Ecological stability of the landscape of the town and commune of Ustka in the light of selected indicators

The main aim of this study is to identify the functional and spatial structure of the town and commune of Ustka, based on the analysis of forms of land use and to determine the ecological stability of the area by means of selected indicators. To assess the ecological stability a methodology proposed by Krol and Galaś (2008) has been used which includes three indicators: a quantitative indicator of the ecological stability KSE1, a qualitative indicator of the ecological stability KSE2 and the indicator of ecological stability KSE3, taking into account the valuation of the land cover forms due to their ecological significance. The indicator ratios have been calculated separately for the town-resort Ustka and for the rural area of Ustka commune. The results of the research may be helpful in shaping the local system of ecological stability, which should function on the basis of the existing natural features in the landscape. Using this type of research is important primarily at the level of spatial planning decision making in the scale of the town and the municipality, at the stage of making decision about building/development conditions, about changes of land use or creating detailed records in local land use plans. Analysis and constant monitoring of changes in ecological stability should help to achieve optimal spatial policy, conductive to the proper use of natural and recreational potential within the rules of the sustainable development. Key words: land use, landscape ecological stability, landscape ecological stability indicators, spatial planning, Ustka resort municipality