Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ecosystem Characterization and Ecological Assessments

  • Chapter
A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments

Abstract

Ecological assessments are an important component of any strategy for making or reevaluating land management and regulatory decisions (see Chapters 1, 9, and 35; also Slocombe, 1993; Jensen and Bourgeron, 1994; Bourgeron et al., 1995). An important objective of ecological assessments is the identification, location, and description of the biotic and abiotic features of a landscape. Landscape features exhibit heterogeneity at a variety of scales (Turner et al., 1995). This heterogeneity is characterized by identifying relevant patterns and the processes that produce patterns in a landscape (Bourgeron and Jensen, 1994). Distinct patterns and processes occur at a variety of spatial and temporal scales of organization (see Chapter 2). For ecological assessments, an explicit understanding is needed of the scaled relationships of biological and biophysical characteristics from site to regional scales (Lessard, 1995; Lessard et al., 1999). Therefore, the characterization process is a multiscaled approach conducted within a hierarchical framework (Bourgeron and Jensen, 1994; Hann et al., 1994; Bourgeron et al., 1995; Jensen 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

  • 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 For. Range Exp. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amoros, C.; Rostan, J. C.; Pautou, G.; Bravard, J. P. 1987. The reversible process concept applied to the environmental management of large river systems. Environ. Manage. 11:607–617.

    Google Scholar 

  • Angermeier, P. L.; Winston, M. R. 1998. Local vs. regional influences on local diversity in stream fish communities of Virginia. Ecology 79(3):911–927.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amo, S. F.; Simmermann, D. G.; Keane, R. E. 1985. Forest succession on four habitat types in western Montana. INT-GTR-177. Ogden, UT: U.S. Dept. Agric., Intermountain For. Range Exp. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin, M. P. 1985. Continuum concept, ordination methods and niche theory. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 16:39–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin, M. P. 1991. Vegetation theory in relation to costefficient surveys. In: Margules, C. R.; Austin, M. P., eds. Nature conservation: cost effective biological surveys and data analysis. Melbourne: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization: 17–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin, M. P.; Margules, C. R. 1986. Assessing representativeness. In: Usher, M. B., ed. Wildlife conservation evaluation. London: Chapman and Hall: 45–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin, M. P.; Pausas, J. G.; Nicholls, A. O. 1996. Patterns of tree species richness in relation to environment in southeastern New South Wales, Australia. Aust. J. Ecol. 21:154–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bailey, R. G. 1995. Description of the ecoregions of the United States. Misc. Publ. 1391. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bailey, R. G. 1996. Multiscale ecosystem analysis. Environ. Monit. Assess. 39:21–24.

    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., 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 

