and to consider some of the implications for land use. The global extent of
this book and its maps dictates that its ecoregion classification scheme be
kept simple as possible, recognizing only principal ecoregion types. Where
regional studies require additional detail, numerous additional subdivisions
as needed can be added within an ecoregion type. For an example of detailed
regional studies of ecoregions which follow this principle of creating
subdivisions within the recognized world types, see “Ecoregions of the
United States” (Bailey 1995).
Ecoregions was written for several audiences. In addition to the environmental planners and decision-makers mentioned at the beginning of this
Preface, I hope that the increasing visibility of scale- and system-based
science in ecological and environmental research will bring this work to
the attention of workers in those fields. In addition, students and instructors
should find the ecoregion approach useful in courses ranging from environmental planning to biogeography and ecosystem or landscape ecology.
I am indebted to Preston E. James, Gu ¨nter Dietrich, John J. Hidore, Arthur
N. Strahler and Alan H. Strahler, Heinrich Walter, and J. Schultz, for their
own wonderful and insightful books.
I would like to acknowledge John M. Crowley, who began the work of
global ecosystem regionalization. Recognition should also go to Chris
Risbrudt, Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination in the
Washington Office of the U.S. Forest Service, for his support. My thanks to
Lev and Linda Ropes for helping me explain and illustrate the ideas in this
book. The maps were made by Jon Havens. Susan Strawn made some of the
drawings. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Rob Garber at
Springer-Verlag.
Fort Collins, CO
Robert G. Bailey
April 1998
x
Preface to the First Edition
this book and its maps dictates that its ecoregion classification scheme be
kept simple as possible, recognizing only principal ecoregion types. Where
regional studies require additional detail, numerous additional subdivisions
as needed can be added within an ecoregion type. For an example of detailed
regional studies of ecoregions which follow this principle of creating
subdivisions within the recognized world types, see “Ecoregions of the
United States” (Bailey 1995).
Ecoregions was written for several audiences. In addition to the environmental planners and decision-makers mentioned at the beginning of this
Preface, I hope that the increasing visibility of scale- and system-based
science in ecological and environmental research will bring this work to
the attention of workers in those fields. In addition, students and instructors
should find the ecoregion approach useful in courses ranging from environmental planning to biogeography and ecosystem or landscape ecology.
I am indebted to Preston E. James, Gu ¨nter Dietrich, John J. Hidore, Arthur
N. Strahler and Alan H. Strahler, Heinrich Walter, and J. Schultz, for their
own wonderful and insightful books.
I would like to acknowledge John M. Crowley, who began the work of
global ecosystem regionalization. Recognition should also go to Chris
Risbrudt, Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination in the
Washington Office of the U.S. Forest Service, for his support. My thanks to
Lev and Linda Ropes for helping me explain and illustrate the ideas in this
book. The maps were made by Jon Havens. Susan Strawn made some of the
drawings. As always, it has been a pleasure to work with Rob Garber at
Springer-Verlag.
Fort Collins, CO
Robert G. Bailey
April 1998
x
Preface to the First Edition