Ecotourism in the United States is commonly practiced in protected areas such as national parks and nature reserves . The principles and behaviors of ecotourism are slowly becoming more prevalent in the United States; for example, hotels in some regions are trying to be more sustainable.
Regions
Northeast
Environment and wildlife
Much of the vegetation found in the southeastern United States is also found along the northeast coast. The Appalachian Range and the Smoky Mountain Rangeseparates the northeastern region into three different zones: the Appalachian plateaus to the west of the mountain range, the mountain ranges themselves, and the Piedmont plateau and the coastal plains. The entire region is known to have cold winters and hot summers, leading to a winter hardwood forest dominated by large broadleaf species. The vegetation is separated into three distinct associations: Appalachian oak, oak pine and mixed mesophyte. The mixed mesophyte is found on the Appalachian plateaus and has a great diversity of plant species, including American beech, tulip tree (or yellow poplar), several lime trees, sugar maple, buckeye, red oak, oak white and hemlock. Pine and oak forests lie along the sandy coastal plains and have undergrowth of shrubs. Appalachian oak forests are located in the eastern mountains and mid-range altitudes and are dominated by northern white oak and red oak. The higher altitudes of the mountains also have a distinct hardwood forest in the northeast where species such as birch, beech, maple, elm, red oak and linden, hemlock and the white pine. The highest elevation points are mainly covered with spruce and fir forests and grasslands. The Adirondack Mountains in the extreme northeastern United States are part of the highest elevation points are mainly covered with spruce and fir forests and meadows. The Adirondack Mountains in the extreme northeastern United States are part of the highest elevation points are mainly covered with spruce and fir forests and meadows. The Adirondack Mountains in the far northeastern United States are part of the Eastern boreal forest transition between the boreal forests of the north and the deciduous forests of the south. There is a mix of red spruce, fir, birch, maple and beech.
Mammal species found in the northeastern United States are similar to those in the southeast and include white-tailed deer, black bear, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, squirrel gray, the fierce squirrel, the chipmunk cotton mice. The northeast has a very abundant bird population. Common birds found in the area are turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail and dove in mourning. Other non-game birds found in abundance include the cardinal, the Carolina troglodyte, the lily of the valley, the summer tangara, the red-eyed vireo, the blue-gray gnatoucher and the bushy tit. Other common species in the mountain range include red-breasted nuthatches, blackthroat warblers, gold-ringed warblers, sooty warblers, Glossy Hooded Warblers, Golden Crowned Wrens, Northern Juncos, Crested, Downy, Hairy Peaks, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Louisiana Flotilla, Wood Thrush, Oven Bird, Tangara of summer and the pink-breasted grosbeak. Common reptiles are the box turtle, the common garter snake, the wood rattlesnake and 27 different species of salamanders. Species that are unique to the habitat of the Adirondack mountain range are the Eurasian shrew, Northern boreal (southern) vole, Gray-cheeked thrush, Spruce grouse, and Eurasian jay. Common reptiles are the box turtle, the common garter snake, the wood rattlesnake and 27 different species of salamanders. Species that are unique to the habitat of the Adirondack mountain range are the Eurasian shrew, Northern boreal (southern) vole, Gray-cheeked thrush, Spruce grouse, and Eurasian jay. Common reptiles are the box turtle, the common garter snake, the wood rattlesnake and 27 different species of salamanders. Species that are unique to the habitat of the Adirondack mountain range are the Eurasian shrew, Northern boreal (southern) vole, Gray-cheeked thrush, Spruce grouse, and Eurasian jay.
Ecotourism opportunities
The three different mountain ranges ( Appalachian , Smoky and Adirondack ), the vast coastlines and the diversity of wild species, especially bird species, make it possible to develop many ecotourism opportunities.
Southeast
The southeastern United States is dominated by a climate subtropical humid, with the exception of the south of Florida , referred to as a tropical savanna .
South Florida’s climate has a wet season controlled by hot, humid tropical air masses in periods of strong sunlight, and a dry season controlled by continental tropical air masses during periods of low sunlight. The rest of the Southeast is characterized by high humidity and the absence of very cold winters. There is also a chance of hurricanes in the summer of the Gulf of Mexico.