  • Baker, W. L. 1992a. Effects of settlement and fire suppression on landscape structure. Ecology 73:1879–1887.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Band, L. E.; Patterson, P.; Nemani, R.; Running, S. W. 1993. Forest ecosystem processes at the watershed scale: incorporating hillslope hydrology. Agr. For. Meteorol. 63:93–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bayley, P. B.; Li, H. W. 1992. Riverine fishes. In: Calow, P.; Petts, G. E., eds. The rivers handbook. London: Blackwell Scientific: 251-281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beibin, L. 1993. Environmental representativeness: regional partitioning and reserve selection. Biol. Conserv. 66:223–230.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benedict, N. B. 1983. Plant associations of subalpine meadows, Sequoia National Park, California. Arctic Alp. Res. 15(3):383–396.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeron, P. S.; Jensen, M. E. 1994. An overview of ecological principles for ecosystem management. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., eds. Volume II: ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 45–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeron, P. S.; Humphries, H. C.; DeVelice, R. L. 1994a. Ecological theory in relation to landscape and ecosystem characterization. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., eds. Volume II: ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 61–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeron, P. S.; Humphries, H. C.; Jensen, M. E. 1994b. Landscape characterization: a framework for ecological assessment at regional and local scales. J. Sustain. For. 2(3-4):267–281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeron, P. S.; Jensen, M. E.; Engelking, L. D.; Everett, R. L.; Humphries, H. C. 1995. Landscape ecology, conservation biology, and principles of ecosystem management. In: Everett, R. L.; Baumgart-ner, D. M., eds. Proceedings, ecosystem management in western interior forests, May 3-5, 1994. Pullman, WA: Dept. Natural Resource Sciences, Washington State University: 41–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeron, P. S.; Humphries, H. C.; Barber, J. A.; Turner, S. J.; Jensen, M. E.; Goodman, I. A. 1999. Impact of broad-and fine-scale patterns on regional landscape characterization using AVHRR-derived land cover data. Ecosystem Health 5: 234–258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, J. H. 1984. On the relationship between the abundance and distribution of species. Amer. Naturalist 124:255–279.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bunce, R. G. H.; Barr, C. J.; Clarke, R. T.; Howard, D. C.; Lane, A. M. J. 1996. Land classification for strategic ecological survey. J. Environ. Manage. 47:37–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burke, I. C.; Schimel, D. S.; Yonker, C. M.; Parton, W. J.; Joyce, L. A.; Lauenroth, W. K. 1990. Regional modeling of grassland biogeochemistry using GIS. Landscape Ecol. 4:44–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Caley, M. J.; Schluter, D. 1997. The relationship between local and regional diversity. Ecology 78(l):70–80.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cherrill, A. J.; McClean, C.; Watson, P.; Rushton, S. P.; Sanderson, R. 1995. Predicting the distributions of plant species at the regional scale: a hierarchical matrix model. Landscape Ecol. 10:197–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Christensen, N. L.; Agee, J. K.; Brassard, P. F.; Hughes, J.; Knight, D. H.; Minshall, G. W.; Peek, J. M.; Pyne, S. J.; Swanson, F. J.; Thomas, J. W.; Wells, S.; Williams, S. E.; Wright, H. A. 1989. Interpreting the Yellowstone fires of 1988. BioScience 39:678–685.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, W. B.; Spies, T. A. 1992. Estimating structural attributes of Douglas-fir/western hemlock forest stands from Landsat and SPOT imagery. Remote Sens. Environ. 41:1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, W. B.; Spies, T. A.; Fiorella, M. 1995. Estimating the age and structure of forests in a multi-ownership landscape of western Oregon, USA. Int. J. Remote Sens. 16:721–746.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, F. W.; Quattrochi, D. A.; Ridd, M. K.; Lam, N. S. N.; Walsh, S. J.; Michaelsen, J. C.; Franklin, J.; Stow, D. A.; Johannsen, 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 

  • Donahue, J.; Holdorf, H. 1990. Landforms for soil surveys in the northern Rockies. Misc. Publ. 51. Missoula, MT: Montana For. and Conserv. Exp. Sta., School of Forestry, Univ. of Montana.

    Google Scholar 

  • ECOMAP. 1993. National hierarchical framework of ecological units. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, W. C.; Bradley, A. F. 1987. Fire ecology of western Montana forest habitat types. INT-GTR-223. Ogden, UT: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Intermountain Res. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Franklin, J. F. 1993. The fundamentals of ecosystem management with application to the Pacific Northwest. In: Aplet, G.; Olson, J. T.; Johnson, N.; Sample, V. A., eds. Defining sustainable forestry. Washington, DC: Island Press: 127–144.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frissell, C. A.; Liss, W. J.; Warren, C. E.; Hurley, M. D. 1986. A hierarchical framework for stream habitat classification: viewing streams in a watershed context. Environ. Manage. 10:199–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gardner, R. H.; Turner, M. G.; O’Neill, R. V.; Lavorel, S. 1992. Simulation of the scale-dependent effects of landscape boundaries on species persistence and dispersal. In: Holland, M. M.; Risser, P. G.; Naiman, R. J., eds. Ecotones: the role of landscape boundaries in the management and restoration of changing environments. New York: Chapman and Hall: 76–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grime, J. P. 1979. Plant strategies and vegetation processes. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossman, D. H.; Bourgeron, P. S.; Busch, W. D. N.; Cleland, D.; Platts, W.; Ray, G. C.; Robins, C. R.; Roloff, G. 1999. Principles for ecological classification. In: Johnson, N. C.; Malk, A. J.; Sexton, W. T.; Szaro, R. C, eds. Volume II. Ecological stewardship: a common reference for ecosystem management. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier Science: 353–393.

