California
Site Characterization
Introduction
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An Ecological Approach
Where much is known about the natural history and ecology of the coastal mainland of California and its related marine resources, only limited attention has been paid to the offshore rocks and small islands. Therefore, one of the on-going priorities related to the implementation of the California Coastal National Monument (CCNM) is the collection of data specific to the resources and resource values associated with the monument. In order to provide a complete ecological perspective of the CCNM, all three of the basic dimensions of an ecosystem- -physical, biological, and socio-cultural or the “ABCs” of an ecosystem (i.e., abiotic, biotic, and cultural)- -need to be taken into account. Working to understand the interconnectedness of all three of these dimensions as they apply to the CCNM is an on going effort.
The physical dimension is made up of all of the non-organic, abiotic elements of an ecosystem. This consists of the non-living material components of the environment, such as rocks, water, and air, and can include the topography, geology, climate, nutrients, and hydrology.
The biological dimension is made up of all of the living or biotic elements of an ecosystem. This includes all plants and animals, as well as involving food webs, microbes, and diseases.
The socio-cultural dimension consists of those elements of an ecosystem dealing with the origin, development, organization, and functioning of human societies and cultures. This includes all human-made modifications of the environment, current and past, and involves land uses, economics, beliefs, lifestyle, and social groups. |
The “ABCs”
Anything within the landscape can be placed within one of these three ecosystem dimensions. Each of these ecosystem dimensions- -the “ABCs” of an ecosystem- -is briefly discussed in the sidebar to the right, based on Manley et al. (1995).
Site Characterization Outline
General Setting
Abiotic (Physical)
Biotic (Biological)
Special-Status Vegetation Species
Non-Native Vegetation Species & Noxious Weeds
Cultural (Socio-Cultural)
Cultural Resources (Prehistoric & Historic)
Traditional Cultural Properties
References
California Coastal National Monument:
A Partnership in Protecting Unique California Coastal Resources
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