![[BC Forest Service Home Page]](http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/images/forser1.gif)
|
|
|
| B.C. Ministry of Forests
| Abstract for Bro66
| |
|
| Understanding Ecosystem Processes
| Ministry Contact: Ministry of Forests
| | Branch: Forest Practices Branch - Range Section
| | Subject: Range Management
| | Series: Pamphlet
| | Other details: Published 2001
| |
Abstract
Understanding Ecosystem Processes
Times are changing. For much of British Columbia's history, its rangelands were thought of in terms of how much livestock grazing they provided. Uplands were managed for forage production. Riparian areas were considered "sacrifice areas" impractical to manage within the context of vast uplands. Wetlands were "wastelands" to be drained and put to "productive" use. Those days are over. One of the most powerful forces of change is society's growing awareness of the value and vulnerability of western rangeland watersheds and their associated riparian areas and wetlands. This awareness is being translated into a growing body of laws, policies and regulations. These require rangeland grazing practices that will protect and enhance ecosystem diversity and water quality on rangeland watersheds.
As the Forest Practices Code is implemented, the range resources of the province are being assessed and managed to achieve broad land use goals. One of these goals is to assure that Crown range is utilized properly to maintain or improve all resource values. A successful range management strategy involves practices that take these into account with a goal to attain Properly Functioning Condition in upland and riparian systems. See pamphlet 1 in this series for details on this subject. This pamphlet will help you gain an understanding of ecosystems processes.
Search for other Ministry of Forests and Range Publications.
Please direct questions or comments regarding
publications to For.Prodres@gov.bc.ca
![[Get Adobe Acrobat Reader]](http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/images/getacro.gif){kind=small}
