Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An Overview of Ecological Assessment Principles and Applications

  • Chapter
A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments

Abstract

Ecological assessments facilitate understanding of an area’s past, present, and future conditions through comprehensive description of ecosystem patterns, processes, and functions (Lessard et al., 1999). They synthesize our knowledge of ecological Systems and commonly describe the biophysical and social limits of a system, the interrelations of its ecosystem components, and the uncertainties and assumptions that underlie a given assessment effort. Ecological assessments are not decision documents because they do not resolve issues or provide direct solutions to specific policy questions. Instead, they provide the foundation for proposed additions or changes to existing land management plans or regulatory policies and are a critical component for implementing principles of ecosystem management in land management planning (Grossarth and Nygren, 1994; Morrison, 1994; Haynes et al., 1996).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Agee, J. K.; Johnson, D. R., editors. 1988. Ecosystem management for parks and wilderness. Seattle,WA: University of Washington Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, T. F. H.; Starr, T. B. 1982. Hierarchy: perspectives for ecological complexity. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Allen, T. F. H.; Hoekstra, T. W.; O’Neill, R. V. 1984. Interlevel relations in ecological research and management: some working principles from hierarchy theory. RM-GTR-110. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Rocky Mountain Res. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bailey, R. G.; Jensen, M. E.; Cleland, D. T.; Bourgeron, P. S. 1994. Design and use of ecological mapping units. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., tech. eds. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 95–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bak, P.; Chen, K. 1991. Self-organized criticality. Sci. Amer. 264: 46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, W. L. 1992. The landscape ecology of large disturbances in the design and management of nature reserves. Landscape Ecol. 7:181–194.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beek, K. J.; Bennema, J. 1972. Land evaluation for agricultural land use planning: an ecological methodology. Wageningen, Netherlands: Dept. Soil Sci. and Geol., Agricultural Univ.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeron, P. S.; Jensen, M. E. 1994. An overview of ecological principles for ecosystem management. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., tech. eds. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 45–57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyce, M. S.; Haney, A. 1997. Ecosystem management: applications for sustainable forest and wildlife resources. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, N. L. 1988. Succession and natural disturbance: paradigms, problems and preservation of natural ecosystems. In: Agee, J.; Johnson, D., eds. Ecosystem management. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press: 62–86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, N. L. 1996. The scientific basis for sustainable use of land. In: Diamond, H. L.; Noonan, P., eds. The use of land. Washington, DC: Island Press: 273–308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen N. L.; Franklin, J. F. 1996. Ecosystem processes and ecosystem management. In: Christensen, N. L.; Simpson, D., eds. Human activities and ecosystem function. New York: Chapman-Hall, Inc.: 1–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, N. L.; Bartuska, A.; Brown, J. H.; Carpenter, S.; D’Antonion, C.; Francis, R.; Franklin, J. F.; MacMahon, J. A.; Noss, R. F.; Parsons, D. J.; Peterson, C. H.; Turner, M. G.; Woodmansee, R. G. 1996. The scientific basis for ecosystem management. Ecol. Appl. 6:665–691.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cleland, David T.; Avers, Peter E.; McNab, W. Henry; Jensen, Mark E.; Bailey, Robert G.; King, Thomas; Russell, Walter E. 1997. National hierarchical framework of ecological units. In: Boyce, Mark S; Haney, Alan, eds. Ecosystem management: applications for sustainable forest and wildlife resources. New Haven, CT, and London: Yale University Press: 181–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Costanza, R.; Maxwell, T. 1994. Resolution and predictability—an approach to the scaling problem. Landscape Ecol. 9:47–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costanza, R.; Wainger, L.; Folke, C.; Maler, K. 1993. Modeling complex ecological economic systems. BioScience 43:545–555.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, F. W.; Quattrochi, D.; Ridd, M. K.; Lam, N. S.; Walsh, S. J.; Michaelsen, J. C.; Franklin, J.; Stow, D. A.; Johnannsen, C. J.; Johnston, C. A. 1991. Environmental analysis using integrated GIS and remotely sensed data: some research needs and priorities. Photogramm. Eng. Remote Sensing 57:689–697.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, H. L.; Noonan, P., editors. 1987. The use of land. Washington, DC: Island Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Driscoll, R. S.; Merkel, D. L.; Radlof, D. L.; Snyder, D. E.; Hagihara, J. S. 1984. An ecological land classification framework for the United States. Misc. Publ. 1439. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv.

