Uploaded on 2016-11-26 by Jason Beffa

1. Ecosystem services in your living area - SEATTLE, WASHINGTON STATE What ecosystem services do you have in and around your living area? Give at least one example for each of the four types of ecosystem services. *a. Provisioning services* **Food:** Natural seafood resources and fisheries make up a huge portion of local food intake, as well as food exports to other regions. Salt water salmon from Puget Sound and the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, and fresh water salmon from the rivers, lakes and streams throughout Western Washington are a huge part of that ecosystem. *b. Regulating services* **Moderation of extreme events:** When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1981, the explosion and resulting lava flow was hindered by the widespread surrounding forests. Without that, significantly more damage could have been done, as well as many more lives of the local population could have been lost. *c. Habitat or Supporting services* **Habitats for species:** There are several national and state parks throughout Washington state that serve as home and protection for a significant variety of animal species. That said, lumber, paper and other tree related products are a big part of the local economy, so we must be careful to preserve the balance between consumption and renewal though, as future administrations seem hell bent on on loosening regulations in the name of profits. *d. Cultural services* **Tourism:** Seattle has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, with a rich cultural identity and a vast amount of outdoor activities. Pike Place Market has become one of the biggest draws to the city since it's renovation in the 1980's, and has solidified itself as a cultural icon representing the fusion of our past, present and future identity. a) Deception Pass, Puget Sound, WA - Salmon fishing has been a mainstay in the region for over 1000 years. ![Deception Pass][1] b) Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. ![Mt St. Helens][2] c) Banded Wooly Bear Caterpillar, Mt. Ranier National Park ![Wooly Caterpillar][3] d) Pike Place Market, Seattle ![Pike Place Market][4] [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1480196410606320.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14801964412005896.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14801965453386448.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14801969278467573.jpg