Structure and Functioning of Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network: Conceptual Models and Vital Signs Monitoring
Rentch JS. 2006. Structure and Functioning of Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network: Conceptual Models and Vital Signs Monitoring. Natural Resources Report NPS/NER/NRR—2006/007. National Park Service, Northeast Region. Philadelphia, PA
This report presents the conceptual ecological models describing the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems for park units in the Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network. These models have been developed to support the National Park Service’s (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring Program (I&M Program) in this region, and in particular, to complement the identification of “vital signs” that will be used in long-term monitoring of park resources. The report starts with background information concerning vital signs, and the physiographic and ecological scope of the report. Next, the purposes of conceptual models are discussed, and a conceptual model and literature review are presented to characterize important functional relationships among biotic and abiotic components of terrestrial ecosystems. We then summarize the main anthropogenic stressors that have caused, or threaten to cause, changes in the ecosystem integrity and sustainability, and conclude with a list of proposed vitals signs that was prepared by Hicks et al. (2005).
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Rentch, James
- Date of Issue
- 2006-07
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Northeast Region
- Units
- ALPO , BLUE , DEWA , FONE , FRHI , GARI , JOFL , NERI , NERO , UPDE
- Keywords
- Ecosystems, Models, Monitoring, Terrestrial