The study seeks to answer the following research questions:
1) What are the main components of or best practices for a sound ecosystem management
plan at the local level;
2) Which state-mandated comprehensive plans are most geared to ecosystem management
and why;
3) What are the factors and processes influencing the quality of comprehensive
plans with regard to ecological management;
4) What motivates the implementation of plans and policies over the long term;
and
5) How can plans, planning processes, and the state growth management programs
that mandate them be improved to enhance ecosystem management?
These research questions are addressed using a variety of analytical techniques,
including multivariate and spatial regression analysis, Geographic Information
Systems (GIS), mail and telephone surveys, and site visits. In this way, the
project examines the role local jurisdictions can play in managing broader ecological
systems at a level of detail that has never been done previously.
Articles:
Brody, S.D., Highfield, W. & Carrasco,
V. (2004). Measuring the Collective Capabilities of Local Jurisdictions to Manage
Ecosystems in Southern Florida. Journal of Landscape and Urban Planning
69(1): 33-50.
Brody, S.D. (2003). Implementing the
Principles of Ecosystem Management Through Local Land Use Planning. Population
and Environment 24(6): 511-540.
Brody, S.D. (2003). Examining the
Effects of Biodiversity on the Ability of Local Plans to Manage Ecological Systems.
Journal of Environmental Planning and Management 46(6): 733-754.
Brody, S.D., Carassco, V. & Highfield,
W. (2003). Evaluating Ecosystem Management Capabilities at the Local Level in
Florida: Identifying Policy Gaps Using Geographic Information Systems. Environmental
Management 32(6): 661-681.