Forest ThreatNet

Volume 9, Issue 2 - May/June 2016

Science Partners Launch Ecosystem Benefits and Risks Website

Science Partners Launch “Ecosystem Benefits and Risks”

The Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) and the U.S. Forest Service are releasing products from the first phase of an ongoing study assessing benefits of and risks to the region's "ecosystem services" -- natural assets valued by people such as clean drinking water, outdoor recreation, forest products, and biological conservation. A wealth of data, maps, and other knowledge on ecosystem services and risks to their sustainability are now available on the “Ecosystem Benefits and Risks” website within the Appalachian LCC Web Portal. The new website provides regional resources and tools for planners, managers, and the interested public across the Appalachians. Eastern Threat Center research ecologist Lars Pomara said the goal of the research is to “link the values that society places on these benefits from nature with threats to their current and future sustainability to inform future resource management decisions and enhance conservation.” Read more in CompassLive, and download the “Ecosystem Benefits and Risks” fact sheet.

Pictured: Appalachian communities often place value on the unique sense of place that comes from living in largely forested areas, but rapid urbanization, energy development, and climate change can put these values at risk. Photo by Ralph Preston.

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