Enhancement of Research and Training Facilities at the Oak Lake Field Station, South Dakota

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The Oak Lake Field Station (South Dakota) State University) is a 570 acre facility located in the prairie pothole region of the Northern Glaciated Plains. This station provides a unique setting to support long- term research and instruction for topics on northern prairie ecosystems. Unusual soil types, glaciated land forms and naive prairie vegetation together with field station facilities provide opportunities The Oak Lake Field Station has experienced continued growth of programs and utilization (3,700) user-days per year and growing) over its brief eight year history. Facility and equipment challenges have been generated from increased research and instructional emphases in prairie ecology, limnological studies of prairie potholes and assessment of hands-on,, inquiry-based environmental education materials. These challenges demonstrate a need to establish a research and instructional science agenda and strategic management plan to support future use of the site. The objectives of this planning effort are to (1) define a science agenda (research and instruction)for the Oak Lake Field Station, (2) identify facility and equipment needs to support expanded scientific efforts, (3) establish collaborative working relationships with programs at other biological field stations, (4) establish communication with other field stations for the exchange of research data and instructional materials and (5) develop a strategic plan and cost estimates for proposed changes in the facility to be used in subsequent funding requests for field station programs. These objectives will be addressed through a combination of interactive workshops and intensive design efforts over a two year period. Information developed from these planning efforts will be used to develop support for station renovations and guide management for the next 510 years. The final product of this two year effort will be a strategic management plan to support objectives defined within a new science agenda. This planning effort will enhance the capabilities of the Oak Lake Field Station to support regional and national science efforts in prairie ecosystems. These capabilities will be evident from enhanced facilities (housing), field laboratory, supporting equipment) and implementation of collaborative research and instructional programs within the next few years. Field station directors and faculty at other institutions will become aware of environments and facilities at the Oak Lake Field Station. This increased awareness will enhance interbiome research and learning activities for a broad group of scientists and students interested in prairie environments.