Waring, R. H.; Edmonds, R. L., eds. 1974. Integrated research in the Coniferous Forest Biome. Coniferous For. Biome Bull. 5. Seattle, WA: University of Washington. 96 p. [Contributions 59 through 66 of the Coniferous Forest Biome are contained herein] .
Integrating the research effort for an analysis of ecosystems requiresastrong but flexible organization. The Coniferous Forest Biome's researchgroups reflect our changing perception of the major processes operating inboth terrestrial and aquatic systems. They also reflect changing goals asour understanding increases and wider application and longer range predic-tions are desired. In addition, there is a geographic perspective express-ing the concentration of effort on different processes and systems acrossthe Biome.
The evolution of field research and modeling are intimately linked. Directorsand research committee chairmen take leading roles in designing and coordi-nating the research with the aid of workshops to measure progress, modifymodel structure, and identify critical data needs. Often a small task forceis appointed to address particular problems that require shifting resourcesand personnel to meet a critical need. A key group of integrators hasdeveloped, consisting of people who have an ecosystem perspective and train-ing in more than one discipline. Their contributions to the program areessential and their exper'ence and talents make them capable of leading thenext generation of ecosystem studies.