Thinking Big to Conserve and Restore the Columbia River Basin

As the human population of the Columbia River Basin (CRB) has grown and the settlements and technologies of the region transformed the landscape, the ecology of the region has changed profoundly. A contemporary challenge is to manage the region’s ecosystems today to retain the quality of life and the richness of natural resources that have characterized the region. A goal is to carry forward vital societies and economies, as well as healthy, diverse, and sustainable habitats, fish, and wildlife. Many individuals and agencies participate in responsibility for such planning and stewardship, but how can their individual and collective actions best be aimed and coordinated to be effective in reaching desired and feasible outcomes? The Independent Science Advisory Board (ISAB) has reviewed the recent scientific literature and distilled recommendations for more effective and efficient analysis, action, conservation, and restoration of the habitats and biota of the CRB. A central conclusion is that Thinking Big, thinking and working inclusively and at very large spatial scales, ranging from watersheds to Subbasins, Ecological Provinces, and even the entire Columbia River Basin, is needed to most effectively move forward. This presentation and the following two highlight the recommendations of the ISAB’s report. Improved ability to think and act at large spatial scales will enable more efficient and more effective efforts to conserve and restore sustainable environments and biota. Elements that contribute to more efficient and effective management include (1) modern tools for visualization, analysis,  and scenario forecasting, (2) improved understanding of ecosystems and their integration into working  inhabited landscapes, and (3) better knowledge of how landscapes support populations of fish and wildlife that are resilient and capable of  persistence in changing  conditions. We summarize the report’s recommendations as Principles (socioeconomic, landscape, integrative, and adaptive) and a set of minimal Criteria for evaluating the likely effectiveness of alternative restorations plans.