storm” Home. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. .

“Butte County’s Second Public Opinion Survey.” Butte County.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 24Oct. 2012. .

“Butte County Storm Water Management News.” Butte County.gov. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. .

“Storm Drain.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Oct. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. .

“Watershed-friendly Cleaning Method Tip #2.” Keep Chico Clean. Butte County Department of Public Works, n.d. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. .

Reflective Essay

A reflective essay expresses an opinion on an issue and supports it with strong arguments and relevant

information. This essay is done to share material with your audience and to solidify your own views on the

topic that you have selected. Think about its construction this way, that if you are looking into a mirror.

The first thing you probably see is yourself looking back at you. Keep looking though and you’ll also see

what’s behind you. Writing a reflective essay is similar to looking into a mirror except that instead of

seeing objects reflected in the room behind you, you “see” reflections of a past experience. The most

important factor to remember in writing a reflective essay is that your opinions and conclusions should

directly relate to the experiences you examine in the essay body.

Following is the rubric which will be used to assess this course’s essays:

Essay 1 should identify the environmental issue, from your home region, outlining the problem and its root

causes and consequence from a systems perspective. In this essay the system connection with both the

social and economic impacts should be introduced, but will be more fully developed in essay 2.

Essay 2 should expand on the systemic connections of social and economic consequences on the

environmental issue. Elaborate on the local community and political perspectives. This essay should

identify a personal course of action that you might take to help mitigate the problem.

REFLECTIVE ESSAY RUBRIC

Information 70 50 30 10
Make a claim and give

reasons supporting the

claim

Accuracy of

information

I make a claim and give

clear and accurate

reasons to support it. I

employ material from

the unit of study in my

claim and its support.

My writing shows that I

know all of the main

points.

I make a claim and give

support, but I overlook

important reasons for

support of my claim

My writing shows that I

know most of the main
points.

I make a claim but it is

buried, confused, or

unclear. I give 1 or 2

reasons which don’t

support the claim well

or are confusing to my
point.

My writing shows that I
know some of the main

points.

I did not make a claim

or give convincing

supporting reasons for

my claim.

My writing shows that I

don’t know the main
points of this material.

Essay Structure 30 20 10 5

Organization and logic I organize my writing in
appropriate paragraph

form. The essay has a

compelling opening,
strong body, and logical

conclusion. My work

fits the unit of study in a
logical way.

My writing has a clear
beginning, middle, and

end. I generally use the

appropriate paragraph
format. I occasionally

stretch a point beyond

the unit of study in an
illogical way.

My writing is usually
organized but

sometimes gets off

topic. The work has
several errors in

paragraph format. The

work is often lacking a
connection to the unit

of

study.

My writing is aimless
and disorganized.

Within the work, I

frequently make
remarks that are not

relevant to the unit of

study.

Sentence fluency

(“Fluid” writing)

My sentences are clear,
complete, and of

different lengths or

styles.

I wrote well-constructed
but routine sentences.

My writing does not

have my own
“signature” to it.

My sentences are often
awkward. Some run-

ons and fragments are

making my essay
unclear.

Many run-ons,
fragments, and awkward

phrasings make my

essay hard to read.

Conventions I use first-person form,
and I use correct
sentence structure,

grammar, punctuation,

and spelling.

My spelling is correct

on common words.
Some errors in grammar

and punctuation.

Frequent errors are

distracting to the reader
but do not interfere with

the meaning of my

paper. My writing
includes short-hand

symbols and

abbreviations.

Many errors in

grammar, spelling,
capitalization, and

punctuation make my

paper hard to follow.