Below, you will find ecosystem services resources specifically tailored for forest systems. We suggest that you first examine the conceptual model collection, then explore the linked resources that build from these models. This page is an evolving resource portal—it will be periodically updated as we expand our resource collection over time.
These resources were developed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
Ecosystem Services Conceptual Models (ESCMs) offer an entry point for incorporating a suite of ecosystem services considerations into a program or project.
Resources for building and using ecosystem services conceptual models.
Monitoring of biophysical and ecological metrics is relatively common in natural resource management, but metrics for socioeconomic (ecosystem services-related) outcomes are less common.
Many USFS decisions use scenarios to assess how different management approaches will meet objectives, and what trade-offs are likely to occur. Often, this is done using predictive models developed by USFS.
Specific use cases for varying contexts including facilitation, choosing metrics, and identifying services and beneficiaries.
Education and outreach materials that emphasize ecosystem services are a great way to engage non-environmental stakeholders in environmental issues, because they are able to show how the environment affects things that people care about.
