Why is the DNR developing ECS?

The DNR, especially the Division of Forestry, was barraged with a series of environmental issues in the late 1980's. The focus of these issues varied: endangered species, use of herbicides, non-point source pollution and ecosystem impacts associated with extensive timber harvesting. Each issue raised questions about impacts that forest management was having on other resources and the environment. Their cumulative message highlighted changing social values and demands placed on natural resources along with a heightened awareness of ecosystems. A new tool was needed to begin to understand the relationships between single ecosystem components and the ecosystem as a whole, and the interrelationships between resources. Existing inventories and data focused on single components of ecosystems such as timber or soil; the linkages among the components were missing or poorly defined.

Fundamental land management units. Historically, individual resources such as timber or wildlife were managed independently by separate Divisions within the DNR. In addition, DNR land was managed independently from that of adjacent landowners. Management is now moving toward an integrated approach. Ecosystems are a fundamental land management unit of that approach. 

The 1994 Strategic Directions Plan for the DNR emphasized ecosystems in its goal statements: 

Ecosystem Approaches

Implement ecosystem-based approaches.

Teams and Partnerships

Develop shared management goals for ecosystems

Priority Geographic Areas

Concentrate efforts on pristine, unique, over-utilized natural systems. 

Sustainability

Promote by economic means policies that sustain ecosystems. 

Stakeholder Involvement

Work with the public to develop ecological approaches to land management. 

Traditional Strengths

Continue to provide traditional resource products with a commitment to ecosystem-based management.

Leadership

Provide leadership in building statewide capacity to implement ecosystem-based management.

The responsibility of identifying, characterizing, and mapping ecosystems has fallen largely on ecological classification programs in natural resource agencies. In Minnesota, these programs have produced maps and integrated information/data for the upper level units of ECS. These products of ECS will provide: