Biotic Components
Kimberly Johnson
University of Phoenix
SCI/256
Jane Henry
April 12, 2011

Biotic Components The purpose of this paper is to select a representative natural ecosystem in or near the Louisiana area such as a preserves or parks that are managed for native species. Once a representative is chosen, the major structural, and functional dynamics (processes) of that ecosystem including how it has changed over time will be explained. Next the subject is to explain how humans may have affected the ecosystem, and in conclusion an explanation of how that ecosystem’s structure and function can help or has helped to develop plans for its management, and restoration. The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works in different countries and all 52 states to help safeguard important lands and waters for nature and people. The organization works to keep safe the plants, animals, and land free from decay by protecting the lands, and waters humans, and habitat need to survive. The organization also focuses on leaving a sustainable world for future generations. Clean water is a must for humans, and animals to live. Fresh water ecosystems provide water for plants, and fish for humankind to eat (Gomez, 2008). Not only in Louisiana, but also all around the world, rivers, and lakes are becoming contaminated, and this affects people, animals, and plants. Research shows that possibly by 2025 more than one-third of Earth’s population could face tremendous water shortages (Botkin & Keller, 2009). The Nature Conservancy works in many states, including Louisiana to shield from exposure freshwater ecosystems for humans and nature. The organization works particularly to protect the Mississippi River, the Atchafalaya River, and most importantly the Louisiana coast. The Atchafalaya River is a river branch flowing away from the main stream of the Mississippi river. The Atchafalaya River receives water from the Mississippi instead of emptying into the river. On the south end of the Atchafalaya River lies the biggest swamp wilderness on the North American continent which also consists of the Louisiana coastal ecosystem. The Louisiana coastal ecosystem holds more than 200 species of birds, leaving this as the main nesting territory. This is also the home to the Louisiana black bear, peregrine falcon, and Bachman’s Warbler (The Nature Conservancy, 2011). Crawfish and fish come from the Atchafalaya basin, which also provides a home for a number of fish species. The Nature Conservancy has worked with Louisiana scientists and discovering river changes in the river systems having a result in losing fisheries resources, the rivers suffers from a large amount of oxygen being lost, and a major lost of wetland along Louisiana’s coast. The Nature Conservancy is designing, and putting specific strategies in place to protect Louisiana’s freshwater ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy has a knowledgeable understanding of what may cause the ecosystems to decline. Humans help place the freshwater ecosystem in trouble by managing the land poorly. Polluting the waters can cause fish and wildlife species in rivers to become infected and die. Human communities in Louisiana can help to restore Louisiana’s ecosystem and coastline by working with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy. Farmers and other partners can work to identify long-lasting solutions to stop habitats from being loss, and bringing back water quality to all of Louisiana residents. The organization has three major strategies: • working with Louisiana’s government officials to safeguard and sway placing priority on the use of public funds to go toward restoring Louisiana’s ecosystem (The Nature Conservancy, 2011) • advocating conservation planning to advise implementing specific restoration strategies for the Atchafalaya and Louisiana’s coastline (The Nature Conservancy, 2011), and • extending out to stakeholders, anyone who owns land, a business and government officials to raise awareness and understanding of how to conserve the basin, and coast by coming up with a vision for restoration success (The Nature Conservancy, 2011). In conclusion, the Mississippi River and the Atchafalaya River has an important role in the well-being of the Louisiana coastal ecosystem, humans, and wildlife communities. Both communities depend on clean drinking water and a clean and safe coastline. The Nature Conservancy is working to address some of the major threats the coastal ecosystem has including habitat loss, and misuse of land. The organization is sharing its knowledge to help advance conservation progress while building support for the coast at the same time.

References
Botkin, D. B., & Keller, E. A. (2009). Environmental Science: Earth as a living planet (7th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Gomez, G. M. (2008). The Louisiana Coast: Guide to an American Wetland. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life. (2011). Retrieved April 6, 2011 from: http://www.mature/org/index.htm