An Integrated Land-Aquatic Classification System

Responsible resource use depends largely on accurate inventories, which implies the creation of a land classification system because an inventory without classification is mainly an unorganized list. In this paper we develop a simple classification system based on causes of differences between classes and integrate the riverine with the terrestrial to form the basic ecological system. Within this concept, diverse users of the system such as fishery managers, timber harvesters, and livestock grazers have a common classification base from which to operate. Thus, this land-water classification system will help managers meet the increasing demands placed on all resources while giving the fishery the optimum input into the decision-making process.