    Google Scholar 

  • Haber, W. 1994. Systems ecological concepts for environmental planning. In: Klijn, F., ed. Ecosystem classification for environmental management. Dordrect, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers: 49–67. Hann, W.; Keane, R. E.; McNicoll, C.; Menakis, J. 1994. Assessment techniques for evaluating ecosystem processes, and community and landscape conditions. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., 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 

  • Hann, W. J.; Jones, J. L.; Karl, M. G.; Hessburg, P. F.; Keane, R. E.; Long, D. G.; Menakis, J. P.; McNicol, C. H.; Leonard, S. G.; Gravenmier, R. A.; Smith, B. G. 1997. Landscape dynamics of the basin. In: Quigley, T. M.; Arbelbide, S. J., eds. An assessment of ecosystem components in the interior Columbia Basin and portions of the Klamath and Great Basins: Volume II. PNW-GTR-405. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 337–1055.

    Google Scholar 

  • He, H. S.; Mladenoff, D. J.; Radeloff, V. C.; Crow, T. R. 1998. Integration of GIS data and classified satellite imagery for regional forest assessment. Ecol. Appl. 8(4): 1072–1083.

    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 

  • Holling, C. S. 1992. Cross-scale morphology, geometry, and dynamics of ecosystems. Ecol. Monogr. 62:447–502.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoover, S. R.; Parker, A. J. 1991. Spatial components of biotic diversity in landscapes of Georgia, USA. Landscape Ecol. 5(3):125–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Host, G. E.; Polzer, P. L.; Mladenoff, M. A.; White, M. A.; Crow, S. J. 1996. A quantitative approach to developing regional ecosystem classifications. Ecol. Appl. 6:608–618.

    Google Scholar 

  • Houghton, R. A.; Hobbie, J. E.; Melillo, J. M.; Moore, B. I.; Peterson, B. M.; Shaver, G. R.; Woodwell, G. M. 1983. Changes in the carbon content of the terrestrial biota and soils between 1860 and 1980. Ecol. Monogr. 53:235–262.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, E. R., Jr.; Piper, S. C.; Nemani, R.; Keeling, C. D.; Otto, R. D.; Running, S. W. 1996. Global net carbon exchange and intra-annual atmospheric CO2 concentrations predicted by an ecosystem process model and three-dimensional atmospheric transport model. Global Biogeochem. Cycle. 10:431–456.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huston, M. A. 1979. A general hypothesis of species diversity. Amer. Naturalist 113:81–101.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huston, M. A. 1994. Biological diversity, the coexistence of species on changing landscapes. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, D. A.; Harvey, H. H. 1989. Biogeographic associations in fish assemblages: local vs. regional processes. Ecology 70:1472–1484.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jelinski, D. E.; Wu, J. 1996. The modifiable areal unit problem and implications for landscape ecology. Landscape Ecol. 11:129–140.

    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.; Bourgeron, P. S.; Everett, R.; Goodman, I. 1996. Ecosystem management: a landscape ecology perspective. J. Amer. Water Resour. Assoc. 32:208–216.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. K. 1990. Role of site classification in predicting the consequences of management on forest response. In: Dyck, W. J.; Mees, C. S., eds. Impact of intensive harvesting on forest site productivity. Proceedings, IEA/BE Workshop, March 1989. IEA/BE T6/A6 Report No. 2/FRI Bulletin No. 159. Rotorua, New Zealand: Forest Research Institute: 19–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kapner, W. G.; Jones, K. B.; Chaloud, D. G.; Wickham, J. D.; Riitters, K. H.; O’Neill, R. V. 1995. Mid-Atlantic landscape indicators. Washington, DC: U.S. Environ. Protect. Agency, Project Plan Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Program 620/R-95/003.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Keane, R. E.; Morgan, P.; Running, S. W. 1996. FIRE-BGC—a mechanistic ecological process model for simulating fire succession on coniferous forest landscapes of the Northern Rocky Mountains. INT-RP-484. Ogden, UT: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Intermountain Res. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klijn, F., editor. 1994. Ecosystem classification for environmental management. Ecology and environment. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuchler, A. W. 1973. Problems in classifying and mapping vegetation for ecological regionalization. Ecology 54:512–523.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuchler, A. W.; Zonneveld, I.S., editors. 1988. Vegetation mapping. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lachowski, H.; Maus, P.; Platt, B. 1992. Integrating remote sensing with GIS. J. For. 90:16–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lathrop, R. G.; Peterson, D. L. 1992. Identifying structural self-similarity in mountainous landscapes. Landscape Ecol. 6:233–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lessard, G. 1995. A national framework for integrated ecological assessments. Washington, DC: Federal InterAgency Working Group.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Ligon, F. K.; Dietrich, W. E.; Trush, W. J. 1995. Downstream ecological effects of dams: a geomorphic perspective. BioScience 45:183–192.

