The purpose of ecoregions is to provide a spatial map for research assessment, management, and monitoring of ecosystems and their components.
State agencies are a primary user of data.
With the help of bioregion data, state agencies develop biological criteria and water quality standards. Ecoregions ultimately are a management tool that federal and state agencies can use to integrate their plans. The ecoregions defined in the maps are based on the premise that ecological regions can be identified through the analysis of the patterns and composition of biotic and abiotic components. In addition, these components reflect the differences in ecosystem quality and integrity. Coast Range Highly productive, rain-drenched coniferous forests cover the low mountains of the Coast Range.