An Examination of References for Ecosystems in a Watershed Context: Results of a Scientific Pulse in Redwood National and State Parks, California
Lisle TE, Cummins K, Madej M. 2007. An Examination of References for Ecosystems in a Watershed Context: Results of a Scientific Pulse in Redwood National and State Parks, California. Pages 118-129. In Advancing the Fundamental Sciences: Proceedings of the Forest Service National Earth Sciences Conference. San Diego, California. October 18-22, 2004
Excerpt from paper: "Characteristics of reference sites for stream and riparian ecosystems were examined and discussed during a pulse (a short, interdisciplinary field-based inquiry) that visited three pristine streams in old-growth redwood forests in northern California. We concluded that useful reference sites need not be pristine, but must be rich in data linking physical and biological processes, and must frame conditions in a watershed context. Not requiring pristine conditions allows data-rich watersheds with a spectrum of conditions to be incorporated into a regional reference framework. We describe and exemplify three types of references: 1) Reference sites (e.g., watersheds) offer real-world examples of how ecosystems function over time; 2) Reference parameters measured in a region offer first-cut comparisons that can lead to deeper, more contextual analyses; 3) Analytical references can reveal disturbance-related departures from conditions predicted with simple assumptions about some aspects of system behavior. Each type has strengths and weaknesses, and used in combination they can effectively inform management decisions."
- Type
- Conference Proceeding Paper
- Authors
- Lisle, Thomas; Cummins, Ken; Madej, Mary Ann
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- environmental references, fluvial geomorphology, stream ecology, watersheds