ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the social component of EM; reviews reasons why information from the social sciences and managerial sensitivity to the values of people who use the public lands are necessary components of EM. It describes the levels of analysis that are recommended for the social component of EM. The chapter presents an analysis model that provides guidelines for integrating the social and biophysical components in EM analyses and in monitoring EM plans. It also describes how to identify relevant social needs, concerns, issues, and effects at the four recommended levels of analysis. Some caution is needed when using the word "ecosystem" because the way that word is being used by public agencies and private firms differs some from what that word really means. Literally, the word "ecology" covers all organisms, both human and nonhuman. However, the semantic problem is not solved by referring to "natural ecosystems," because no one has yet distinguished a natural from an "unnatural" ecosystem.
