Preserving unique and sensitive natural areas has been practiced for many centuries by setting them aside from impacts of human development. Whether from a desire that a beautiful area be left natural or to protect rare species of plants and animals, the idea was that once acquired permanent protection was assured. As these areas have come under increased pressure from ballooning human populations, pollution and demand for developable land, continued protection is not guaranteed. The field of ecology has been influential in setting criteria for protection. Now, ecological theory brings humans into the equation as inhabitants that impact natural areas and ecosystems.

Understanding that preserving natural areas and species often requires protecting ecosystems that are large in scale and complexity has direct implications for preservation planning. The size and interactive nature of ecosystems makes planning more difficult. Planning to preserve the natural integrity of the whole system, rather than the most sensitive parcel, will enhance the quality of life for humans as well as other species supported by it. Although the process of identifying ecosystems is the topic of another paper, its importance is acknowledged as the beginning of a plan for preservation.

The case studies in this paper show that traditional methods such as acquisition and donation remain important preservation techniques. The influences on natural areas from outside the boundaries illustrates the dynamic nature of protection planning. To summarize ideas in protection planning brought about by the ecosystem concept, the planning processes described in Chapter Two are applied to The Nature Conservancy’s Strategic Plan for the Clinch Valley Bioreserve and shown in Table 2.

The major stages in this process are those of the rational/comprehensive planning process. Step One, Analysis of Condition, an inventory and evaluation of the threats, land uses and species in an ecosystem is used to prioritize conservation plans. To do this, TNC has developed a Threat Analysis Ranking for the major hydrologic units (subwatersheds) in each type of ecosystem. Species Ranking of the Natural Heritage Program and by the research priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan are used in the Data Collection part of Step One. This on-going process reflects advocacy and adaptive approaches to planning. Plan and Program Development and Implementation are part of the second step. TNC has developed goals for each type of ecosystem followed by specific science and protection strategies. Implementation also requires developing institutional relations and partnerships with expert and interdisciplinary partners. The Riparian Restoration and Cave Registry Programs are examples of these partnerships.

The final step requires monitoring and evaluation. Information from on-going research will help the plan to change and adapt to new conditions, goals and programs. Benchmarks assigned to each strategy is TNC’s measure of evaluation, and many of these will be accomplished by coordinating the multiple efforts and research projects of the various groups working to protect these sensitive, critical habitats.

Underlying the steps in the process are certain fundamental concepts that make this approach successful. The first is establishing trust with landowners by committing resources and making decisions based on sound scientific knowledge. Complimenting this concept is public education and participation. Seeking public participation, providing education and disseminating information are important links to enlisting support for preservation and encouraging participation in measures that ensure a healthy environment. Third, drawing from the participatory planning approach the ability to mediate and manage conflicts is a necessary tool. This is especially important where there are "jobs vs. the environment" conflicts. A pro-active position is required for these strategies because of the urgency of the threats to the sensitive natural systems in the Bioreserve.

Non-profit organizations such as TNC are effective in undertaking this type of protection and planning. Often these groups are the catalyst to generating government involvement. The techniques that have been presented here can be applied to any land protection agency. In summary, to undertake ecosystem planning, the needs of humans must be a factor. To accomplish this, a combination of planning approaches will be used. Specific to ecosystem planning is need for an interdisciplinary approach that establishes partnerships with local, state and federal institutions and private organizations. Scientific, social and economic research programs, conflict management skills, adequate resources, flexible and creative ideas are important elements to planning for ecosystem preservation.