    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(2):371–412.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mackey, B. G.; Nix, H. A.; Hutchinson, M. F.; MacMahon, J. P.; Fleming, P. M. 1988. Assessing representativeness of places for conservation reservation and heritage listing. Environ. Manage. 12(4):501–514.

    Google Scholar 

  • Margules, C. R.; Nicholls, A. O.; Austin, M. P. 1987. Diversity of eucalyptus species predicted by a multivariable environmental gradient. Oecologia (Berl.) 71:229–232.

    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 For. Exp. Sta.

    Google Scholar 

  • McNaughton, S. J. 1985. Ecology of a grazing ecosystem: the Serengeti. Ecol. Monogr. 55:259–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minshall, G. W. 1988. Stream ecosystem theory: a global perspective. J. N. Amer. Benthol. Soc. 7:263–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minshall, G. W. 1994. Stream-riparian ecosystems: rationale and methods for basin-level assessments of management effects. In: Jensen, M. E.; Bourgeron, P. S., eds. Volume II: ecosystem management: principles and applications. PNW-GTR-318. Portland, OR: U.S. Dept. Agric., For. Serv., Pacific Northw. Res. Sta.: 143–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, V. L. 1976. The regionalization of climate in the western United States. J. Appl. Meteorol. 15:920–927.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mladenoff, D. J.; Host, G. E. 1994. Ecological perspective: current and potential applications of remote sensing and GIS for ecosystem analysis. In: Sample, V. A., ed. Remote sensing and GIS in ecosystem management. Washington, DC: Island Press: 145–180.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mladenoff, D. J.; Pastor, J. 1993. Sustainable forest ecosystems in the northern hardwood and conifer region: concepts and management. In: Aplet, G.; Olson, J. T.; Johnson, N.; Sample, V. A., eds. Defining sustainable forestry. Washington, DC: Island Press: 145–180.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mladenoff, D. J.; Niemi, G. H.; White, M. A. 1997. Effects of changing landscape pattern and U.S.G.S. land cover data variability on ecoregion discrimination across a forest-agriculture gradient. Landscape Ecol. 12:379–396.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naiman, R. J. 1988. Animal influences on ecosystem dynamics. BioScience 38:750–752.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neilson, R. P.; King, G. A.; DeVelice, R. L.; Lenihan, J.; Marks, D.; Dolph, J.; Campbell, W.; Glick, G. 1989. Sensitivity of ecological landscapes and regions to global climatic change. EPA/600/3-89-073, NTIS-PB90-120-072/AS. Washington, DC: U.S. Dept. of the Interior.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicholls, A. O. 1991a. An introduction to statistical modelling using GLIM. In: Margules, C. R.; Austin, M. P., eds. Nature conservation: cost effective biological surveys and data analysis. Melbourne: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization: 191–201.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicholls, A. O. 1991b. Examples of the use of generalized linear models in analysis of survey data for conservation evaluation. In: Margules, C. R.; Austin, M. P., eds. Nature conservation: cost effective biological surveys and data analysis. Melbourne: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization: 54–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Hara, K. L.; Lathan, P. A.; Hessburg, P.; Smith, B. G. 1996. A structural classification for inland Northwest forest vegetation. West. J. Appl. For. 11(3):97–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Omernik, J. M. 1987. Ecoregions of the conterminous United States. Ann. Assoc. Amer. Geogr. 77(1):118–125.

    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 

  • O’Neill, R. V.; Jones, K. B.; Riitters, K. H.; Wickham, J. D.; Goodman, I. A. 1994. Landscape monitoring and assessment research plan. Report 620/R-94/009. Washington, DC: U.S. Environ. Protect. Agency.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Neill, R. V.; Hunsaker, C. T.; Jones, K. B.; Riitters, K. H.; Wickham, J. D.; Schwartz, P. M.; Goodman, I. A.; Jackson, B. L.; Baillargeon, W. S. 1997. Monitoring environmental quality at the landscape scale. BioScience 47:513–519.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parton, W. J.; Schimel, D. S.; Cole, C. V.; Ojima, D. S. 1987. Analysis of factors controlling soil organic matter levels in Great Plains grasslands. Soil Sci. Soc. Amer. J. 51:1173–1179.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Perera, A. H.; Baker, J. A.; Band, L. E.; Baldwin, D. J. B. 1996. A strategic framework to ecoregionalize Ontario. In: Sims, R. A.; Corns, I. G. W.; Klinka, K., eds. Global to local ecological land classification. Dordrect, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers: 85–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pickett, S. T. A.; Kolasa, J.; Armesto, J. J.; Collins, S. L. 1989. The ecological concept of disturbance and its expression at various hierarchical levels. Oikos 54: 129–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pielou, E. C. 1979. Ecological diversity. New York: John Wiley & Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poff, N. L.; Ward, J. V. 1989. Implications of stream-flow variability and predictability for lotic community structure: a regional analysis of streamflow patterns. Can. J. Fisheries Aquat. Sci. 46:1805–1818.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poff, N. L.; Ward, J. V. 1990. Physical habitat template of lotic systems: recovery in the context of historical pattern of spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Environ. Manage. 14:629–645.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pringle, C. M.; Naiman, R. J.; Bretschko, G.; Karr, J. R.; Oswood, M. W.; Webster, J. R.; Welcomme, R. L.; Winterbourn, M. J. 1988. Patch dynamics in lotie systems: the stream as a mosaic. J. N. Amer. Benthol. Soc. 7:503–524.

    Google Scholar 

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

    Google Scholar 

  • Ricklefs, R. E. 1987. Community diversity: relative roles of local and regional processes. Science 235:167–171.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Romme, W. H.; Knight, D. H. 1982. Landscape diversity: the concept applied to Yellowstone Park. BioScience 32:664–670.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rowe, J. S. 1996. Land classification and ecosystem classification. In: Sims, R. A.; Corns, I. G. W.; Klinka, K., eds. Global to local ecological land classification. Dordrect, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers: 11–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Running, S. W.; Hunt, E. R., Jr. 1993. Generalization of a forest ecosystem process model for other biomes, BIOME-BCG, and an application for global-scale models. In: Ehleringer, J. R.; Field, C, eds. Scaling processes between leaf and landscape levels. London: Academic Press: 141–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sample, V. A. 1994. Remote sensing and GIS in ecosystem management. Washington, DC: Island Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schimel, D. S.; Parton, W. J.; Kittel, T. G. F.; Ojima, D. S.; Cole, C.V. 1990. Grassland biogeochemistry: links to atmospheric processes. Climatic Change 17:13–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schimel, D. S.; Kittel, T. G. F.; Parton, W. J. 1991. Terrestrial biogeochemical cycles: global interactions with the atmosphere and hydrology. Tellus 43(AB): 188–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schimel, D. S.; Emanuel, W.; Rizzo, B.; Smith, T.; Woodward, F. I.; Fisher, H.; Kittel, T. G. F.; McKeown, R.; Painter, T.; Rosenbloom, N.; Ojima, D. S.; Parton, W. J.; Kicklighter, D. W.; McGuire, A. D.; Melillo, J. M.; Pan, Y.; Haxeltine, A.; Prentice, C.; Sitch, S.; Hibbard, K.; Nemani, R.; Pierce, L.; Running, S.; Borchers, J.; Chaney, J.; Neilson, R.; Braswell, B. H. 1997. Continental scale variability in ecosystem processes: models, data, and the role of disturbance. Ecol. Monogr. 67(2):251–271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shmida, A.; Wilson, M. V. 1985. Biological determinants of species diversity. J. Biogeogr. 12:1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sims, R. A.; Corns, I. G. W.; Klinka, K., editors. 1996. Global to local ecological land classification. Dordrect, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Slocombe, D. S. 1993. Implementing ecosystem-based management. BioScience 43(9):612–622.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sparks, R. E. 1995. Need for ecosystem management of large rivers and their floodplains. BioScience 45:168–182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, J. W. B.; Aselman, I.; Bouwman, A. F.; Desjardins, R. L.; Hicks, B. B.; Matson, P. A.; Rodhe, H.; Schimel, D. S.; Svensson, B. H.; Wassmann, R.; Whiticar, M. J.; Yang, W. 1989. Group report: extrapolation of flux measurements to regional and global scales. In: Andreae, M. O.; Schimel, D. S., eds. Dahlem workshop on exchange of trace gases between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. Berlin: John Wiley & Sons: 155–174.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stork, N. E.; Boyle, T. J.; Dale, V.; Eeley, H.; Finegan, B.; Lawes, M.; Manokaran, N.; Prabhu, R.; Soberon, J. 1997. Criteria and indicators for assessing the sustainability of forest management: conservation of biodiversity. Working Paper No. 17. Jakarta: Center for International Forestry Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanson, F. J.; Kratz, T. K.; Caine, N.; Woodmansee, R. G. 1988. Landform effects on ecosystem patterns and processes. BioScience 38:92–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G. 1989. Landscape ecology: the effect of pattern on process. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 20:171–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G. 1990. Spatial and temporal analysis of landscape patterns. Landscape Ecol. 4:21–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G.; Gardner, R. H. 1991. Quantitative methods in landscape ecology: an introduction. In: Turner, M. G.; Gardner, R. H., eds. Quantitative methods in landscape ecology: the analysis and interpretation of environmental heterogeneity. New York: Springer Verlag: 3–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G.; Dale, V. H.; Gardner, R. H. 1989a. Predicting across scales: theory development and testing. Landscape Ecol. 3:245–252.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G.; O’Neill, R. V.; Gardner, R. H.; Milne, B. T. 1989b. Effect of changing spatial scale on the analysis of landscape pattern. Landscape Ecol. 3:153–162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G.; Hargrove, W. H.; Gardner, R. H.; Romme, W. H. 1994. Effects of fire on landscape heterogeneity in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. J. Veg. Sci. 5:731–742.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, M. G.; Gardner, R. H.; O’Neill, R. V. 1995. Ecological dynamics at broad scales. BioScience 45:S29–S35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Uhlig, P. W. C.; Jordan, J. K. 1996. A spatial hierarchical framework for the co-management of ecosystems in Canada and the United States for the upper Great Lakes region. Environ. Monit. Assess. 39:59–73.

