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Ecosystem mapping is the stratification
of a landscape into map units, according
to a combination of ecological features,
primarily climate, physiography, surficial
material, bedrock geology, soil, and
vegetation. Ecosystem mapping provides:
- a biological and ecological
framework for land management;
- a means of integrating abiotic
and biotic ecosystem components
on one map;
- basic information on the distribution
of ecosystems from which management
interpretations (e.g., broad-scale
landscape planning, site-specific
interpretations) can be developed;
- a basis for rating values of
resources or indicating sensitivities
in the landscape;
- a historic record of ecological
site conditions that can be used
as a framework for monitoring ecosystem
response to management; and
- a demonstration tool for portraying
ecosystem and landscape diversity.
Ecosystem maps, along with associated
interpretations, supply valuable information
for many uses, particularly planning
resource allocation. The maps are used,
for example, to meet many ecosystem representation
and planning needs, including landscape
unit planning, forest stewardship plan development,
and interpretation of wildlife habitat suitability and
capability.
Data requirements are outlined for
interpretations related to five broad
subject areas: forest management, range
management, wildlife management, biodiversity
management, and terrain/soils.
This methodology has evolved from
two previous methods manuals produced
by the Ministry of Forests (Mitchell
et al., 1989) and the Ministry of Environment,
Lands, and Parks (Demarchi et al., 1990),
and recent experience with application
of 1995 standards (RIC, 1995). It builds
on the collective experience with mapping
and field methods that have been tested
and proven effective in different parts
of the province over the last 20 years.
The approach to the mapping described
here combines aspects of the biogeoclimatic
ecosystem classification (BEC) of the
Ministry of Forests and Range with aspects of
the ecoregion classification of the
Ministry of Environment.
Regional, local, and developmental
ecosystems from four classifications
are mapped: ecoregion (ecoregion units),
zonal (biogeoclimatic units), site (site
series), and vegetation developmental
(structural stages and seral community
types). Figure 1.1 illustrates the relationship
between these four classifications.
Figure 1.1 Hierarchy of ecological
land classifications in British Columbia
Ecoregion and biogeoclimatic polygons
represent broad level regional and climatic
landscape units. Maps typically depict
ecosections and biogeoclimatic zones,
subzones, and variants. Within this
framework, site level units, termed
"ecosystem units," are defined based
on the integration of vegetation, terrain
(surficial material), topography and
soil characteristics. Ecosystem units
are generally derived from the site
series classification within the BEC,
by being further differentiated based
on more specific site conditions (e.g.,
site modifiers), structural developmental
stages, and (sometimes) seral community
types.
The ecosystem units are mapped using
a bioterrain approach, a procedure that
focuses on observable site and biological
features assumed to determine the function
and distribution of plant communities
on the landscape. Map units are delineated
using a combination of aerial photograph
interpretation and field sampling to
verify ecosystem identification and
boundaries.
For more information, visit the
Terrestrial & Predictive Ecosystem Mapping
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