The typical vegetation in the south – east of forests , with most coastal sandy areas dominated by old forests of loblolly pine , yellow pine , shortleaf pine and white pine , and inland regions of deciduous forests composed generally of various species of pine and the oak , hickory , sweetgum , blackgum , red maple and winged elm . The main grasses found in the southeast are bluestem [ Disambiguation needed ] , panicums and Uniola with longleaf dogwood , viburnum , haw [ disambiguation needed ] , blueberry , American beautyberry , youpon , and many woody vines are common as well.
The Gulf Coast region is bordered by salt marshes dominated by the Spartina Marsh. In southern Florida, habitat is strongly influenced by fluctuations in water levels that cause the growth of a distinct vegetation known as the tropical savanna, which is why it is historically known as the grass. This region is characterized by open expanses of tall grasses such as swamp grass and three-branched ridges interspersed with drought-resistant trees and shrubs. Cypress forests are extensive in this region, as are mangroves along coastal areas. Off the coast of South Florida and the Florida Keys, many coral reefs are present.
The white-tailed deer is the largest native mammal in the Southeast, with the exception of small isolated populations of black bears and the endangered Florida panther. Many small mammals inhabit this area, including raccoons, fox squirrels, eastern gray squirrels, foxes, white-tailed rabbits, armadillos and opossums. Bobwhite and wild turkey are the main game birds that can be found in the area. Other very common birds found in the south-east are doves of mourning, the pine warbler, the cardinal, the summer tangara, the Carolina troglodyte, the ruby-throated hummingbird, the blue jay, the warbler. cap and bushy tit. Many migratory birds other than game and migratory waterfowl are also common. The endangered red cockade woodpecker is also native to the region. Many species of reptiles and amphibians can also be found here, such as the American alligator, common and alligator snapping turtles, fence and glass lizards, and salamanders. Forest snake species found include cottonmouth moccasin, copperhead, rough green snake, rat snake, coachwhip and spotted kingsnake. Manatees are found in estuaries and state canals. Coral reefs serve as habitat for many species of tropical fish. common serpentine and alligator turtles, fence and glass lizards, and salamanders. Forest snake species found include cottonmouth moccasin, copperhead, rough green snake, rat snake, coachwhip and spotted kingsnake. Manatees are found in estuaries and state canals. Coral reefs serve as habitat for many species of tropical fish. common serpentine and alligator turtles, fence and glass lizards, and salamanders. Forest snake species found include cottonmouth moccasin, copperhead, rough green snake, rat snake, coachwhip and spotted kingsnake. Manatees are found in estuaries and state canals. Coral reefs serve as habitat for many species of tropical fish.
Midwest
Environment and wildlife
The Midwestern United States is central and located inland. The area was once covered with glaciers. It is varied in geography and environment, from the Appalachians to the Great Lakes and Great Plains, further west. The Great Lakes states (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin) form a large watershed that empties into the lakes. The Great Plains states (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) are mainly grasslands. Much of the land is used for agriculture. The forest areas of the region are a mixture of pines, yellow birch, sugar maple and American beech. The oak-hickory forests are fading in the meadow, but the trees are still found near the water sources. The soil is extremely varied, including peat, clay, silt and sand. Many birds such as ptarmigan migrate south for the winter.
Ecotourism opportunities
To protect the flora and fauna of the Great Plains, the American Prairie Foundation established the American Prairie Reserve in Montana. It aims to restore bison, prairie dogs and ferrets to the area. By restoring grasslands, the Foundation aims to improve the enjoyment of the land and generate economic benefits through tourism in the region.
Forge a cooperative eco-tourism partnership between foundations such as the US Prairies and World Natural Heritage sites such as Chitwan National Park or Mt. Everest in Nepal may prove to be even more conducive to making our planet a beautiful place to live.
Northwest
The northwestern United States is dominated by the Cascade Mountain Range and is characterized by mild average temperatures of 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit year round with heavy rainfall ranging from 30 to 150 inches per year. These heavy rains have led to the growth of coniferous forests that include Douglas taxifolié , western red cedar , western hemlock , the grand fir , silver fir , subalpine fir , the Whitebark Pine , Sitka spruce and Alaska cypress., with an abundance of thick undergrowth of shrubs. Along coastal regions, however, glaciers and rivers dominate, leading to riparian forests with broad-leaved species such as black poplar and red alder . Common mammals include Sitka deer , Roosevelt elk , mountain lion , American black bear , Douglas squirrel , red tree vole , and Townsend chipmunk . Large game birds are grouse and black grouse . Other non-game bird species found in this area are the winter troglodyte , the Townsend warbler , the brown-backed tit , the red-breasted nuthatch , the spotted owl and the marbled murrelet, which depend on the old forests of this region. The Pacific tree frog , giant salamander Pacific , the Northern alligator lizard and rubber boa can also be found here.
Organizations in the Northwest
Oregon is home to several organizations that support companies that follow ecologically sustainable practices. Some of these organizations are Salmon-Safe ( http://www.salmonsafe.org/ ), Oregon Environment Council ( http://www.oeconline.org/ ) and SkiGreen ( http://skigreen.org/ ). These organizations are consulting with businesses and communities in the Northwest to help promote such practices. Organizations such as Salmon-Safe, support companies that use environmentally sustainable practices and certify companies that comply with these standards.
Southwest
The southwestern United States is the most arid region of the nation and this allows for a very different set of ecosystems and natural habitats. Ecotourism in the southwestern United States is concentrated around the natural areas of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, desert areas and the Pacific Ocean. This part of the country has many herds of wild horses and burros that roam the wildlands of Nevada.
Alaska
The boreal forest of Alaska contains many varieties of trees, mainly black and white spruce, but also balsam poplar, trembling aspen and white birch. It is the coldest terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. Fire is common and is often caused by lightning or by humans. Burnt organic matter enriches the soil, and regrowth of vegetation allows for biodiversity. It is home to arctic ground squirrels and northern flying squirrels, marmots, marmots and birds such as gray jays, boreal tits, northern flickers, red-tailed hawks and boreal owls. The climate in this region is very extreme, with unusually cold winters and hot summers. Arctic tundra is flat and treeless, with vast swamps and lakes. The winters are long and cold and the short summers stay cool. A layer of permafrost, or frozen soil, is under the surface of the tundra. Permafrost limits plant growth because their roots are unable to reach very deeply. The tuft of cotton is the most common type of vegetation in the region. Global warming is a threat to this region and its permafrost. Alaska is home to a large population of brown bears, including grizzly bears and Kodiak bears. Black bears and moose live throughout the state. Polar bears live along the coast in the Arctic tundra region; caribou are also concentrated in the tundra. Polar bears live along the coast in the Arctic tundra region; caribou are also concentrated in the tundra. Polar bears live along the coast in the Arctic tundra region; caribou are also concentrated in the tundra.
Hawaii
As a chain of individually formed volcanic islands, Hawaii’s ecosystems are extremely numerous and diverse, including deserts, beaches, coral reefs and tropical forests. Hawaiian rainforests lie on the slopes of the mountains in the wind. Coral reefs are located near the shore of the islands. The coast is rugged and the climate is tropical and remains fairly stable due to the ocean and the trade winds. Shrubs are found in the coastal lowlands. They are surmounted by forests in mountainous slope. There are four main types of forest, varying with the level of humidity. There are dry forests, humid forests, and those composed of ohia and tree ferns and the koa tree. Bogs are found near mountain peaks. The Hawaiian fauna is unique in that most of it is endemic, or only in that specific region. This is due to the geographical isolation of Hawaii. The species arrived by wind, water or flight. Due to small populations and environmental and climatic variations in small areas, many endemic species are considered vulnerable or endangered. Hawaiian goose, nene, is classified as vulnerable. The yellow hibiscus flower and the hawaiian hawk, po’ouli, are endangered. There are many seabirds such as madmen and petrels. There are some introduced mammals, such as the Hawaiian wild boar, and very few reptiles, including no native snakes. The yellow hibiscus flower and the hawaiian hawk, po’ouli, are endangered. There are many seabirds such as madmen and petrels. There are some introduced mammals, such as the Hawaiian wild boar, and very few reptiles, including no native snakes. The yellow hibiscus flower and the hawaiian hawk, po’ouli, are endangered. There are many seabirds such as madmen and petrels. There are some introduced mammals, such as the Hawaiian wild boar, and very few reptiles, including no native snakes.