Landuse Analysis of Agricultural Decline and Urban Development upon Nutrient Content Loading of Conneaut Lake Watershed and Tributaries

Baxter, Michaela

Landuse Analysis of Agricultural Decline and Urban Development upon Nutrient Content Loading of Conneaut Lake Watershed and Tributaries

Persistent URL

http://hdl.handle.net/10456/37917

Author(s)

Baxter, Michaela

Date Issued

May 9, 2015

Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine the cause of increasing phosphorus levels by analyzing landuse changes over time in Conneaut Lake. Increasing aquatic vascular plant growth within Conneaut Lake has been noted since the mid-20th century. Conneaut Lake was and is valued both recreationally and economically throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. The ill health of Conneaut Lake is causing difficulties for both pleasure boaters and local businesses within the region, in addition to the loss of native species in the lake. This study analyzed historical landuse changes in the Conneaut Lake watershed through the use of a geographical information system (GIS). The goal is to determine the source of the increasing phosphorus levels with current decreasing agricultural runoff in addition to increasing residential development within the Conneaut Lake watershed. In the seventy year study period it was determined by use of digitization polygons that the Conneaut Lake region has transitioned from agricultural to residential with an increasing forest trend. Therefore, the increase in phosphorus loading and aquatic vascular plant growth may be attributed to developed landuse.

Major

Environmental Science

First Reader(s)

Shaffer, Chris