Course listing

Introduction to remote sensing principles, techniques, and applications, designed principally for those with no background in the field.

Use of aircraft and satellite imagery for monitoring landforms, soils, vegetation and land use, with the focus on problems of land-use planning, resource management and related topics.

Covering topics in plant metabolic engineering; photosynthesis; carbohydrate, nitrogen and lipid metabolism; specialized metabolism. This course covers biochemical processes specific to plants and allows students to gain an understanding and appreciation of how (bio)chemical components are synthesized and utilized by plants during growth and development and in their interactions with their environment, as well as how these processes can be manipulated. A background in plant biology, general biochemistry or chemistry is expected. Note that concurrent registration in any of these courses will NOT meet this requirement. Students must have completed both semesters of O-chem and a biochemistry course that covers general metabolism prior to taking this course.

This course introduces students to the practice of identifying plants through observing differences in morphology among plant characteristics. The skills are used to review the common wildland plants across North America. These combined skills, plant identification and knowledge of common plants, are sought-after skills by employers.

Structure and function of western U.S. range land plant communities focusing on vegetation dynamics and anthropogenic influences. Laboratory includes classroom and field identification of communities and plant species.

This course will cover the principles of range management and how they can be applied. The course focuses on North America but also includes some examples of ranges and rangeland management around the world.

An introduction to the growing literature on traditional ecological knowledge and its relationships to the ecological and social sciences.

This course examines the underlying ecologic and economic principles of how rangeland herbivores interact with their environment and how understanding these interactions can be applied to the management of grazing animals and the environments they inhabit. Emphasis is placed on the scientific basis for grazing management decisions of wild and domesticated ungulate herbivores that can be planned to accomplish a variety of outcomes. Focus will be on western rangelands in the U.S. but the basic ecologic and economic concepts you will learn have applicability to most arid and semi-arid rangeland ecosystems throughout the world.

This course is a survey of basic issues and concepts in natural resource management and the environment in Native communities using integrated case studies that survey all the major varieties of environmental issues in Indian Country in the 21st century. A central theme will be developing tribally-specific solutions to rebuilding the resiliency of degraded ecosystems. We will consider particular case studies such as: tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights and Native claims; Native knowledge systems and Western science; co-management and restoration; water; fish and wildlife; agriculture and rangeland management; energy, mining and nuclear waste; and global climate change.

General techniques for managing, reclaiming, and restoring vegetation on rangelands and woodlands will be addressed with a focus on local and regional management. Students will work to develop solutions through chemical, biological, mechanical, and cultural land treatments.

Techniques of mapping and measuring attributes of vegetation and soils for inventory and monitoring of range lands. Interpretation of data with respect to range condition and trend, watershed protection, value for livestock and wildlife habitat.

Life support systems on planet Earth are becoming progressively more challenged by a global human population that has exceeded 7 billion people. With a focus on natural resources, we will explore how society deals with threats to the planetary goods and services on which all life depends. Sustainability lies at the intersection of the environment, society, and economics. We will explore environmental, societal, and economic strategies and perspectives humans have developed to become effective stewards of our natural resources and achieve a sustainable Earth.

For as long as humans have been on earth, we have coexisted with animals on their planet. From food, to art to culture, wildlife have been symbols in religion, advanced societies through agriculture, medicine, and fueled human innovation and creativity. There are an estimated 8.7 million different species, with rapid extinction resulting in losses before they've ever been described. Here we learn how other species have shaped and influenced cultures throughout human history and how efforts dedicated toward conservation began and have evolved over time. Topics covered include a basic introduction to wildlife diversity and biology followed by the history of wildlife in human disease and medicine; wildlife domestication for food security and companionship; wildlife in artistic inspiration and creation; and wildlife in technological innovation. Medicine, art, food, clothes, and technology have all been influenced by our wild counterparts. Come meet them!

This course involves the study of nature emphasizing humans as a component of it. We learn how living things and physical processes function and interconnect to generate the complex environments of our planet. Our perspective is based on the methods natural scientists use to understand nature. We examine on how this understanding may lead to solutions to challenges in the environment, medicine, and agriculture. Our approach throughout this course focuses on the roles of quantitative information in decision making in natural science and other aspects of modern life. We apply the key elements of the practice of natural science to evaluate and interpret quantitative information and develop hypotheses about biological phenomena relevant in our lives. We locate or collect data, organize and analyze these data, and develop conclusions from these analyses. Finally, we examine communication of our findings to multiple audiences using a variety of representations.

