World Ecology Day Promotes Understanding of Natural Resources

World Ecology Day is November 1, and while the word ecology may seem unclear to some, it’s simply the study of relationships between living things and their physical environments. Ecologically focused research yields information about these connections, or ecosystems, that can be used to determine how to sustainably use the resources we need in a way that will ensure their existence for future generations.

Understanding how communities and ecosystems work is important when it comes to:

·         Identifying/managing non-native or introduced species;

·         Restoring communities;

·         Conservation of natural resources, species, and/or habitat;

·         Practicing land stewardship;

·         Disease isolation and prevention;

·         Threatened and Endangered species protection; and

·         Integration of commercial, industrial, agricultural practices in a sustainable manner.

As we understand more, we can make informed decisions on how best to minimize impacts in our own communities and to ecosystems as a whole. An example of this is the increasing use of environmental assessments that help determine what and where new development is permitted under certain municipal, state, and federal jurisdictions.

Westward ecologists have extensive experience assisting a wide range of clients in complying with regulations including, but not limited to federal and state waters, protected species, natural resource protection, and land stewardship. If you are planning a new development, expansion of an existing facility, or would like to know how to make your business more ecologically sustainable, shoot us an email at ecology@westwardenv.com.