Priorities For Ecological Protection: An Initial List And Discussion Document For U.S. EPA
Our work group reviewed current trends in ecological protection, and found a pattern of longer-term objectives and increasing complexity of temporal and spatial scales. We also identified eight ecological entities of widespread concern and propose them as a list of common entities. We believe that such a list has many advantages, and hope that our recommendations will lead to agreement on how to focus the Agency's efforts. The list can help turn the general goals provided by EPA laws into concrete, specific objectives that can guide assessments and actions. Above all, we hope that Agency decision makers will use this document and share their experiences with others. Only by learning from experience can we develop a useful and sound approach to protection of valued ecological entities.