• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.140-150
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• 2023

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is an apex predator of the riparian ecosystem. It is a keystone and an indicator species; consequently, its presence suggests a sustainable water environment. Otter is a keystone species as a predator at the top of the food web in the aquatic environment and an indicator species representing the health of the aquatic environment. Although Eurasian otters disappeared from the Han River urban water system because of anthropogenic activities like habitat destruction, poaching, and environmental pollution in the 1980s, the species were sighted in the Cheonggye Stream, Jungrang Stream, and Seongnae Stream, which are urban sections of the Han River, in 2016 and 2021. Therefore, it is pertinent to assess the habitat potential in the area for conservation and management measures to ensure its permanent presence. However, existing studies on otter habitats focused on natural rivers and reservoirs, and there is a limit to applying them to habitats artificially confined habitats in narrow spaces such as tributaries in urban areas of the Han River. This study selected the Cheonggye Stream, an artificially restored urban stream, to evaluate its potential as a habitat for Eurasian otters in urban water environments using the habitat suitability index (HSI). The HSI was calculated with selected environment attributes, such as the cover, food, and threat, that best describe the L. lutra habitat. According to the results, the confluence area of Seongbuk Stream and Cheonggye Stream and the confluence area of Cheonggye Stream and Jungnang Stream were suitable otter habitats, requiring appropriate conservation efforts. The HSI model suggests a valuable method to assess the habitat quality of Eurasian otters in urban water environments. The study is crucial as it can help rehabilitate the species' populations by identifying and managing potential Eurasian otter habitats in highly urbanized areas of the Han River basin and its tributaries.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.398-407
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• 2021

This study intended to identify causes of poor tree vigor in the Hanbando coastal forest by investigating its geographical environment, climate condition, soil physicochemical characteristics, and growth condition of Pinus thunbergii. It divided the forest into an area with poor tree vigor or dead standing trees and a control area with good tree vigor and examined them separately. The survey showed that stand density was significantly higher in the area with poor tree vigor. In contrast, the crown width in the area with good tree vigor was wider. The number of dead standing trees and the stand density showed a negative correlation. The stand density and diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, crown height, and crown width also showed a negative correlation. The result indicated that, as the tree's stand density increases, the crowns of individual trees overlapped and the lower branches died. Then crown height and crown width decreased, and the number of leaves and photosynthesis was reduced, leading to lower tree height and weaker growth of breast diameter. As a result, tree vigor weakened, and combined with environmental pressures from the lack of moisture and nutrients in coastal soil and salty wind, P. thunbergii in coastal areas is expected to die massively. Although the causes of dead standing trees and poor tree vigor of P. thunbergii in the Hanbando coastal forest are complicated, poor management of adequate tree density in response to the growth of P. thunbergii is the primary cause. The secondary cause is external environmental pressures, including unfavorable soil conditions and salty and strong wind that obstruct the growth of P. thunbergii.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.163-178
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• 2023

This study was conducted to understand the vegetation characteristics of Cheongwansan Provincial Park through the analysis of the plant community structure and to build data necessary for the continuous management and protection of Cheongwansan Provincial Park. The TWINSPAN and DCS analyses of the plant community structure of 63 survey districts in Cheongwansan Provincial Park identified eight colonies, including Cryptomeria japonica Community (I), Chamaecyparis obtusa-Pinus densiflora Commuity (II), P. rigida-P. densiflora Community (III), mixed coniferous and broad-leaved Community (IV), P. densiflora Community (V), deciduous broad-leaved such as Quercus spp. Community (VI), Q. mongolica-P. densiflora Community (VII) and P. thunbergii Community (VIII). The colonies can be grouped into afforestation communities (I, II, and III) dominated by C. obtusa, C. japonica, and P. rigida and natural forest communities (IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII) dominated by native species. Although Cheongwansan Provincial Park is a provincial park area that can represent natural ecosystems and landscapes, the rate of artificial forests is higher than that of other provincial parks. Most of the artificial forest communities are expected to maintain their current state, but since native species such as Machilus thunbergii, Neolitsea sericea, and deciduous broad-leaved, which are warm-temperate trees introduced through surrounding natural forests, appear in the lower layer, it is determined that it is possible to induce succession to natural forests suitable for climatic characteristics through management, and monitoring for continuous management is also necessary. Deciduous broad-leaved such as Quercus spp. Copete with P. densiflora in most natural forest communities. The vegetation series in the warm-temperate region of Korea appears to be in the early stages, and it is believed that the succession to Q. serrata or Q. mongolica, which appears next to coniferous in the series, is in progress. However, M. thunbergii and N. sericea, which appear in the middle stage of the succession in the warm-temperate region, have started to appear, and since Jangheung-gun belongs to the warm-temperate region considering the climate characteristics, the eventual succession to the warm-temperate forests dominated by evergreen broad-leaved is also expected. In this study, we built vegetation data from Cheongwansan Provincial Park, which lacks research on vegetation. However, since vegetation research in Cheongwansan Provincial Park is still insufficient, it is believed that further research should be continuously conducted to establish forest vegetation data and observe vegetation changes.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.51-66
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• 2001

The purpose of this study is to suggest the ecological management based on ecological characteristics of urban forest in Bucheon city. The actual vegetation area in the survey sites(7,426,587$m^2$) consisted of Robinuia pseudoacacia forest(61.6%; 5,574,168 $m^2$), Pinus rigida forest(6.1%), Quercus mongolica community(3.2%), Q.spp.community(2.9%), etc. According to the importance value of artificial planting forest, 58(/300$m^2$) survey plots were divided into 6 groups; 1) R. pseudoacacia forest, 2) R. pseudoacacia-Q.serrata community, 3) R. pseudoacacia-Q.mongolica community, 4) P.rigide forest, 5) P.rigida-Q.serrata community, 6) P.rigida-Q. mongolica community. As the result, the artificial planting forest was expected to the proceeded to Q. serrata community and Q.mongolica community. The ecological succesion stage in the survey sites (7,426,587$m^2$) was divided into 5 states based on actual vegetation, succession trend of artificial planting forest in Bucheon; 1) Stage of impossible succession(4.7%, 2)Stage of inducible succession(78.7%), 3) Stage of progressive succession(2.7%), 4)Sage of last succession(1.4%), 5)Stage of native plant forest(12.5%). The ecological management of urban forest was suggested as the management method for succession promotion, according to density controlling and native species planting in Bucheon. Individual numbers of R. pseudoacacia might be reduced to 6~8 individuals/300$m^2$ at canopy, 9~21 individuals/300$m^2$ at under-story by selective cutting in order to keep 63~70% of total basal area at R. pseudoacacia forest. Individual numbers of P.rigida might be reduced to 8~9 individuals/300$m^2$ at canopy, 27~30individuals/300$m^2$ at under-story by selective cutting in order to keep 68~75% of total basal area at P. rigida forest. 24 species that were selective by constancy analysis were chosen as the ecological appropriate species. Since, this studyis discussing the ares of urban forest and botanical ecology, it is suggested that a study on the relations between of environmental factors such as soil, climate, and vegetation will be performed in the future.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.98 no.1
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• pp.94-105
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• 2009

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) stand is representative lowland exotic plantation with low ecological quality and arrested succession in South Korea. To facilitate succession and restore natural vegetation, small canopy gaps (${\sim}57m^2$), which can modify minimally structural variables and reduce restoration related disturbances on stand, was established in the black locust stand, and oak (Quercus serrata) seedlings were introduced in the gap. Two types of varying levels were introduced for gap creation; cutting (C) and girdling (G) on canopies. Understory removal (CU and GU) treatment was applied as subtypes of structural modification. Growth (diameter, height and leaf area) of target species and responses (species composition, diversity and coverage) of understory community were monitored during study years (2007~2008). Canopy openness was different significantly among treatments but not for light availability. Based on the result of logistic regression, growth of height and leaf area of seedlings were significant variables on seedling survival. Height and leaf area of seedlings were increased during study years, although radial growth was reduced. During study years, there were no significant differences in species composition and diversity, and total coverage increased about 20%. Increase of resources by gap creation and understory removal likely affect growth of target species. Small gap creation was effective to reduce understory responses in composition and diverstiy. Synthesized, growth of target species and responses of understory community to small canopy gap creation exhibited, in short term, possibility of utilization in alternative forest restoration and management option. Long-term monitoring is necessary to certificate effect of artificial gap creation on forest restoration.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.69-80
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• 2012

