Spring 2006 Faculty Fellow Research
Modeling the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species for Lakes in the Upper Midwest: Integrating Biological, Environmental and Democraphic Dimensions
Dr. Johnson is using the fellowship to develop an interdisciplinary research project and grant proposal with CUERP colleagues Dr. Nancy Tuchman and Dr. Martin Berg from Biology. They will examine the rising incidence of invasive species in lakes of the upper Midwest. Such invasive species disrupt natural ecosystems by crowding out native plant communities and decreasing watershed biodiversity. 
The primary research hypothesis is that the likelihood of invasive species gaining a foothold in a watershed is significantly increased when the watersheds’ hydrology and vegetated area have been disturbed by landscape change fostered by human population growth. The research combines Dr. Johnson’s expertise in demography with Dr. Tuchman's and Dr. Berg's expertise in aquatic biology.
Combining data drawn from demography, biology, water science and geography in conjunction with GIS spatial analysis, a model will be developed to predict the likelihood of invasive species appearing in inland lakes. Such a model would provide practitioners with a tool to identify threatened watersheds. This provides an opportunity to mitigate the threat of invasive species before they are well established.
With CUERP seed money and support, the research idea is being developed into a grant proposal that can be submitted for external funding. The research proposed is consistent with the CUERP's mission to encourage interdisciplinary research that addresses environmental issues of concern to the Chicago metropolitan region.
Recent Demographic Trends in Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas of the United States
By Dr. Kenneth Johnson
The Chicago metropolitan region gained more than 295,000 residents between 2000 and 2004. Although the current population gain is somewhat slower than during the 1990s, this represents a 3.2% increase as result of excess births over deaths.
This natural increase was sufficient to offset a modest net migration loss. The migration loss is the result of people leaving the Chicago metropolitan region to other U.S. regions. This movement was greater than the number of residents moving in from other U.S. areas plus immigration from outside the country.
During the 1990s, the population of nonmetropolitan areas of the United States grew at a rapid rate. This "rural rebound" differed from historical demographic trends in rural areas, which were characterized by widespread population loss. The rate of population increase since 2000 has slowed in some rural areas, but growth remains strong in areas proximate to major urban centers like Chicago.
The renewed rural population growth generally occurs in environmental sensitive areas. Implications for the environment are significant as:
- Dense populations happen along forest edges
- Additional pressures are placed on riparian and wetlands
- Increases recreational facilities
- Complicates forest management and fire suppression
Such rural growth is also manifested in "population sprawl," which is the focus of recent discussions due to its implication for urban and suburban communities. What is recognized from this trend of growth in rural areas, any serious discussion of "sprawl" abatement or smart growth must recognize nonmetropolitan areas as viable partners in the policy-making process. To read the complete article, visit:
http://www.luc.edu/depts/sociology/johnson/p99webn.html
Recreational Counties in Nonmetropolitan America
By Dr. Kenneth Johnson, collaborating with Calvin L. Beale, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
Nonmetropolitan counties with large concentrations of recreational activity have experienced substantial population growth since 1990. Such recreational counties are widely dispersed geographically with significant concentrations in several areas of the country. These types of counties have enjoyed substantial population growth and gains, resulting in significant implications both demographically and for planning purposes. Environmental research comes into play as recreation becomes a variable in development issues. Recreational areas are often parts of fragile ecosystems. Lakes, seashores and forests that visitors and residents find appealing may be subjected to significant levels of environmental stress by the sheer scale of human activity. Identifying recreational counties aids environmental scientists in investigating the impact such activity may have on sensitive areas. To read the complete article, visit:
http://www.luc.edu/depts/sociology/johnson/research.html http://www.luc.edu/depts/sociology/johnson/ra174b.pdf