This long-anticipated reference and sourcebook for CaliforniaÕs remarkable ecological abundance provides an integrated assessment of each major ecosystem typeÑits distribution, structure, function, and management. A comprehensive synthesis of our knowledge about this biologically diverse state, Ecosystems of California covers the state from oceans to mountaintops using multiple lenses: past and present, flora and fauna, aquatic and terrestrial, natural and managed. Each chapter evaluates natural processes for a specific ecosystem, describes drivers of change, and discusses how that ecosystem may be altered in the future. This book also explores the drivers of CaliforniaÕs ecological patterns and the history of the stateÕs various ecosystems, outlining how the challenges of climate change and invasive species and opportunities for regulation and stewardship could potentially affect the stateÕs ecosystems. The text explicitly incorporates both human impacts and conservation and restoration efforts and shows how ecosystems support human well-being. Edited by two esteemed ecosystem ecologists and with overviews by leading experts on each ecosystem, this definitive work will be indispensable for natural resource management and conservation professionals as well as for undergraduate or graduate students of CaliforniaÕs environment and curious naturalists.

The report presents an assessment of the dredge spoil disposal problem and outlines a research program designed to provide needed information concerning current and potential spoil disposal practices. The report format is intended to reflect the two basic objectives of the report. Section A is directed toward management level review and presents (a) pertinent background information concerning the dredge spoil disposal problem and the current study, (b) conclusions and recommendations resulting from the problem assessment phase of the study, and (c) an outline of the recommended research program. Section B provides an objective assessment of the nationwide problem in sufficient detail to permit meaningful technical review by other interested personnel within and outside the Corps. Section C has been included to show a total-problem organizational structure which is being used to guide the development of the detailed research plan.

Summarizes the science of climate change and impacts on the United States, for the public and policymakers.