Ecosystem Management in the United States

Scientists, researchers, land managers, environmental and citizen groups, and policy makers from across the political spectrum have in recent years embraced the concept of "ecosystem management." And while the dialogue often becomes mired in questions of definition -- just what is ecosystem management, and what are its goals -- people throughout the country have actively begun to take an ecosystem approach to resource management. It is becoming increasingly apparent that only by learning through experience will the theoretical and conceptual issues of the debate be resolved.

Ecosystem Management in the United States is the first practical and comprehensive guide to ecosystem management efforts nationwide that meets the needs of practitioners and decisionmakers alike. The book provides:

• conclusions about the aggregate experience at 105 representative ecosystem management sites
• two-page descriptions of each of the 105 sites: the projects and project areas, the stresses that are evident on site, and the strategies employed to deal with them
• an assessment of the status of each effort, including factors that are facilitating and constraining progress
• contact information for follow-up
• summary information including maps and lists of projects by state and region, date of origin, land ownership patterns, and size
• matrixes arraying projects by features such as outcomes, stresses, and organizations involved

The book is a unique and timely resource that significantly advances our understanding of the realities of ecosystem management by moving the debate from vague discussions of theory to an examination of real issues faced by people who are actually working with ecosystem-based approaches. It is an invaluable reference for everyone involved with land management or protection.