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Issues in Ecology

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Issues in Ecology uses commonly-understood language to report the consensus of a panel of scientific experts on issues related to the environment. It is an official publication of the Ecological Society of America, the largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge. Founded in 1915, ESA seeks to promote the responsible application of ecological principles to the solution of environmental problems.

The audience for Issues in Ecology includes decision-makers at all levels for whom an objective presentation of the underlying science will increase the occurrence of ecologically-informed decisions. Issues in Ecology aims to build public understanding of the importance of the products and services provided by the environment to society. Recommended policy or management actions are not necessary, but may be included in Issues.

The text for every Issues in Ecology is reviewed for technical content by external expert reviewers. While each Issue will stand alone, ESA will also consider publishing up to four Issues under one theme to address different aspects of broad ecological issues, such as the carbon cycle, ecology and agriculture, or causes or effects of climate change. Serita Frey is the Editor-in-Chief for this series.

Permissions requests for Issues in Ecology should be directed to esahq@nullesa.org.

The Ecology of Rural Roads: Effects, Management and Research

Issue #23, Summer 2021
Alisa W. Cofin et al.

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Supplemental Materials

Gunnison Sage Grouse and Road Traffic

Innovative Finance For Conservation: Roles For Ecologists and Practitioners

Issue #22, Fall 2020
Amanda D. Rodelwald et al.

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Supplemental Materials

Guide for Conservation Community

Impacts to Wildlife of Wind Energy Siting and Operation in the United States

Issue #21, Fall 2019
Taber D. Allison et al.

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Supplemental Materials

Guide for Conservation Community Guide for Decision-Makers

Species Recovery in the United States: Increasing the Effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act

Issue #20, Winter 2016
Daniel M. Evans et al.

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Investing in Citizen Science Can Improve Natural Resource Management and Environmental Protection

Issue #19, Fall 2015
Duncan C. McKinley et al.

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Climate Change and U.S. Natural Resources: Advancing the Nation’s Capability to Adapt

Issue #18, Fall 2013
Susan Julius et al.

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Ecological Dimensions of Biofuels

Issue #17, Spring 2013
Clifford S. Duke et al.
Additional Information: Biofuels reports

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The Role of Landscape Connectivity in Planning and Implementing Conservation Priorities

Issue #16, Fall 2012
Deborah Rudnick et al.

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Reactive Nitrogen in the Environment

Issue #15, Winter 2012
Eric Davidson et al.

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Setting Limits: Using Air Pollution Thresholds to Protect and Restore US Ecosystems

Issue #14, Fall 2011
Mark Fenn et al.

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A Synthesis of the Science on Forests and Carbon for U.S. Forests

Issue #13, Spring 2010
Michael Ryan et al.
Additional Information: Teaching resource (Ecoed Digital Library)

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Impacts of Atmospheric Pollution on Aquatic Ecosystems

Issue #12, Summer 2004
Deborah Swackhamer et al.

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The Role of Nearshore Ecosystems as Fish and Shellfish Nurseries

Issue #11, Spring 2003
Michael Beck et al.

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Sustaining Healthy Freshwater Ecosystems

Issue #10, Winter 2003
Jill Baron et al.

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Water in a Changing World

Issue #9, Spring 2001
Robert Jackson et al.

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Effects of Aquaculture on World Fish Supplies

Issue #8, Winter 2001
Rosamond Naylor et al.

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Nutrient Pollution of Coastal Rivers, Bays, and Seas*

Issue #7, Fall 2003
Robert Howarth et al.

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Applying Ecological Principles to Management of the US National Forests

Issue #6, Spring 2000
John Aber et al.

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Biotic Invasions: Causes, Epidemiology, Global Consequences, and Control

Issue #5, Spring 2000
Richard Mack et al.

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Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: Maintaining Natural Life Support Processes HR

Issue #4, Fall 1999
Shahid Naeem et al.

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Nonpoint Pollution of Surface Waters with Phosphorus and Nitrogen

Issue #3, Summer 1998
Stephen Carpenter et al.

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Ecosystem Services: Benefits Supplied to Human Societies by Natural Ecosystems HR

Issue #2, Spring 1997
Gretchen Daily et al.

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Human Alteration of the Global Nitrogen Cycle: Causes and Consequences

Issue #1, Spring 1997
Peter Vitousek et al.

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HR – These Issues are provided for historical reference. In consultation with each lead author, we have determined that these Issues no longer accurately reflect the current scientific understanding of the topic. * – Some of the information in this Issue is now dated.