Ecosystem Analysis

Ecosystem analysis at the watershed scale is the process used by the Umatilla National Forest to characterize the historic and current biotic and abiotic conditions for individual watersheds. The understanding gained from ecosystem analysis is critical for heling to sustain the health and resilience of natural resources administered on behalf of the American people. 

The purpose of these analyses was to collect, analyze and synthesize existing information about individual watersheds to:

• Provide a picture of historic and current watershed conditions;
• Determine what changes have occurred since the arrival of Euro-Americans and how those changes have affected ecosystem sustainability; and
• Determine what activities could or should be undertaken in order to restore ecosystem function and resiliency in these particular watersheds.