The Sevilleta Field Station: Development of a Regional Research Center in New Mexico

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The Sevilleta Region of Central New Mexico is a large and ecologically area, and is utilized extensively by a growing number of research scientists. The region includes latitudinal, longitudinal and elevational transition zones among numerous biomes, including Great Plains Grassland, Chihuahuan Desert, Great Basin Shrub-steppe, Interior Chapparal, Mogollon (Pinyon-Juniper) Woodland, and Montane Forest. Additional biotic assemblages within these biomes include Rio Grande "Bosque" (Riparian Cottonwood Forests) and Wetlands, Subalpine Forests, and Subalpine Grasslands. Current scientific research in the region focuses on biotic responses to climate changes at various time scales (seasonal, annual, and long-term), biodiversity issues, and ecosystem restoration following natural and anthropogenic disturbances. At present, the University of New Mexico maintains a small research field station on the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (a 100,000 ha, centrally located study area), designed to support up to 6 field researchers. However, the recent user population of the station had dramatically increased. In the last five years, the Sevilleta has served as a research site for 125 researchers, representing 17 universities, 9 U.S. Government agencies, 3 New Mexico State Government agencies, 2 private institutes, and 1 foreign country. The 1989 station population included 57 researchers (plus technicians and graduate students), with up to 35 scientists and technicians operating simultaneously out of the station during peak summer research months (April through October). This project will expand the station's facilities and significantly increase station capacity. The benefits of a centrally located, expanded Sevilleta Field Station to the scientific community included: 1. ready access to the many populations and ecosystems present in the area; 2. improve logistical support for field research projects; 3. enhanced on-site analysis and data processing capabilities, GIS and data management systems; and 4. an intellectual environment derived from the wide variety of scientists from numerous disciplines and institutions.