The fragmenting effect of deforesting the "triangle" area.

Chapman Forest is divided into a North Tract and a South Tract by Indian Head Highway, also known as Maryland Route 210. The North Tract itself has a division made by Chapmans Landing Road, a narrow lane nearly under the canopy of tall trees. The intersection of Chapmans Landing Road and Indian Head Highway define a vertex of a triangle of land (most of it hilly) on which the construction of ball fields is proposed. We oppose this because it would devalue the look, feel, hydrology, and attractiveness to tourists of Chapman Forest.

In spite of the divisions, some wildlife do cross both these roads -- and the presence of forest interior birds has been documented there. And for tourists, the deforestation of the triangle would detract from the area's appeal.

WITH FORESTED TRIANGLE

If the triangle remains forested

If the triangle remains forested, then the approach to the north tract on Chapmans Landing Road will retain its character, and current wildlife patterns will remain much as they are now.

The area marked in yellow is a 50-acre parcel which the County and the State might turn into an industrial development. The land still belongs to DNR, but part of the 1998 purchase agreement is the contemplation of the possibility of this future use for that land.

WITH DEFORESTED TRIANGLE

If the triangle is deforested . .

If the triangle is deforested and replaced with athletic fields, then the approach to the north tract on Chapmans Landing Road will lose its character, and current wildlife migration patterns will be greatly disturbed.

The environmental community paid $3 million toward the purchase of Chapman Forest. We are willing again to help locate land and raise money so that local leagues can build ball fields at a more appropriate location.

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