Conservation of Natural Resources: A Resource Management Approach

This introductory natural resources text exposes your students to the ecological processes and problems related to the physical environment. Not only are the roles of solar and internal heat energy discussed as the driving force for all natural systems, but the physical variables of geology, topography, soil, water, and air are also examined. By exploring the concept of sustainability, an appreciation of nature through the management and conservation of natural resources is created.

Table of Contents:
Part I: Physical and Biological Variables of The Natural Environment1 Introduction to the Conservation of Natural ResourcesIntroduction*History of Conservation in United StatesNatural ResourcesTime and SpaceThe Biotic PyramidSustainabilitySummary*2 Lithosphere--GeologyComposition of the LithosphereEndogenic ProcessesExogenic Processes/ Landforms-TopographyThe Biosphere through Geologic TimeGeologic Hazards3 Atmosphere--ClimateSolar EnergyAtmosphere--Composition and PropertiesClimateThe Greenhouse EffectThe Ozone Problem4 Hydrosphere--WaterChanging States of WaterHydrologic CycleOceanic CirculationComposition of the HydrosphereThe Aquatic Environments5 SoilDefinition of SoilSoil PropertiesSoil FormationSoil Classification and Soil GeographySoil BlotaSoil Erosion and DepositionIrrigationWetlands6 Biosphere--BiogeographyEnergy Flow in the BiosphereBiogeography of North AmericaEcoregions of North AmericaPart II: Natural Resources Management7 Introduction to Natural Resources ManagementThe Technology of Resource ManagementResource ManagementA General Plan for Natural Resource Management8 Forest ManagementThe Forest ResourceForest Fires/ U.S. Forest ServiceWilderness/ National ParksForest Mangement Practices9 Agricultural ManagementPesticidesFarming without ChemicalsRiparian Buffer StripsThe Food Security ActClimate as a Control in AgricultureSoil FertilityTotal Resource Management in Agriculture10 Rangeland ManagementForest Service Rangeland PolicyBureau of Land Management(BLM)OvergrazingRangeland BiogeographyRangeland Management11 Wildlife ManagementLegislation to Protect WildlifeWildlife Management Techniques12 Aquatic Resources Management/ Aquatic Resources LegislationStream ManagementPond ManagementLake ManagementWaterfowl Management13 Energy ManagementFossil FuelsNuclear EnergyGeothermal Energy/ Solar EnergyEnergy Management14 Mineral ResourcesMetallic MineralsManagement Strategies for IndustryNonmetallic MineralsPart III: Managing Human Impact15 Population ManagementPopulation DynamicsHuman Carrying CapacityDealing with Population IncreasesUrbanization of the Human Population16 Waste ManagementSource ReductionWaste-to-Energy PlantsLandfillsHazardous Waste ManagementWastewater TreatmentRecycling17 SustainabilityBiodiversityEthicsAppendices:A) Periodic Chart of the Elements RelativePercentages of Elements B) Geologic Time and Formations C) Units of Measurement D) Koppen Climate Classification SystemKoppen Climate Classification ChartHow to Construct a Water BudgetClimate Data for 48 U.S. Weather Stations E) National Wilderness Preservation System F) How to Write to Elected Officials G) List of Environmental Organizations H) United States Government Agencies I) Important U.S. Environmental Legislation J) Threatened and Endangered Species List K) National Parks of the United StatesNational Parks of CanadaNational Parks of MexicoBiological Reserves of MexicoGlossaryIndex