1. Developing an Ecosystems Science Strategy for the USGS and the Nation Gary Brewer and Ken Williams Ecosystem SSPT Co-Chairs U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey

2. Background on the USGS Science Planning Process In 2010, the USGS realigned around the broad science themes outlined in our 10-year Bureau-level strategy. Teams of USGS scientists are now leading the creation of 10-year science strategies for each of the new USGS Mission Areas. USGS employees, external partners and stakeholders, and the public are being asked to weigh in on these strategies and major questions informing their creation. These strategies are scheduled to be completed in October of 2011. Learn more at www.usgs.gov/start_with_science/.www.usgs.gov/start_with_science/

3. Core Ecosystem SSPT Members NamePosition Ken Williams (Co-Chair)Chief, Cooperative Research Units Gary Brewer (Co-Chair)Ocean Science Coordinator, Coastal and Marine Geology Program Jim CloernSenior Scientist, National Research Program Guy GelfenbaumOceanographer, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Robb JacobsonResearch Hydrologist, Columbia Environmental Research Center Jeff KershnerCenter Director, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center Dave McGuireUnit Leader, Alaska Cooperative Research Unit Jim NicholsSenior Scientist, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Carl ShapiroDirector, Center for Science, Decisions, and Resources Management Charles Van RiperSenior Scientist, Southwest Biological Science Center Robin WhiteBureau Approving Official, Office of Science Quality & Integrity Lynn WingardPaleoecologist, Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center 3

4. Outline of the Ecosystem Science Strategy Introduction Why ecosystem science and why USGS? Strategic Science Goals (about 5-6) Overview and justification Vision statement Major Research Questions (about 6-8) Strategic Actions and Products Short term (1 to 5 years) Longer-term (5 to10 years) Critical Cross-cutting Capabilities Implementation Plan for Delivering Science Appendices Literature Cited 4

5. 3-Step Hierarchical Planning Framework An Example from the SSPT Plan on “Climate and Land-Use Change” ActionsQuestions Goals Improve understanding and prediction of biological responses to global change How will global change affect biodiversity from genetic to population scales across ecosystems? Document genetic diversity for plant and wildlife species of concern and biodiversity in ecosystems of concern.... 5

6. Steps in Strategic Plan Development Identify examples of potential strategic ecosystem science goals, questions, and actions/products Inform and engage stakeholders with an open inclusive process Identify extended working groups to flesh-out the Plan’s framework Consolidate and prioritize input through consensus Make drafts available for review by interested stakeholders 6

7. Preliminary Examples of Ecosystem Focus Issues (Goals) Understanding ecosystem structure, function and processes Understanding how drivers and stressors influence ecosystem change Understanding the services that ecosystems provide to society Science to support strategies for adaptation, restoration and conservation of ecosystems Tools and approaches that will better inform decisions about ecosystems 7

8. USGS Ecosystem Science 8 Ecosystem Science is the study of organisms interacting with their environment and the consequences of natural and human induced change on those systems What are the most important ecosystem science needs and challenges for the coming decade? What actions do you recommend that the USGS take to address these ecosystem science needs and challenges? How can USGS better provide relevant and timely ecosystem science information to decision makers, the scientific community, and the public?