State of the Nation's Ecosystems 2008 report

The Heinz Center held a Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill this week to discuss the 2008 State of the Nation's Ecosystems, a report that presents 108 indicators describing the condition and use of ecosystems in the U.S. The findings -- updated since the 2002 report -- show that the acreage burned every year by wildfires is increasing, non-native fish have invaded nearly every watershed in the lower 48 states, and chemical contaminants are found in virtually all streams and most groundwater wells, often at levels above those set to protect human health or wildlife. On a positive note, ecosystems are increasing their storage of carbon, there are improvements in soil quality and crop yields have grown significantly. For a summary of key findings, visit the report's website: http://www.heinzctr.org/ecosystems.