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WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM APPROACH? <br /> Ecosystem Planning and Renewal <br /> When neighborhoods become dysfunctional through abuse or neglect, urban renewal projects are <br /> sponsored to revitalize them. Since human communities exist as a part of, not apart from ecosystems, we must insure that the level of concern reserved for human activities applies to the <br /> ecosystems that support them. Ecosystem renewal programs are necessary to revitalize our <br /> damaged ecosystems. With the Oregon Ecosystems Program, we propose to initiate a coordinated <br /> ecosystems approach to biological conservation that will be a foundation for future Service efforts. <br /> The program will stress cooperation and coordination among State and Federal agencies, establish <br /> voluntary partnerships with private groups and individuals, and utilize geographic information <br /> systems (GIS) technology coupled with a landscape ecology approach, for project planning and to <br /> help analyze and resolve resource issues. For example: <br /> • Form partnerships with other agencies and the public to help incorporate human <br /> activities into ecosystem planning and recovery actions. <br /> • Utilize existing planning processes and cooperative agreements when possib le, <br /> such as Oregon's Coordinated Resource Management and Planning program, <br /> the Service's recovery planning process. <br /> • Work within existing agency authorities to provide expertise and funding for <br /> program actions. <br /> • Utilize present and develop future landscape analysis techniques, in cooperation <br /> with other agencies and existing programs. <br /> • Protection, Restoration, Enhancement: Use landscape analysis techniques to <br /> identify and set priorities for habitat improvement projects, assessment of <br /> environmental contaminants, wetland fill permits, hydropower licenses, and <br /> Federal water resources development projects. <br /> • Endangered Species: Focus listing actions on and actions est represent e the full <br /> ecosystems. Develop ecosystem recovery plans <br /> variety of species and habitats within ecosystems. Where possible, develop <br /> ecosystem conservation plans that preclude the need for new listings. <br /> Information and Education <br /> Key elements for successful "renewal" programs include involving the public in the program, and <br /> instilling "pride of ownership" in local communities for their natural neighborhoods. These will be <br /> accomplished by: <br /> • Seeking active public involvement in planning program actions. <br /> • Developing educational programs to convey key ecological concepts and <br /> principles. <br /> • Using public knowledge and comments to develop, critique, and /or modify <br /> program activities. <br /> SUMMARY <br /> The intent of the Oregon Ecosystems Program is to provide the Service with a proactive p <br /> to help identify and resolve resource issues at the landscape level. The voluntary program <br /> carried out in partnership with other agencies, organizations, and landowners. No new legal <br /> authorities are needed. Coordinated comprehensive planning efforts will ultimately reduce the <br /> planningloa "of State and Federal agencies. Although existing reactive programs, such as <br /> involvement in regulatory processes, will continue, the Oregon Ecosystems Program will reduce <br /> • future conflicts by helping to restore ecosystem functions, sustain viable populations of native <br /> plants and animals, maintain biodiversity, and build understanding and better cooperative working <br /> relationships in Oregon communities. <br />