STRATEGY 4.2.1: Ecosystem Changes

Identify and predict ecosystem changes.

Other Information:

The Department will conduct ongoing research to support and inform decisions related to ecological systems for land, water, and fish and wildlife population management. Climate and land use changes are the key drivers of changes in ecosystems, and strategies for protecting climate-sensitive ecosystems will be increasingly important. Terrestrial and aquatic populations and their habitats are studied to understand their condition and function within ecosystems and provide information to improve management and conservation actions. For example, the USGS will endeavor to determine the impacts and interactions that climate change, invasive plant and animal species, wildfire, disease, and other stressors have on the state of the Nation's biological resources. Managing and protecting the biological and physical components that support ecosystem services and processes is a priority of the Department, especially as it relates to the impacts of climate change.

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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