Abstract:
This proposal requests support for a highly integrated series of investigations
within the Analysis of Ecosystem Program of the United States effort under the
international Biological Program. The program for the Coniferous Forest Biome
has been approved by the U. S. Executive Committee for the IBP as an integrated
research program and is integrated with other programs in progress or under
development for the Analysis of Ecosystems.
The proposal which is concerned with the coniferous forest ecosystem is one of six which will collectively cover the important ecosystems of North America.
The coniferous forest, with which this proposal is concerned, occupies about
32 percent of the land area of the western United States, including Alaska.
The products from this land area, such as wood, forage, water, fish, and wildlife,
are most important to the physical and economic well being of the nation. In
addition, large areas are used for recreational activities by increasing numbers
of people.
The productivity of the land areas varies greatly from place to place as does
the potential for and capacity to accommodate large numbers of recreation seekers.
Arguments about the management of these lands for single or multiple purposes and
for recreational activity have been in the forefront of forestry and ecological
literature for many years. We know that some are more vulnerable to ill considered
use than others and many areas are being subjected to extreme modification through
urban developments. We believe that a complete understanding of the forest ecosystem,
to which this proposal is directed, will provide a basis for more intelligent
management and use of these lands and thereby have important social consequences.
Therefore, the research proposed can claim an urgency as well as scientific and
practical value.
