Getting the message across: using ecological integrity to communicate with resource managers

摘要: This chapter describes and illustrates how concepts of ecological integrity, thresholds, reference conditions can be integrated into a research monitoring framework for natural resource management. Ecological integrity has been defined as measure the composition, structure, function an ecosystem in relation to system’s or historical range variation, well perturbations caused by anthropogenic agents change. Using communicate with managers requires five steps, often implemented iteratively: (1) document scale project current conceptual understanding ecosystem, (2) select appropriate metrics representing (3) define externally verified assessment points (metric values that signify change need management action) metrics, (4) collect data calculate metric scores, (5) summarize status using variety reporting methods. While we present steps linearly clarity, actual implementation this approach may require addressing different order revisiting (such selection) multiple times are collected. Knowledge relevant thresholds is important when selected, because identify where small changes environmental driver produce large responses ecosystem. Metrics at just beyond limits variability excellent, since moving normal produces marked their values. Alternatively, within but near edge serve harbingers potential Identifying also contributes decisions about selection points. In particular, if there significant resistance perturbation threshold behavior not occurring until provide scientific basis shifting point range. We two case studies ongoing US National Park Service Vital Signs program illustrate use managers. The Wetland Integrity Rocky Mountain study uses analytical specifically incorporates detection process establishing Forest Northeastern Parks method other decision makers. believe our wide applicability