U. S. Geological Survey Ecosystems Science Strategy-Advancing Discovery and Application through Collaboration.

摘要

This document describes a 10-year strategy to address priority environmental and resource management challenges for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Ecosystems Mission Area. The strategy articulates a vision to improve understanding of how and why ecosystems change and explains how USGS ecosystem science can help inform managers and policy-makers to sustain and restore natural resources, protect vital ecosystem services, and secure the long-term health and economic well-being of U.S. citizens. Ecosystem science is by nature a collaborative process involving many scientific disciplines and expertise, and though the USGS has a strong, interdisciplinary science workforce, it is not the only agency involved in ecosystem research. We recognize that many Federal, State, and nongovernmental agencies and universities are actively involved in ecosystem science, and we hope that the strategy articulated in this document will provide a framework to build on interdisciplinary partnerships for future collaboration. Fundamental to the ongoing development of the Ecosystems Strategy has been the engagement of external partners and USGS scientists and managers across USGS mission areas. Team members have participated in more than 25 listening sessions, including sessions held for USGS regional offices, science centers, offices of other Department of the Interior (DOI) bureaus, and participants at regional science workshops and national conferences. Input has been received verbally and in writing from many USGS colleagues, partners, and stakeholders who addressed the team by way of teleconferences, during listening sessions, and through the USGS Science Strategy Planning Team (SSPT) Web site. The team compiled, categorized, and evaluated verbal and written input from all of these sources and the resulting plan was released for public comment in June 2012 as USGS Open-File Report 20121092. This Circular represents a final compilation of the input we have received toward developing this science strategy. Future implementation will involve a collaborative process among USGS associate directors, program coordinators, science center directors, and DOI partners.