The course will provide students with an overview of the state of natural resources (e.g., wildlife, plants, and water) in North America, and the framework under which these resources are conserved and managed in the United States. Selected professionals will present case studies of important and current challenges in conservation and management, and discuss how students might make a difference in their disciplines.

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

Historical and philosophical developments in natural resources management; socio-political, economic, and ecological factors affecting resource use; the role of people and organizations in conservation of resources such as rangelands, forests, water, fish and wildlife.

This course covers the skills and information required to function as a botanist in the field. The course includes individual laboratory and field exercises and emphasizes practical plant identification and field botanical skills. RNR 230L is open to students in all majors and is a core course in the Natural Resources undergraduate curriculum.

In this course we address fundamental knowledge that supports the study and appreciation of plants in their natural environments. Emphasis is placed on species found in the southwestern United States. The course begins with the fundamental elements of plant growth, development, physiology, and reproduction. Using this foundation, we then cover plant identification and taxonomy, and how environmental factors affect plant growth, distribution, and assemblage into communities. We conclude with a consideration of roles played by plants in ecological processes and how human-driven processes affect these processes. RNR 230R is open to students in all majors and is a core course in the Natural Resources undergraduate curriculum in the School of Natural Resources & the Environment

In RNR 240, we examine the principles of ecotourism and how they can be used as to conserve and manage natural and human resources in a sustainable and financially viable way. We will review ecological impacts on the environment from tourism activities and learn how these are often managed as we examine numerous case studies throughout the world. We will conclude the course by studying established models used to deal with too many tourists at popular destinations. RNR 240 is open to students in all majors.

Cities around the globe are working to be more sustainable in response to social, economic and environmental challenges. This course explores thow residents and decision makers in cities respond to these challenges. Students will learn to view urban problems through the perspectives of urban planners and designers, as well as local residents for cities both in the US and internationally.

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

A survey of the Agave, Cacti, and other succulents of southern Arizona both native and common landscaping plants. The course will include the natural history, identification, and physiology as well as the practices for propagation and common uses.

Principles of plant, animal, and community ecology important to the understanding and management of renewable natural resources.

General principles for quantifying attributes of natural resources in ways that facilitate conservation and management. Fundamentals of sampling design, field surveys, data collection, and data analysis, with emphasis on methods for plant and animal populations. Explore how sampling design affects the scope of inference and quality of data that result from a study.

This course provides experience with a wide array of field sampling and study design methods for natural resource management and policy-making. Over two days in the classroom and eight days in the field, students will gain experience with field and lab techniques in wildlife and fisheries, vegetation sampling, soil and carbon dynamics, range management, hydrology, and GIS. These topics will allow students within a given sub-discipline to gain practical field experience with other sub-disciplines. Recent wildfires will serve as an example of a landscape-scale process that has indirect and direct effects on almost all natural resources. The course will highlight how natural systems are interrelated, demonstrating that natural resource decisions cannot be made in isolation. How do managers and researchers collect, synthesize, and present data? How do data shape decision-making processes? How do natural resource managers balance multiple natural resource concerns and administrative complexity in dynamic ecosystems? This course will address all of these issues though classroom learning, field experiences, and in-person meetings with researchers, conservation practitioners, and natural resource managers.

The course aims to provide students with a broad, balanced understanding of fire as a biophysical process. We will explore fire from many perspectives, including physics, ecology, biogeography, management, policy, and economics. The course will strive to make our study of fire interesting and relevant in the contemporary world by examining how such factors as climate change, invasive species, and land use influence how fire interacts with the landscape. We will examine a variety of fire management strategies including fire suppression, prescribed fire, wildland fire use, and landscape restoration ecology. The course will provide a global perspective on fire, with primary emphasis on ecosystems of western North America.

Introduction to resource management practices used to achieve societal goals. Includes practices used to produce water, wood, forage, wildlife and other renewable resources; to protect water, soil, wilderness and scenic attractions; and to mitigate the adverse impacts of management and land-use activities on the environment.

Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty where students complete a substantive part of the research and analysis and a final report.

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work.

An overview of the impacts and management strategies and tactics for noxious, invasive plants in (or near) Arizona.

General survey of principles of geographic information systems (GIS); applications of GIS to issues such as land assessment and evaluation of wildlife habitat; problem-solving with GIS.

Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts associated with modern day agricultural industries to help them understand legal concepts as well as public policy that affects the commodities markets, natural resources in their "raw form", consumer attitudes, and market forces that affect various agribusiness industries of the west. Students will receive exposure to the framework of the United States legal system, with a brief review of the three distinct branches of government and how each branch impacts the development of law and policy as related to the production agriculture. The majority of the course will focus on four (4) primary areas: 1.) Animal welfare, law and policy, 2) Food safety regulations and organic growing standards in production agriculture and organic livestock standards, 3.) An overview of Environmental law, policy and 4.) Water law and policy. Students will be able to demonstrate how science, law and policy impact the modern day agriculturist as well as natural resource users.

Introductory and advanced statistical methods and their applications in ecology. Focuses on how research design dictates choice of statistical models; explores principles and pitfalls of hypothesis testing.

Introduces the principles of map design, production and analysis.

Introduces principles and practices of Geovisualization (Geoviz) and softwares (Community and ERDAS Image).

Introduction to the application of GIS and related technologies for both the natural and social sciences. Conceptual issues in GIS database design and development, analysis, and display.

Computer techniques for analyzing, modeling, and displaying geographic information. Development of spatially oriented problem design and the use of logic are applied to the use of GIS programs. Emphasis on applications in land resources management and planning.

Examines various areas of advanced GIS applications such as dynamic segmentation, surface modeling, spatial statistics, and network modeling. The use of high performance workstations will be emphasized.

This course combines aspects of remote sensing, GIS, and biogeography in an interdisciplinary framework to elucidate how land use and land cover can be monitored using UAS. Links will be made with field and satellite-based monitoring techniques to cross-validate landscape maps. Students that take this course will develop a solid scientific and applied basis to address geospatial landscape monitoring questions. They will do this by safely flying a drone, acquiring data in the field and with the drone, processing GPS and multi-sensor data, analyzing these data and creating landscape maps and products.

An introduction to the growing literature on traditional ecological knowledge and its relationships to the ecological and social sciences.

The Restoration Ecology seminar aims to provide students with a broad, balanced understanding of science and practice in the field of restoration ecology. This class is an introduction to the common issues, problems, strengths, and weaknesses of restoration activities across all regions, biomes, and intensities of management. A special emphasis is given to the application of restoration ecology in addressing emerging challenges in natural resource ecology and management.

Much of modern society's experience of managing resources and protecting people and infrastructure has occurred during a period of relatively stable climate. In the most recent decades in the Southwest, we have observed a cascade of impacts associated with temperature increases, including changes in snow hydrology, urban heat, wildland fire, and in the severity of drought impacts. Projected future climate changes and impacts may lie outside the range of climate variation that we have observed and may have more serious consequences for society and the environment. Anticipating changes will allow society to identify response options across a range of vulnerabilities and manage the risks associated with projected climate changes. In the best possible cases, these actions, or adaptations, may provide economic and other benefits to society.

In this course, we will examine actions to reduce vulnerabilities or increase resilience to the potential impacts of climate change. The focus is on preparedness to reduce climate-related risks. Each of the class sessions is designed to include thought-provoking presentations by local and national practitioners and researchers--to ground state-of-the-art science and theory with on-the-ground realities. The general focus will be on impacts and responses in the arid Southwest (water, fire, wildlife, ecosystems, cities). The course will also investigate the tools and frameworks for advancing action and incorporating adaptation planning at the local, regional, national and international scale.

The course is open to undergraduate seniors from relevant academic programs, with the permission of the instructors.

This course is a survey of basic issues and concepts in natural resource management and the environment in Native communities using integrated case studies that survey all the major varieties of environmental issues in Indian Country in the 21st century. A central theme will be developing tribally-specific solutions to rebuilding the resiliency of degraded ecosystems. We will consider particular case studies such as: tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights and Native claims; Native knowledge systems and Western science; co-management and restoration; water; fish and wildlife; agriculture and rangeland management; energy, mining and nuclear waste; and global climate change.

This course will introduce the concepts and techniques used in the growing field of human use management in outdoor recreation settings. The focus is on the sociological dimensions of the recreation experience and an understanding of the principles, practices, and dilemmas of outdoor recreation management in natural areas.

Overview of climate change impacts on dryland ecosystems with a focus on ecological and hydrological interrelationships and consideration of threshold changes in dryland ecosystems.

Rapid changes to Earth's biosphere will influence how natural and managed ecosystems function and alter the services they provide. Issues from conservation biology to sustainability and global climate change rely on a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem processes. In this class, students will learn the principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology, examining the influence of biological, ecological, and physical processes on energy and material flows and water and elemental (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous) cycling in ecosystems. Graduate level requirements include an additional project and leading class discussions.

This course teaches students the process of environmental planning in U.S. cities through the development of environmental action plans. Students will choose cities of their choice and collect real-world data to establish baseline conditions across several environmental dimensions. Small group discussions and activities will help student develop and refine urban planning strategies to better manage environmental resources in cities.

Explores the use of geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool for natural resource and environmental managers. Topics include spatial autocorrelation, interpolation techniques, and model integration. Examines sources of error and possible ramifications.

This course focuses on economic methods for designing and evaluating water, food and environmental policies. Topics include optimizing water as an input in producing food, energy, recreation, and other ecosystem services; water & environmental issues in food production; pricing and conservation incentives; managing shortage risks; and economic tools for addressing conflicts over water, food and the environment. Interactive seminar style course. Calculus proficiency is required.

Resource policy formation; ethics of resource use; administration and organization for resource management; analysis of present policy and trends.

The course will cover resource mapping concepts and technologies. Students are expected to have a background in GIS and remote sensing. Topics will include survey methods (e.g. GPS), Internet Mapping Technologies (e.g. Google Earth), remoting sensing technologies such as LiDAR and digital imagery, classification methods, and data integration. Students will be required to complete an independent mapping project.

Use of aircraft and satellite imagery for monitoring landforms, soils, vegetation and land use, with the focus on problems of land-use planning, resource management and related topics.

The economics and social connections to environmental systems and their problems offers an important insight into the use, misuse, and overuse of natural resources. This course examines economic theory, concepts, and decision-making tools for real-world problems and possible solutions. The course is intended for students studying natural resources, environmental science, social sciences, public policy, public administration, and other disciplines interested in this perspective. Descriptive, graphical, and elementary quantitative methods will be used throughout the course.

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of instruction and practice in actual service in a department, program, or discipline. Teaching formats may include seminars, in-depth studies, laboratory work and patient study.

Individual or small group research under the guidance of faculty where students complete a substantive part of the research and analysis and a final report.

Specialized work on an individual basis, consisting of training and practice in actual service in a technical, business, or governmental establishment.

Working experience at the Arizona State Legislature; responsibilities draw upon student's area of major expertise and include preparing written and oral reports, summarizing legislative proposals, and providing information to legislators and legislative committees.

The practical application, on an individual basis, of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation.

The development and exchange of scholarly information, in a small group setting, on selected topics in natural resources conservation and management. Course registrants exchange results of research through discussions, reports, and/or papers.

The workshop focuses on the application of theoretical learning within a small group setting. The workshop will enhance the curriculum by providing an exchange of ideas and practical methods, skills, and principles in natural resources conservation and management. The scope of work shall vary depending on the content of the course.

Earth Grant is a leadership training and paid internship program for undergraduate students with diverse identities, perspectives, and professional goals, who share a passion for advancing environmental and community resilience. This two-credit course comprises the leadership training component of the program, and is separate from the internship. Prerequisites for this course are being accepted to the UArizona Earth Grant program and being matched with an Earth Grant internship. This course aims to build and develop sense of self and professional identity, leadership skills and identity, professional skills and knowledge of professional tools and resources, and professional networks.

When we think about where wildlife live, we often imagine open spaces like parks and preserves. However, we share our urban settlements with lots of wildlife, although we might not notice. In this course we will discuss how human-developed places are ecosystems, how they provide ecosystem services and wildlife habitat, and how to promote biodiversity in urban areas.

Do you want to live permanently in Antarctica? Now is your chance, apply for Mission Antarctica! The ice is melting, the penguins are marching; it seems like a perfect time to settle, but many challenges await. Data can help you live and thrive in this changing environment and not be eaten by a leopard seal. However, most of us do not know how to organize, analyze, and translate real-life data into decisions. In this class, we undergo a series of scenarios to teach you how to use data to design and evaluateif we are making a difference in our new society. These scenarios include case studies related to disease, food security, conservation, sustainability, and nutrition. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on problem solving, and collaboration, this course teaches introductory data literacy skills such as data management, analytics, and visualization useful for decision making and your careers. No programming experience is required and students are encouraged to have in class laptops for in-class activities and assignments. All readings and supplemental material are open source, or free to students. Most importantly, no penguins will be harmed in this adventure, we promise.

Contemporary conservation often involves ex situ (outside of natural environments) efforts in zoo and aquarium facilities to provide opportunities for species to persist until challenges in the wild are remedied. This course will focus on current topics in zoo and aquarium conservation and management. Subjects covered include captive breeding and releases, the role of education in zoos, enclosure habitat enhancement, animal behavior, handling and monitoring techniques, and other topics that are important in the conservation of captive wild animals.

This course examines the taxonomy, ecology, evolution, and conservation of aquatic insects. Having a basic understanding of aquatic entomology will be useful for students interested in aquatic ecology, fisheries biology, water quality monitoring, conservation biology, and/or outdoor recreation (e.g. fly fishing). Active learning is a major focus of the course, and includes observing, documenting, and collecting aquatic insects in the lab and field.

Basic methods and theories of genetic/genomic analyses together with the application of these analyses to promote conservation, proper management, and long term survival of free-ranging species, including the exploration of current conservation genetic/genomic literature.

An introduction to the growing literature on traditional ecological knowledge and its relationships to the ecological and social sciences.

This course is a survey of basic issues and concepts in natural resource management and the environment in Native communities using integrated case studies that survey all the major varieties of environmental issues in Indian Country in the 21st century. A central theme will be developing tribally-specific solutions to rebuilding the resiliency of degraded ecosystems. We will consider particular case studies such as: tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights and Native claims; Native knowledge systems and Western science; co-management and restoration; water; fish and wildlife; agriculture and rangeland management; energy, mining and nuclear waste; and global climate change.

Study of lakes and streams; biological characteristics, as related to physical, chemical, geological, and historical processes operating on fresh waters.

WFSC 444 is a senior level course that introduces students to the ways in which society influences the distribution and abundance of animals and communities viewed as ecologically, economically or intrinsically valuable and presents the mathematical and analytical tools available to wildlife professionals whose purpose is to understand population dynamics and manipulate the human-wildlife interface towards specific goals. WFSC 444 is centered primarily on vertebrate (fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians) populations but also considers community and ecosystem perspectives. WFSC 444 explores socio-political perspectives, biological and ecological concepts, and mathematical underpinnings to population regulation and human-wildlife interactions.

Explore ecological and anthropogenic processes that influence the distribution, dynamics, and demographics of animal populations. Develop models useful for describing, conserving, and managing animal populations, while emphasizing the relationships between ecological processes and their influence on strategies for conservation and management.

Conservation behavior is the application of knowledge of animal behavior to solve wildlife conservation problems. This course reviews basic principles of animal behavior in the context of applied problems in conservation and management of wildlife populations. Topics include behavior in human-impacted landscapes, antipredatory responses, use of space and habitat, demographic consequences of social and mating systems, mitigation of human disturbance, captive breeding and reintroduction programs, reserve design, and challenges of climate change.

This course focuses on important diseases of wildlife, including the interrelationships with human and domestic animal health. A survey of selected, but generally well-recognized diseases of wildlife is covered, including the pathological processes, clinical signs, diagnosis, and management. Infectious and non-infectious diseases affecting mainly mammalian and avian wildlife will be the focus.

This course examines applications of bioacoustics to wildlife conservation & management. This hands-on, experiential course is organized thematically from the perspective of senders, receivers, & the environment & chronologically by seasonal opportunities to collect, analyze, & discuss data on species of conservation/management concern throughout diverse life zones of southern Arizona (including sandhill cranes on playas, beavers in rivers, montane Mt. Graham red squirrels, & kangaroo rats in desert grasslands). Activities include learning how to record animals & the environment, application of analytical tools to visualize & quantify recordings, interpretation of data to inform conservation/management, & critical evaluation of the primary literature. Focus on biophony (collective sound of living organisms) is contextualized relative to other soundscape components (anthrophony, geophony) to broaden application to natural resource managers writ large. All students will maintain a field notebook coupled to sound recordings that explore seasonal changes in biological communities of a particular location to foster a sense of place. Graduate students will conduct a group research project on a topic of their choice to be submitted for peer review. This course encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue & debate. Competencies developed herein are broadly transferable, including matching tools to questions, hands-on learning of emerging technologies relative to conservation, project design, regional autecology, & communication skills.

Course focuses on water harvesting principles and techniques at a variety of scales and settings. Students participate in hands-on implementation of water harvesting projects on the UA campus.

Field and laboratory methods pertaining to fishery investigations and management. Offered in spring of even years.

Methods and concepts pertaining to fishery investigations and management; application of principles for enhancement of fisheries and aquatic habitats. Offered in spring of even years.

Overview lectures and assigned readings on the theory and practice of aquaculture. Includes the culture of seaweeds, mollusks, crustaceans, and finfish.

This course will examine the structure and function of stream ecosystems with emphasis on the interaction of physical and biotic elements of streams in arid regions. We will examine the role of natural and anthropogenic stressors in shaping aquatic assemblages in streams. Quantification of impairment of stream structure and function requires a thorough understanding of fundamental ecological concepts of natural streams; this will be a major focus. Also, students will learn to use current methods to assess stream condition and signs of impairment.

The role of riparian areas, estuaries, and constructed wetlands in the environment. Emphasis on plants as wildlife habitat for nutrient cycling and bioremediation.

Introduction to contemporary challenges in wildlife & fisheries science through presentations by and discussion with professionals and advanced graduate students.

Introduction to remote sensing principles, techniques, and applications, designed principally for those with no background in the field.

Design of waterways, erosion control structures and small dams. Methods for frequency analysis and synthetic time distribution of rainfall. Methods for estimating infiltration and runoff from small watersheds, flow routing and storm water management. Estimating erosion using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation.

An introduction to the growing literature on traditional ecological knowledge and its relationships to the ecological and social sciences.

This course is a survey of basic issues and concepts in natural resource management and the environment in Native communities using integrated case studies that survey all the major varieties of environmental issues in Indian Country in the 21st century. A central theme will be developing tribally-specific solutions to rebuilding the resiliency of degraded ecosystems. We will consider particular case studies such as: tribal sovereignty, land tenure, reserved rights and Native claims; Native knowledge systems and Western science; co-management and restoration; water; fish and wildlife; agriculture and rangeland management; energy, mining and nuclear waste; and global climate change.

Overview of climate change impacts on dryland ecosystems with a focus on ecological and hydrological interrelationships and consideration of threshold changes in dryland ecosystems.

Watershed hydrology looks at how water movement, storage and transformation on the Earth's surface is influenced by landscape characteristics, including human modifications of those characteristics, and weather. As such, watershed hydrology will focus on surface water. However, this course offers a brief introduction to groundwater as it pertains to watershed hydrology.

The objective of the course is to provide upper-division undergraduate and graduate students with a background in watershed management. The course will be taught from a landscape perspective addressing the linkage between hillslope processes to channel characteristics. The role physical watershed characteristics have in regulating hydrological processes will be examined. The effects of land use and the application of best management practices on the soil and water resources will be reviewed. The students will also be presented with a set of tools for performing a watershed assessment and analysis.

Introduction to water quality and its influences in natural environments. Interactions with land management and relationships to the larger issues of environmental quality.