Springs ecology and stewardship are inherently multi-disciplinary endeavors, because springs are complex, groundwater dependent, surface-linked ecosystems that are biologically and culturally diverse and productive, and highly threatened by human activities. Improving knowledge and stewardship of springs requires collaboration among the scientific fields of geology, hydrology, geochemistry, ecosystem ecology, population ecology, conservation ecology, taxonomy, archeology, cultural anthropology, economics, public policy, and environmental regulation, as well as other fields. We at the Springs Stewardship Institute clearly recognize the need for discussion and collaboration among experts in many fields of scientific and social endeavor.
Here are a few ways we can expand our collaboration on this important topic:
Establish a network of experts to help advise interested managers about springs stewardship
Convene a national scientific meeting of invited experts, with a published proceedings volume
Develop an electronic journal of springs ecosystem ecology and stewardship
Collaborate on critical scientific topics that help advance the field
Collaboratively expand the existing bibliography on springs ecology and management.
Please contact me at larry@springstewardship.org if you are interested in helping us advance scientific understanding of springs ecology and stewardship. Please indicate if you are willing to share your area of expertise, your contact information and your website URL. Any references or contacts you consider worthy of sharing are most welcome and your assistance will be acknowledged if you permit us to do so. Thank you for your interest in this important area of study and advisement.
Larry Stevens, PhD
Springs Stewardship Institute
Museum of Northern Arizona
3101 N. Ft. Valley Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
larry@springstewardship.org