    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.

    Google Scholar 

  • VEMAP members. 1995. Vegetation/ecosystem modeling and analysis project (VEMAP): comparing biogeography and biogeochemistry models in a continental-scale study of terrestrial ecosystem responses to climate change and CO2 doubling. Biogeochem. Cycles 9:407–438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watt, A. S. 1947. Pattern and process in the plant community. J. Ecol. 35:1–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wessman, C. A. 1992. Spatial scales and global change: bridging the gap from plots to GCM grid cells. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 23:175–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Whittaker, R. H. 1972. Evolution and measurement of species diversity. Taxon 21:213–351.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wickham, J. D.; Riitters, K. H. 1995. Sensitivity of landscape metrics to pixel size. Int. J. Remote Sens. 16:3585–3594.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wickham, J. D.; O’Neill, R. V.; Riitters, K. H.; Wade, T.G.; Jones, K. B. 1997. Sensitivity of selected landscape pattern metrics to land-cover misclassification and differences in land-cover composition. Photogramm. Eng. Rem. S. 63:397–402.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiens, J. A. 1989. Spatial scaling in ecology. Funct. Ecol. 3:385–397.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolter, P. T.; Mladenoff, D. J.; Host, G. E.; Crow, T. R. 1995. Improved forest classification in the Lake States using multitemporal Landsat imagery. Photogramm. Eng. Remote Sensing 61:1129–1143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Woodward, F. I. 1987. Climate and plant distribution. London: Cambridge 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. Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishers: 499–517.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zonneveld, I. S. 1989. The land unit—a fundamental concept in landscape ecology, and its applications. Landscape Ecol. 3(2):67–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zonneveld, I. S. 1994. Basic principles of classification. In: Klijn, F., ed. Ecosystem classification for environmental management. Dordrect, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers: 23–47.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Patrick S. Bourgeron
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hope C. Humphries
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Mark E. Jensen
    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

Bourgeron, P.S., Humphries, H.C., Jensen, M.E. (2001). Ecosystem Characterization and Ecological Assessments. 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_4

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8620-7_4

  • 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