The purpose of this paper was to study the issues related to converting the graveyards within forests into spaces intended for tree burials by means of planting, given the situation that the graveyards have encroached on land and damaged the environment. For the reason, a field survey was performed to determine the width, length, and distance to the nearest tree of 205 graveyards in the capital area. Through this, it was determined that the domestic lands damaged by graveyards amounted to $862km^2$, including the areas that were deforested to manage the graves. This only confirms that land encroachment by graveyards is a serious issue. The methods for making tree burial sites were examined from the perspective of how to meet public demands given the graveyard's spatial distinctiveness. As a result, this study suggested different methods to establish tree burial sites according to the degree of transformation and the term of its formation. This study also classified the graveyards into three types, and identified the planting methods that harmonized the safe growth of trees and the scenic beauty of memorial places based on the standard. This is in order to plant trees that are shade-tolerant and suitable to the forest line, along with which other tree line was and also, to plant aesthetic trees around the empty space. Through applying the developed methods, this study established and monitored two exemplary sites in Yongin and Boryeng. Aesthetic trees were planted in Yongin site which was located in an open area, aod the shade-tolerant trees were planted in Boryeong, which was located in a forest area. As a result, the image of a garden appeared at Yongin site and the image of a tree colony harmonized with the near forest emerged at Boryeong site. Therefore, it is confirmed that the method of planting according to the distribution status of neighboring trees was effective. As a result of monitoring, mulching wood chips were suitable for sites that were small or easy to approach. This is because the weeds were controlled in Yongin site by mulching. Furthermore, by monitoring the growth of 11 species of vegetation, this study confirmed that low and cover-type vegetations were suitable for tree burial sites. In Boryeong site, the wild cherry trees, which were planted as adult trees, all died, and the tilling of snake's beard, which were planted as cover vegetation, was slow. Therefore, this study found that seedlings were more suitable to plant in forest graveyards than adult trees, which were large and difficult to approach, and it was effective to use the remaining lawn and form a low vegetation after the crown of trees had expanded to such places.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.55-67
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• 2021

Hornbeams (Carpinus spp.), which are widely distributed in South Korea, are recognized as one of the most abundant species at climax stage in the temperate forests. Although the distribution and vegetation structure of the C. laxiflora community have been reported, little ecological information of C. tschonoskii is available. Little effort was made to examine the distribution shift of these species under the future climate conditions. This study was conducted to predict potential shifts in the distribution of C. laxiflora and C. tschonoskii in 2050s and 2090s under the two sets of climate change scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The MaxEnt model was used to predict the spatial distribution of two species using the occurrence data derived from the 6th National Forest Inventory data as well as climate and topography data. It was found that the main factors for the distribution of C. laxiflora were elevation, temperature seasonality, and mean annual precipitation. The distribution of C. tschonoskii, was influenced by temperature seasonality, mean annual precipitation, and mean diurnal rang. It was projected that the total habitat area of the C. laxiflora could increase by 1.05% and 1.11% under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, respectively. It was also predicted that the distributional area of C. tschonoskii could expand under the future climate conditions. These results highlighted that the climate change would have considerable impact on the spatial distribution of C. laxiflora and C. tschonoskii. These also suggested that ecological information derived from climate change impact assessment study can be used to develop proper forest management practices in response to climate change.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.79-88
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• 2019

In order to study the water quality status and its causal environmental factors, the water quality variables of chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll a (Chl a), Total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN), the hydrogeomorphologic variables of water level fluctuation, total water storage, dam elevation, watershed area, and shoreline development index, and the land cover variables of forest, agricultural area, and urbanized area in the watershed were investigated in total 73 reservoirs with various operational purposes, water level fluctuation and geographical distribution in South Korea. The water quality was more eutrophic in the reservoirs of the more urbanized and agricultural area in the watershed, the low altitude, the narrow water level fluctuation, the narrowed watershed area, and the more circular shape. In terms of the purposes of reservoir operation, the reservoirs for agricultural irrigation were more eutrophic than the reservoirs for flood control. The results of the variable selection and path analysis showed that COD determined by Chl a and TP was directly affected by water level fluctuation and the shoreline development of the reservoirs. TP was directly affected by the urbanized area of the watershed which was related to the elevation of the reservoir. TP was also influenced by the water level fluctuation and the shoreline development. In conclusion, the eutrophication of the reservoirs in Korea would be influenced by the land use of the watershed, hydrological and geographical characteristics of the reservoir, water level fluctuation by the anthropogenic management according to the reservoir operation purpose, and the location of the reservoirs.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.579-591
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• 2013

This study was carried out to investigate the actual vegetation, the structure of plant community, and ecological succession sere of forest ecosystem in temperate northern climate zone, Daegwallyeong Ranch, Gangwon-do (Province) and to offer the basic data for planning of the forest managemant. As a result of analysis of actual vegetation, vegetation types divided into 56types and the area of survey site was $19,397,361m^2$. The ratio of vegetation type dominated by Quercus mongolica forest was 39.1%, primary grassland was 24.7%, Quercus mongolica-Deciduous broad-leaved forest was 11.3%. Twenty eight plots (size is $20m{\times}20m$) were set up and the results analyzed by DCA which in one of the ordination technique showed that the plant communities were divided into six groups which area community I (Pinus densiflora-Quercus mongolica community), community II (Quercus mongolica-Pinus densiflora community), community III (Quercus mongolica community), community IV (Quercus mongolica-Deciduous broad-leaved community), community V (Deciduous broad-leaved community), community VI (Sorbus alnifolia community). The age of community Iwas ranged from 57 to 62 years old, that of community IIwas ranged from 41 to 77 years old, community III was ranged from 47 to 108 years old, community IV was ranged from 47 to 82 years old, community V was 47 years old, community VI was 55 years old, thus we supposed that the age of the study site is about from 41 to 108 years old. The Ecological succession is predicted from Pinus densiflora community to Quercus mongolica community and Deciduous broad-leaved were distributed in the center of the valley in Daegwallyeong Ranch. According to the index of Shannon's diversity (unit: $400m^2$), community IV was ranged from 0.8203 to 1.1439, community III was ranged from 0.8019 to 1.1375, community V was 1.0993, community I was ranged from 0.9475 to 1.0797, community II was ranged from 0.6896 to 1.0324, community VI was 0.9909.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.241-249
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• 2022

Humans and wild birds coexist in cities, where habitat fragmentation due to urbanization threatens the habitat and movement of birds. In this study, in order to identify landscape features associated with wild bird collide, we characterized landscape composition within a 500 m radius and points of wild bird carcasses in Suwon-city, South Korea. Dead birds were identified as having a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of 0.3, Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) of -0.05, and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) of -0.16 at the points of collide. And there were NDVI of 0.34, NDBI of -0.01, NDWI of -0.18, building height of 13.8 m, and soundproof wall length of 227.3 m within a radius of 500 m. Land cover type was dominated by grassland, used area, and bare land. In particular, the edges of urbanized areas, where apartments bordered forests, reservoirs, and golf courses, were identified as high-risk spaces. In order to minimize bird mortality risk in urban environments, the impact of changes to a vertical landscape should be reviewed from an environmental impact assessment approach. In addition, a preventive management plan that considers the temporal and spatial features that wild animals can safely avoid and adapt to in urbanized spaces should be prepared.