    Google Scholar 

  • Everett, Richard; Hessburg, Paul; Jensen, Mark; Bormann, Bernard. 1994. Volume 1: executive summary. PNW-GTR-317. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fedkiw, J. 1999. Managing multiple uses on National Forests, 1905-1995. FS-628. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv.

    Google Scholar 

  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 1976. A framework for land evaluation. Soils Bulletin 32. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team (FE-MAT). 1993. Forest ecosystem management: an ecological, economic and social assessment. Report of the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team. Washington, DC: U.S. Govt. Printing Off. 1993–793071.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forman, R. T. T.; Godron, M. 1986. Landscape ecology. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossarth, O.; Nygren, T. 1994. Implementing ecosystem management through the forest planning process. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., tech. eds. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 276–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grumbine, R. E. 1994. What is ecosystem management? Conserv. Biol. 8:27–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hann, W.; Keane, R. R.; McNicoll, C.; Menakis, J. 1994. Assessment techniques for evaluating ecosystem processes, and community and landscape conditions. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., tech. eds. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 237–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haynes, R. W.; Graham, R. T.; Quigley, T. M. 1996. A framework for ecosystem management in the interior Columbia basin and portions of the Klamath and Great Basins. PNW-GTR-374. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hofmann, E. E. 1991. How do we generalize coastal models to global scale? In: Mantoura, R. F. C.; Martin, J. M.; Wollast, R., eds. Ocean margin processes in global change. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holling, C. S. 1973. Resilience and stability of ecological systems. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 4:1–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Holling, C. S., editor. 1978. Adaptive environmental assessment and management. London: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holling, C. S. 1986. The resilience of terrestrial ecosystems: local surprise and global change. In: Clark, W. M.; Munn, R. E., eds. Sustainable development in the biosphere. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press: 292–320.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, M. 1991. Coping with ignorance: the coarse-filter strategy for maintaining biodiversity. In: Kohn, K. A., ed. Balancing on the brink of extinction: the endangered species act and lessons for the future. Washington, DC: Island Press: 256–281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hutchinson, G. E. 1953. The concept of pattern in ecology. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 105:1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., editors. 1994. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, M. E.; Everett, R. 1994. An overview of ecosystem management principles. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., tech. eds. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 6–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, Mark E.; Bourgeron, Patrick; Everett, Richard; Goodman, Iris. 1996. Ecosystem management: a landscape ecology perspective. J. Amer. Water Resour. Assoc. 32:203–216.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kauffman, S. A.; Johnson, S. 1991. Coevolution to the edge of chaos: coupled fitness landscapes, poised states, and coevolutionary avalanches. J. Theor. Biol. 149:467–505.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kay, J. J. 1991. A nonequilibrium thermodynamic framework for discussing ecosystem integrity. Environ. Manage. 15:483–495.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Keystone Center. 1991. Biological diversity on federal lands. Report of a keystone policy dialogue. Keystone, CO: Keystone Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keystone Center. 1996. The keystone national policy dialogue on ecosystem management. Keystone, CO: Keystone Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klingebiel, A. A.; Montgomery, D. H. 1961. Land capability classification. Agric. Handb. 210, U.S. Dept. Agric., Soil Conserv. Serv. Washington, DC: U.S. Govt. Printing Off.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, K. N. 1993. Compass and gyroscope. Washington, DC: Island Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leopold, A. 1949. A Sand County almanac. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lessard, G.; Jensen, M. E.; Crespi, M.; Bourgeron, P. S. 1999. A general framework for integrated ecological assessments. In: Cordel, H. Ken; Bergstrom, John C, eds. Integrating social sciences with ecosystem management: human dimensions in assessment policy and management. Champaign-Urbana, IL: Sagamore Press: 35–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levin, S. A. 1992. The problem of pattern and scale in ecology. Ecology 73:1942–1968.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lubchenco, J.; Olson, A. M.; Brubaker, L. B.; Carpenter, S. R.; Holland, M. M.; Hubbell, S. P.; Levin, S. A.; MacMahon, J. A.; Matson, P. A.; Melillo, J. M.; Mooney, H. A.; Peterson, C. H.; Pulliam, H. R.; Real, L. A.; Regal, P. J.; Risser, P. G. 1991. The sustainable biosphere initiative: an ecological research agenda. Ecology 72:371–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maxwell, J. R.; Edwards, C. J.; Jensen, M. E.; Paustian, S. J.; Parrott, H.; Hill, D. M. 1995. A hierarchical framework of aquatic ecological units in North America. NC-GTR-176. