Publication Date

1984

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Esseks, J. Dixon

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Geography

LCSH

Land use; Rural--Environmental aspects--Illinois--De Kalb County; De Kalb County (Ill.)--Rural conditions; Agriculture--Illinois--De Kalb County

Abstract

A considerable amount of informal literature suggests that farms located next to rural residential developments have special problems. Direct impacts from adjacent development may include trespassing, vandalism, runoff water problems, and complaining neighbors. Operators of 40 farms in DeKalb County, Illinois, were interviewed to determine if these reputed problems had occurred in this County. These farmers operated parcels which adjoined rural residential subdivisions of at least 10 homes. Interview questions covered 14 hypothesized impact categories. Results of the face-to-face interviews revealed that subdivision-associated trespassing, vandalism, and theft had affected 73% of the 40 farms. Field operations on 65% of the farms were changed to some degree because of the subdivision. Farmers on 58% of the parcels reported subdivision-related increases in litter and trash. One-third of the farms were negatively impacted by water and soil changes brought about by the subdivision. Effects of such problems ranged from minor nuisances to significant reduction in yields, increases in repairs and costs, and changes in operations and management plans. Approximately 90% of the farms had at least two different types of impacts. measures for a) type of farm, b) position, size, and layout of the farm, c) farm topography and drainage, d) type of buffer, e) natural farm attractants, f) subdivision size, density, and layout, g) subdivision inhabitants, h) subdivision topography and drainage, and i) natural deterrents in the subdivision were gathered. Farm and subdivision characteristics were collected from on-site inspections, aerial photos, soil maps, and other appropriate sources. These measures were analyzed for patterns which they exhibited with the four most prominent types of impacts. Trends shown in subdivision and farm characteristics indicated that some of these characteristics may have been factors in the presence and/or severity of the four prominent impacts. The study's findings and the opinions expressed by farmers suggested recommendations concerning: a) location of rural residential development, b) design requirements of developments, and c) other pertinent recommendations.

Comments

Bibliography : pages 175-184.

Extent

ix, 184 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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