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 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.