1. Ecosystems and Ecoregions Joe Bonnell Ohio State University Extension School of Environment and Natural Resources

2. Ecoregion A geographically distinct grouping of natural communities and species, which includes ecosystems, that occur as part of a mosaic across the landscape.

3. Ecological Regions of North America

4. Ecoregions of Ohio 55. Ea. Corn Belt Plain (aka, Till Plains) 56. S. Michigan/N. Indiana Drift Plains 57. Huron/Erie Lake Plain 61. Erie Drift Plain 70. Western Allegheny Plateau 71. Interior Plateau 83. Eastern Great Lakes and Hudson Lowlands

5. Ohio’s Natural Heritage By: Michael B. Lafferty Ohio Academy of Science. 1979

6. Comparison of Geology and Ecoregions

8. Comparison of Glacial Deposits and Ecoregions

9. Comparison of Soils and Ecoregions

10. Comparison of Vegetation and Ecoregions

11. Theoretical vs. Actual Land Cover

12. Part 2 Ecosystem Services

13. Ecosystem Services Renewable resources Recycling of nutrients, water, air Building soils Reducing impacts of natural hazards –Flood attenuation –Carbon sequestration Genetic diversity Recreation

14. What services do these ecosystem types provide? Wetland Riparian (streamside) forest Old-growth oak/hickory forest Lake Erie estuary Stream

15. Human Impacts

16. How do these human activities affect ecosystem services? Human habitat (homes, roads, factories) Spread of invasive species Agriculture Dams Deforestation Burning of fossil fuels

17. Ecosystem Management

18. Characteristics of Ecosystem Management Large scale focus Systems thinking Long-term planning Multiple participants (stakeholders) Multiple goals Adaptive (learn as you go and apply what you learn)

19. Ecosystem Management Plan Describes current state of ecosystem Describes human impacts Defines management goals Identifies strategies for achieving goals Identifies responsible parties and timeline