With research and long-term monitoring undertaken in close proximity to one another, use of common protocols, and an ecological framework on which to synthesize and compare results, more and more scientists are beginning to use ESC sites to advance their own work. They are recommending that their colleagues where possible, do the same. The reason is the synergy occurring across disciplines and jurisdictions. EMAN is planning for the future. The main focus for the 1998 National Science Meeting to be held in Quebec will be ecological assessments.
Enthusiasm is high, and despite falling budgets, the outlook is encouraging.
Methods for establishment and inventory of permanent plots. MAB Digest 11. Ecological Stratification Working Group. 1995. A National Ecological Framework for Canada. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Research Branch, Centre for Land and Biological Resources Research, and Environment Canada, State of the Environment Directorate, Ecozone Analysis Branch, Ottawa.