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Crystal Cove is one of the largest remaining local ecosystems that share open space and seashore. Crystal Cove State Park is located in Orange County, California. The park consists of 2400 acres of undeveloped woodlands and a beach which is three miles long with tide pools and kelp beds. Dunes and 80 foot costal bluffs are home to many different species. Thick shrubs cover the costal terrace. The native flora and fauna are protected and steps have been taken to eliminate non indigenous plants and animals. Approximately 100 years ago farmers leased the land and had hundreds of acres of crops planted (Crystal Cove State Park, 2011). Prior to this ranching was prevalent and livestock such as sheep and cattle were allowed to graze the lands.
Roads and highways were formed and small neighborhoods rose along the coast and inland. Many of these activities have been long since done away with in order to enhance the natural preservation of Crystal Cove State Park (Crystal Cove State Park, 2011). Traffic, air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution have had an effect on the cove.
Humans have affected the biochemical cycles in the ecosystem through air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution as a result of construction, overharvesting, overgrazing, and the use of fossil fuels. Furthermore urban runoff and waste water discharge into the ocean. The marine environment has been polluted with pesticides, herbicides, household chemicals, oil, and trash. These examples have affected the natural cycles in the ecosystem.
Through understanding the ecosystems structure and function both the state of California and the United States Department of the Interior recognize the value of this land...