Using Geographic Skills to Solve Problems- Geography Standard 1b

Regional PlanningDelaware Recommended Curriculum

Delaware Geographic AllianceSpring 2011

Geographers solve problems by applying scientific reasoning and geographic skills and principles.

• Recall the steps of the scientific method:– State the problem in the form of a geographic question– Do background research– Form a hypothesis – Set up a study– Observe and gather data related to the study– Analyze and evaluate the data – Form a conclusion based on your study– Report your findings

What is a geographic question?

It’s about observed events.Some examples:• Traffic accidents• People with Swedish last

names• Real estate sales prices• Numbers of waterfowl• Chinese (or Italian, or

Mexican restaurants)• Cases of food poisoning

It relates to location or space in some way.

Measured in:• Reported crashes at an intersection in one year

• Number of registered voters (or phone book listings) in a town with Swedish names

• Reported sales transactions on tax records

• Waterfowl census taken by Ducks Unlimited

• Business directory listings for a zip code or census tract

• Board of Health or Center for Disease Control reports for a city or district

Geographic questions: “Why are the trees clumped along the streams flowing into this lake?”or“Why are there no trees along the north and south shores of the lake?

Important geographic tools:

• Observation skills- looking carefully at a landscape to identify factors that may be significant

• Mapping data and doing spatial analysis Geographers gather and organize data by where it

happens. They map the data and then look for patterns -clusters, gaps, or associations.

• Speculating, analyzing, and evaluating Thinking about possible reasons, causes, and

connections.

Different approaches to the problem:

• A historian might look at evidence of events from the past to identify a cause and effect relationship.

• An economist might ask what demand exists for the resources of this area to determine their value.

• A political scientist might look at how property rights can be protected and balanced with governmental actions to protect the environment.

A geographer would-• Do some research on the history of the area to find

how people have used this space.• Gather data on different soils, animals and plants,

moisture levels and other conditions at locations all around the lake.

• Organize the data in maps; analyze the maps to look for patterns.

• Speculate on reasons why trees are not evenly distributed around the lake.

• Decide if the data supports theories.

Great. Soooo…what does all this have to do with

me?

Why Control Deer Population?

Reason #2: Deer can also bring Lyme disease

– Lyme disease caused by ticks.

– Deer are major carriers of the black-legged tick.

Using Geographic Skills to Solve Problems:Deer Population Management

Produced by Amanda Lawson, DGA with support from Delaware Space GrantDelaware Geographic Alliance

Spring 2011

Not sounding good…

Deer Delawareans

• The best-known and most abundant species of deer in the United States is the white-tailed deer.

• Delaware is home to a large population of white-tailed deer.

• Deer are often seen in neighborhoods or along roads.

A Brief History of Deer in Delaware

• Pre-contact and colonial periods: -Plentiful deer in DE• 18th and 19th centuries: More people, clearing of

land– Overhunting and loss of habitat in early 1900s– Sightings of deer were so rare they made the newspaper

• 20th and 21st centuries: Restricted hunting protects deer habitats, leading to larger numbers.

• Concerns that now there are “too many” deer.

Think About It!

• If deer were so scarce before, why would we want or need to control the population now?

Why Control Deer Population?

• Reason #1: Deer eat a lot of food.– Can eat up to 10 lbs of food a day!– Deer eat anything from grasses to landscaping to

crops that people plant.– 75% of farmers in Delaware had crop damage due

to deer in 2005.

• If there are too many deer, and not enough food to go around deer can starve or weaken!

Examples of Deer Crop/Plant Damage

Images from DNREC

What is Lyme Disease?

• Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by tick bites to humans

• Early symptoms include a rash, flu-like symptoms, and body aches

• If left untreated, it can lead to problems for the heart, nervous systems, or even brain

• Can be treated, but some people can be very ill for weeks or even months

A Case Study: Midland Valley

• You live in a nice neighborhood called Midland Valley in Southern Delaware

• Neighborhood is surrounded by state-park- owned, forested areas and privately owned fields.

Areas of deer crop damage

A Case Study: Midland Valley

• Many families in Midland Valley, many have small children.

• A park and playground exist at one end of the neighborhood.

• The “Kid zone” represents areas where children often play.

KID ZONE

KID ZONE

Recent Deer Sighting

What’s the Problem?

Midland Valley residents have noticed a lot of deer in their backyards and in the neighborhood.

• Local farmers have complained of crop damage.

• Last summer people began to get sick with – Flu like symptoms– Bullseye rash on their bodies – Joint pain and muscle aches

• Symptoms did not improve over time and got worse.

• Eventually 16 people went to the doctor, and 9 were diagnosed with Lyme disease.

• Neighbors decide to work together to deal with the situation.

Thinking Geographically:

Midland Valley Neighborhood Association has had a series of meetings looking for solutions. They have suggested three options : – mesh fencing, – deer deterrents, – regulated hunting.

Evaluate each option.

Important Facts to Consider

• The outside perimeter of Midland Valley neighborhood is 7000 linear ft.

• Hunting would need to occur OUTSIDE of this 7000 ft perimeter.

• The Neighborhood Association has approved $6,000.00 to spend on this project. Homes reporting

lyme disease

Option 1: Fence in the neighborhood.

• A barrier will prevent contact between deer and deer ticks and people in the neighborhood..

• Thin but strong mesh material is not very noticeable.

• Gates or narrow entry openings will allow limited access to the neighborhood.

Advantages of Mesh Fencing

• Simple to install- could be completed by neighbors.

• Cheap – within the budget

• Safe for humans and deer

• Must be 7 feet high to work and need to be installed properly and securely

Option 1: Mesh Fencing:Problems

• Mesh fences not perfect:

– Deer can sometimes jump over them

– Deer can sometimes go under fences if not installed properly or securely

Option 1: Mesh Fencing:Costs

• Mesh fences come in 334 ft rolls. Each roll costs $254.00. There is a discount for multiple rolls! – 10% off for 10 rolls or

more.

Do the math!

Option 2 : Deer Deterrents

Deterrents form a barrier to the deer.

• They give off a smell that humans can’t smell but deer don’t like.

Deer recognize this scent as ‘danger’ in the area. They avoid these areas and won’t cross past the pellets.

Option 2 : Deer Deterrents

• What are the deterrents?

– Pellets made from organic and biodegradable materials

– Safe for people, plants, pets, and even the deer themselves

Option 2 : Deer Deterrents : Problems

• Not permanent

• Needs to be reapplied every 30 – 45 days

Option 2 : Deer Deterrents : Costs

• Comes in 25 lb pails

• Covers 1650 linear feet

• $150.00 per pail

• Do the math!

Option 3: Regulated Hunting

• Regulated hunting works by reducing the number of deer.

• Guidelines:– Hunters purchase deer

hunting permits– Number of deer permits is

limited– Time of year and kind of

deer hunted can be regulated. Limits meet the needs of an area.

Option 3: Regulated Hunting: Safety Considerations

• Cannot be done near homes, roads, or populated areas.

• Must be done in forested areas or large fields

• Hunters must be trained and act responsibly.

• Outdoor activity for children, pets, and homeowners may be limited during hunting season.

Option 3: Regulated Hunting: Costs

• The economic cost to the neighborhood association for regulated hunting is nothing!– Hunters cover his/her own

costs of permits, tags, and equipment

The economic cost to local government is largely covered by permit and licensing fees.

Now Try This!

• You are a concerned member of the neighborhood association. Use the information provided to evaluate the options and vote for one solution. You will be asked to explain your reasons.

• One member of the association has requested that the Park be closed or relocated. Can you suggest a safer location for the children’s playground?