Toward an integrated classification of ecosystems: Defining opportunities for managing fish and forest health

Many of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest Uni ted States have been simplified and degraded in part through past land-mana gement activities. Recent listings of fishes under the Endangered Species A ct and major new initiatives for the restoration of forest health have prec ipitated contentious debate among managers and conservation interests in th e region. Because aggressive management activities proposed far forest rest oration may directly affect watershed processes and functions, the goals of aquatic and terrestrial conservation and restoration are generally viewed as in conflict. The inextricable links in ecological processes and function s, however, suggest the two perspectives should really represent elements o f the same problem; that of conserving and restoring more functional landsc apes. We used recent information on the status and distribution of forest a nd fish communities to classify river subbasins across the region and explo re the potential conflict and opportunity for a more integrated view of man agement. Our classification indicated that there are often common trends in terrestrial and aquatic communities that highlight areas of potential conv ergence in management goals. Regions where patterns diverge may emphasize t he need for particular care and investment in detailed risk analyses. Our s patially explicit classification of subbasin conditions provides a mechanis m for progress in three areas that we think is necessary for a more integra ted approach to management: (1) communication among disciplines; (2) effect ive prioritization of limited conservation and restoration resources; and ( 3) a framework for experimentation and demonstration of commitment and unte sted restoration techniques.