ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: A NEW NRS-FIA ANALYTICAL SCIENCE INITIATIVE

Forest ecosystem services (ES) are linked to sustaining human well-being. Recognizing an inappropriate economic valuation of ecosystem properties and processes, many ecologists, economists, and political scientists have pushed for an increasing awareness and appreciation of ES. Many definitions of ES include both direct and indirect benefits humans derive from ecosystem properties or processes. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) typology classifies ES into four categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services; this framework enables linkages between Northern Research Station Forest Inventory and Analysis (NRS-FIA) research activities and specific services within MA categories.. A subset of those ES for which additional information is needed will be addressed in a proposed NRS-FIA ES science team.