experiments on selected ecosystems so as to measure ecosystem 

 responses. Investigations into responses by individual species to 

 specific perturbations in their environment are essential to 

 comprehensive prediction about the whole. 



Based on the ability to predict is the ability to plan more scientifically, 

 and knowing how much societal development can be accommodated 

 without destroying the vitality of ecosystems. 



Recommendations ^"^' Develop improved capabilities for ecological 



research, including advances in conceptual frame- 

 works, systems science, experimental design, and 

 mathematical models. Augment these tools with basic 

 ecological inventory data. Goals are to develop 

 predictive capabilities of the effects of technological 

 and sociological influences on the environment and to 

 improve ecosystems management. 



b. Support Federal involvement in research programs 

 ^vhich strengthen the development of ecology as a 

 discipline, in universities, Federal laboratories, and 

 State activities. 



3-a, Assign highest priority to ecological research 

 programs that: 



(1) Gather information on the composition and func- 

 tioning of ecosystems. 



(2) Help predict the ecological effects of technolog- 

 ical developments. 



(3) Serve to minimize or mitigate ecological impacts 

 of man's disturbances, and restore damaged eco- 

 systems to productive status. 



(4) Develop means to improve management of 

 renewable natural resources. 



(5) Strengthen ecologists' capabilities to apply their 

 expertise and knowledge to solving relevant 

 environmental problems. 



b. Implement this recommendation by support of Federal 

 programs which utilize ecological research to achieve 

 agency goals. 



4-a. Utilize naturally bounded regional systems of 

 landscape as units for research planning and 

 management, rather than artificial or political 

 subdivisions. 



b. Implement this recommendation by integrating in the 

 least disruptive manner with presently established 

 agency regions, while adapting political units to 

 regional ecosystem units. 



