Ecology
An Ecological Approach to Planning and Conservation of Natural Resources
Think of an ecosystem! Your idea of what an ecosystem is will be like no one
else's. Because of this, the following is a collection of information and
resources that may help expand our understanding of ecosystems. Understanding
ecosystems gives us a new way of seeing our world, and our place in it. We used
to talk about "the environment" as if it were something out there that needed
our help. But understanding our ecosystem gives us perspective on where we fit
into the picture - how each thing in the ecosystem affects everything else. Like
a spider web each strand is interconnected and gives strength to the whole.
Ecosystem Information Online
Agricultural Ecology Definition: Simply stated, agricultural ecology is the study of agricultural ecosystems and
their components as they function within themselves and in the context of the
landscapes that contain them. Application of this knowledge can lead to
development of more sustainable agricultural ecosystems in harmony with their
larger ecosystem and ecoregion. An expanded definition, discussion, and references, can be found on the
Agricultural Ecosystems page.
Ecosystem Indicators Report
Written by the NRCS Indicators Action Team and first published in April, 1996,
this report describes a model the team developed to direct the selection of
indicators for use in evaluations of ecosystem condition. It is designed to
guide stakeholders and resource planners to think beyond single resource issues
and consider the condition of the larger ecosystem including human dimensions of
the system.
Ecosystem Services
This Forest Service Web site provides information on economic and social values
of forest ecosystems. New opportunities in market-based conservation and
stewardship are being explored by NRCS and the Forest Service.
Ecosystem Management Publications
The following depicts NRCS
documents that help convey an ecological approach to planning and conservation
of natural resources.
Action Plan - Providing Ecosystem-Based Assistance for the Management of Natural Resources
The Action Plan was completed in July of 1994 and describes the commitment of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) to combine sound and proven fundamentals with ecosystem principles.
The plan stresses five themes: The Commitment; Policy, Regulation, and Law; Technology;
Measurement and Reporting; and Education.
FY-96 Summary of 12 EBA Pilot Projects in 10 States
The NRCS set up 12 pilot projects in 10 states. The FY-96 summary contains a brief synopsis
for each of these projects. Within each project 10 specific issues are addressed, namely: 1)
Location and Scope; 2) Vision; 3) Working Goal; 4) Health and Sustainability; 5) Economic
and Community Development; 6) Priorities and Conflict Resolution; 7) Coordination; 8)
Monitoring and Reporting; 9) Adaptive Management; and 10) Technology Transfer.
EBA Principles and Guidelines
This report identifies the principles and guidelines which NRCS will use to make Ecosystem-Based
Assistance an efficient part of how the agency conducts its business.
An Ecosystem Approach to Conservation of Natural Resources
Text of a speech presented at the 50th annual meeting of the Soil & Water Conservation Society.
EBA Staffing Action Team Report
This helpful report describes the desired skills, knowledge and abilities of the future NRCS field
office in order to carry out ecosystem-based assistance on the farm, ranch, watershed, or other
levels. The document may be useful to: design training sessions; develop recruitment efforts;
influence college curriculum; set up new institutes or centers; show others how comprehensive the
NRCS is; information for national employment; staffing; and help managers develop key job/skill
needs.
Ecosystem-Based Assistance Communication Action Plan
This is a list of actions that could be taken to improve internal communications. The intent is to
help NRCS employees understand what EBA means to them. The recommendations are being implemented
as time and resources permit.
Conquest of the Land Through 7,000 Years
This classic report on agriculture and soil erosion was written by Dr. Lowdermilk, who presented
his findings to the U.S. Department of Agriculture based on his journeys around the world in 1938
and 1939. Despite changes in names of countries, in political boundaries, and in conservation
technology, the report still has significance for all peoples concerned with maintaining and
improving farm production.
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