This report is the first assessment to be made of the extent and status of 

 the ecological research being carried out by Federal agencies. It was 

 prepared by an Ad Hoc Committee on Ecological Research, chartered jointly 

 by the Council on Environmental Quality and the Federal Council for 

 Science and Technology. 



At the time the committee was convened and charged with the prepara- 

 tion of this report, Dr. Edward E. David was Chairman of FCST and Russell 

 E. Train was Chairman of CEQ. We are indebted to them for inspiring and 

 directing this important effort. 



We invite your careful consideration of the content of the report as well 

 as of the significance of the discipline of ecology to the solution of many 

 urgent national and international problems and the accomplishment of in- 

 dividual and societal goals. 



(^-^^^^..jjry-^jit^z^.^ 



Russell W. Peterson H. Gy(^f(5rd Stever 



Chairman Chairman 



Council on Environmental Federal Council for Science 

 QuaHty and Technology 



III 