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., North Central Exp. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, J. 1994. Integrating ecosystem management and the forest planning process. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., tech. eds. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 266–275.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council. 1983. Risk assessment in the federal government: managing the process. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson, G. W. 1974. Land classifications. Search, Agriculture 4(7). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Neill, R. V.; DeAngelis, D. L.; Waide, J. B.; Allen, T. F. H. 1986. A hierarchical concept of ecosystems. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Overbay, J. C. 1992. Ecosystem management. In: Proceedings of the national workshop: taking an ecological approach to management. April 27-30; Salt Lake City, UT. WO-WSA-3. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Watershed and Air Manage.: 3–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quigley, Thomas M.; Arbelbide, Sylvia J., technical editors. 1997. An assessment of ecosystem components in the interior Columbia basin and portions of the Klamath and Great Basins: volume 1. PNW-GTR-405. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahel, F. J. 1990. The hierarchical nature of community persistence: a problem of scale. Amer. Naturalist 136:328–344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rapport, D. J. 1992. Environmental assessment at the ecosystem level: a perspective.J. Aquat. Ecosystem Health 1:15–24.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Risk Assessment Forum (RAF). 1992. Framework for ecological risk assessment. EPA630R92001. Washington, DC: U.S. Environ. Protect. Agency.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robbins, William G. 1982. Lumberjacks and legislators: political economy of the U.S. lumber industry 1890–1941. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Running, S. W.; Nemani, R. R.; Peterson, D. L.; Band, L. E.; Potts, D. F.; Pierce, L. L.; Spanner, M. A. 1989. Mapping regional forest evapotranspiration and photosynthesis by coupling satellite data with ecosystem simulation. Ecology 70:1090–1101.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samson, F. B.; Knopf, F. L. 1996. Ecosystem management: selected readings. New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Slocombe, D. S. 1993. Implementing ecosystem-based management: development of theory, practice, and research for planning and managing a region. BioScience 4:612–622.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Society of American Foresters. 1993. Sustaining longterm forest health and productivity: report of a task force. Bethesda, MD: Society of American Foresters.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sugihara, G.; May, R. M. 1990. Applications of fractals in ecology. Trends Ecol. Evolut. 5:79–86.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suter, G. W. 1993. Ecological risk assessment. Ann Arbor, MI: Lewis Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanson, F. J.; Jones, J. A.; Wallin, D. O.; Cissel, J. H. 1994. Natural variability: implications for ecosystem management. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., tech. eds. Volume II: Ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 80–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G. 1990. Landscape changes in nine rural counties in Georgia. Photogramm. Eng. Remote Sensing 56:379–386.

    Google Scholar 

  • Urban, D. L.; O’Neill, R. V.; Shugart, H. H., Jr. 1987. Landscape ecology: a hierarchical perspective can help scientists understand spatial patterns. BioScience 37:119–127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wood, C. A. 1994. Ecosystem management: achieving the new land ethic. Renewable Resour. J. 6–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, James A.; Sparks, Abbot, B. 1985. Cattle in the cold desert. Logan, UT: Utah State University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zonneveld, I. S. 1988. Basic principles of land evaluation using vegetation and other land attributes. In: Kuchler, A. W.; Zonneveld, I. S., eds. Vegetation mapping. Dordrecht, Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Mark E. Jensen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Norman L. Christensen Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Patrick S. Bourgeron
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, 200 East Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59807, USA

    Mark E. Jensen

  2. Institute of Alpine and Arctic Research, University of Colorado, 1560 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0450, USA

    Patrick S. Bourgeron

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Jensen, M.E., Christensen, N.L., Bourgeron, P.S. (2001). An Overview of Ecological Assessment Principles and Applications. In: Jensen, M.E., Bourgeron, P.S. (eds) A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8620-7_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8620-7_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-98583-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-8620-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation