Before any site can be turned into a SHIRE, it needs to be analyzed to see what problems and assets are already present. First we will map the property, and mark points of interest using GPS and other mapping techniques. We will look for hazard areas that will need special consideration.

After the property is mapped we will do various testing to figure out how much effort we need to devote to the hazard areas. During this time the soil will be tested at various locations to find the best growing areas. Once testing is complete, a detailed site plan will be conducted. This will designate living zones, growing zones, and remediation zones.

Zone 0: living area. Shops, houses, and other structures.

Zone 1: Garden. This is where the daily tended crops will be located.

Zone 2: Agricultural fields. This will be where crops that only need minor amounts of tending will be grown.

Zone 3: Orchard. Long term crops, crops like ginseng, goldenseal, and bio-mass trees.

Zone 4: Wild lands. This area is where the biological battery of plants and animals will have a natural habitat.

Zone 5: Remediation zones. This will be where the hazards of the site are. Each hazard zone will be given a priority based on its severity and potential for spread.

After a site plan is mapped out, access to each part will be planned to use a minimum amount of land, labor and resources. At all levels, we will try to achieve a maximization of surface area. Each zone will border on as many features as possible to mimic a natural environment’s interconnection.

Our first goal after a site plan is in place will be to achieve a fully integrated sustainable habitat, where a forest system provides for all the needs of a group of 10 researchers/workers and 2 students/ guests. Once this is achieved, the researchers will find the range of food, goods, and energy that can be produced in a sustainable manner. This plan will can be applied to any size of property to help shape it into a SHIRE.

Last update: March 25, 2008
07:37 am

Published in : Research, Habitat Restoration

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