PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #36: Conservation of aquatic systems: Ecology and ecotoxicology. Presiding: R. Lathrop.
Tuesday, August 7, 2001. 1:00 PM to 5:15 PM. Hall of Ideas H.
Ecological research opportunities in river conservation.
Meyer, Judy1, Otto, Betsy2, 1 2
ABSTRACT- Many river conservation organizations do not have the resources necessary to conduct original ecological research. Yet they have pressing needs for scientific insights on the issues they confront on a daily basis as they strive to take a science-based approach to river conservation. This offers exciting opportunities for service-learning activities in ecology classes as well as ecological research opportunities for faculty and graduate students. We present examples of these opportunities from ongoing programs of American Rivers, a national river conservation organization. These research opportunities include assessing ecological benefits from reforming Army Corps of Engineers projects and restoration efforts, as well as alternative approaches to floodplain management; providing guidelines and quantifying economic benefits for designing more ecologically sensitive and functional riverfront development; assessing the benefits of protecting upland ecosystems on a Wild and Scenic River; quantifying the ecological benefits from alternative flow regimes proposed during hydropower relicensing; and analyzing the recovery of ecosystem goods and services after dam removal. Establishing collaborative relationships with a conservation organization benefits the organization, students, the discipline of ecology, and ultimately our nation's rivers.
KEY WORDS: river, conservation, service learning, research opportunities