Ecological indicators for the nation

1. Introduction

Why Are Ecological Indicators Needed?

This Study

Key Ecological Processes and Products That People Value

Establishing Baselines to Evaluate Trends

Evaluating Indicators

Realistic Expectations about the Value of Indicators

2. Empirical and Conceptual Foundations of Indicators

Scientific Underpinnings of Indicators

Using Multiple Approaches

Historical and Paleoecological Data As Aids to Indicator Development

Sources of Information about Current Ecological Processes

Models to Assess Ecosystem Functioning

Committee's Conceptual Model for Choosing Indicators

3. Framework for Indicator Selection

Criteria for Evaluating Indicators

Information Handling and Calibration

Data Quality Control, Archiving, and Assignment of Responsibilities

Use of the Committee Framework

4. Indicators for National Ecological Assessment

Extent and Status of the Nation's Ecosystems

Indicators of Ecological Capital: A. Biotic Raw Materials

Indicators of Ecological Capital: B. Abiotic Raw Materials

Indicators of the Performance of the Nation's Ecosystems

Indicators of Nutrient-Use Efficiency and Nutrient Balances in Agroecosystems

Research Needs

5. Local and Regional Indicators

Productivity Indicators

Forests as an Example

Indicators of Species Diversity

6. References

App. A. Variability, Complexity, and the Design of Sampling Procedures

App. B. Markov Matrices of Landscape Change

App. C. Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff.