How the Assessments Work

Ecoregions are large geographic areas tied together by similar geology, climate and vegetation. They present a framework for understanding and conserving biological diversity -- a framework that transcends political boundaries and provides a regional context for land management decisions.

The vast number of plants and animals in any ecoregion make it impractical to assess and plan for each species; therefore, the first step in an assessment is to identify "conservation targets" -- species, natural communities and ecological systems that can represent the biodiversity of a region. Habitat goals are then set for these targets, based on habitat needs for long-term survival, and areas are selected in the ecoregion that best meet the goals for all the conservation targets. Finally, threats to targets are assessed and strategies identified that will abate those threats in the selected areas.

The assessments are part of the Conservancy's fundamental approach to conservation: Conservation by Design. To learn more about Conservation by Design, click here.

Explore these completed assessments:
Alaska Peninsula and Bristol Bay Basin
Cook Inlet Basin