Finally, the exercise of stewardship over the rest of the terrestrial ecosystem is critical to ensure that valuable life support is maintained. Research uncovered other significant contributions, such as, the concept of ecological foot printing that will be addressed by our lunch time speaker, Dr. Bill Rees. The indicators presented here and in your discussion guidebook are draft and are still a proposal from us to you here at this conference. The Indicators chosen for this conference start with urban density and efficient development since continued urban sprawl is the most significant environmental problem in the basin, Efficient transportation is key to reducing some of the negative environmental impacts of current inefficient urban sprawl. Retaining natural features for future generations is essential for sustainability.
Water quality is necessary for wetland productivity and throughout the watershed.
Social well being and favourable aesthetics are important elements as is the level of economic activity and general economic well being. These are the proposed 'state of the ecosystem' indicators for land use. Slide 5 - Land Use as a Stressor Land use is a stressor to the ecosystem. Only six indicators are selected for presentation today. The first is the critically important indicator of development efficiency that is essential if we are to be able to make better urban development decisions.