BI 101 OREGON ECOREGION REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR
Introduction to the project
This project is meant to guide you in some independent learning about one of the ecoregions of Oregon. An ecoregion is like a biome, but on a smaller scale. Oregon, with its varied topography and climate, has eight ecoregions. Each one is a geographic area with a distinctive climate and type of vegetation (see map, below). You will be assigned an ecoregion from the map below, for this project.
Your task is to prepare a report to the governor of Oregon, to inform her of the natural biological features of the state. Imagine that you are on the governor’s task force during her first term, and you are essentially “representing” your ecoregion, providing her information she needs to effectively govern this part of Oregon.
The other people at your lab table will be assigned the same ecoregion, so that you are all members of the same Governor’s task force. While your report will be prepared independently, your task force will work together to prepare a presentation to the governor (and to the other task forces, each representing different ecoregions) about your ecoregion. Presentations will be given during the last lab of the term.
Your grade will be built on two parts: 1) your independent work, which should cover all four topics of your ecoregion that are listed below. You will be writing a paper for this part. 2) your class presentation. You will be responsible for presenting information on ONE of the 4 topics below. You can decide among your group members, who should present what part. Each member should participate in putting together one cohesive presentation on the ecoregion.
Topic 1: What notable organisms live there, that need attention (and perhaps future legislation).
Notable organisms that we need to know about, could include endangered species, economically useful species, or pests or invasive species. Describe what is the “issue” with populations of these species in your ecoregion, including population trends, if important.
Topic 2: Describe the habitats found in your ecoregion.
Tell us about the climate, how it changes through the seasons, about the terrain, the major vegetation types—is this region dominated by forest, desert, or grasslands? Is it tropical, temperate or dry? Determine what type of biome best describes your ecoregion (see chapter 30.3 of your textbook for a list of the principal terrestrial biomes).
Topic 3: What are the principal natural resources that Oregonians rely upon to make a living in this ecoregion?
What role do the region’s natural resources play, in supporting the local economy?
Topic 4: Explain a local issue that impacts this region, that has a biological nature
For example, about a human or animal disease, or an environmental problem. Explain its importance, the sides of the issue, and your own conclusions about the issue.
Example issues (feel free to use one of these):
Coast range: Is there a way to manage estuaries in a way that supports both salmon and cattle ranching? Or Was passing HB 3309, which repealed tsunami zoning restriction laws, a good idea?
Willamette Valley: Insecticides that kill bees (neoniconitinoids) have been temporarily banned. Should this ban be permanent?
Basin and range: What rules or laws should be in place for cattle grazing on federal land?
West Cascades: How should we manage forests to accommodate climate change?
How this project will be graded
This project is worth 100 points; 90 points for the paper, and 10 points for the group presentation. Your written paper should be between 6 and 8 pages long, 1.5 spaced, 11 pt font (not including images). Your information should be gathered from a minimum of 6 reliable sources, and these should be cited in your paper. Feel free to include images, but be sure to give proper credit for them in your bibliography. The group presentation should be no more than 15 minutes long, and should include visual aids (such as powerpoint or google slides), and should be a summary- do not “read” your paper to the class.
You will be graded according to the rubric provided. Use MLA format for your bibliography. You should also cite your sources within your paper. Attribute all facts that you gather and present, with citations.
Note that the purpose of this assignment is two-fold; one is to become informed about a local area and apply concepts we are learning in class, to this topic. Another is to practice gathering reliable information from various sources to create an understanding of a topic. Keep these goals in mind as you do your work.
Figure 1Map of Ecoregions for the State of Oregon
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