Tools are primarily used to affect the four ecosystem processes common to all terrestrial ecosystems: the water cycle; the mineral cycle; plant and animal succession; and energy flow. Each tool may have direct and indirect effects on one or all of the ecosystem processes.
The manager or team must consider fully the consequences of applying a particular tool prior to selecting it. For example:
• prescribed burning may have a very positive effect on energy flow by reducing stagnation in a plant community and stimulating vigorous new growth Conversely, the water cycle may be damaged by the fire if too much bare ground is exposed as litter is burned away.
• an herbicide may be directed at a target species such as Canada thistle without recognizing that other desirable broadleaf plants will also be killed, with a subsequent decrease in plant species diversity (plant succession and energy flow).
• an in-stream structure may provide excellent trout cover but negatively affect downstream bank stability (water cycle).
|
Remember: The overall or terminal impacts of any tool must be anticipated prior to its implementation. |
