As average size decreases, the chances of these holdings being converted to non-forest uses increases. Many of these smaller forest tracts are becoming single family home sites. The shift to home sites has an impact on wildlife populations and the ability to produce future forest products and environmental benefits. In the late 1970's a search for natural communities identified 1,089 important natural areas. While Illinois forests only occupy 12 percent of the area of the state, they provide habitat for over half of the botanical species native to the state.
Forests are essential refuges for wildlife.
If we are to protect this irreplaceable biological diversity, we must reduce fragmentation and restore the health and vitality of our forest communities. Increasing emphasis is being placed on the management needs of non-game species including rare, threatened and endangered species and their habitats. As habitat declines, the number of animals capable to inhabit these areas declines. Both of these forest types are very susceptible to the negative effect of habitat edges. In addition small forest tracts cause reductions in effective population sizes.