Proposal: Developing a Geodatabase and Geocollaborative Tools to Support Springs and Springs-Dependent Species Management in the Southern Rockies LCC
Dates
Acquisition
2014-12-31
Summary
Springs—ecosystems where groundwater reaches the Earth's surface—are among the most biologically, socio-culturally, and economically important water resources (Stevens and Meretsky 2008). Many endangered species, and numerous rare or endemic plants, invertebrates, amphibians, and fish are found only at springs in the United States. Springs are highly sacred to indigenous cultures that use them for water supplies, ceremonies, and other purposes. Given the interactions between temperature, precipitation, infiltration, and aquifer dynamics, springs also are sensitive indicators of climate change. Yet while much attention and funding has been devoted to rivers and streams, springs ecosystems have been largely overlooked in conservation, [...]
Summary
Springs—ecosystems where groundwater reaches the Earth's surface—are among the
most biologically, socio-culturally, and economically important water resources (Stevens
and Meretsky 2008). Many endangered species, and numerous rare or endemic plants,
invertebrates, amphibians, and fish are found only at springs in the United States. Springs
are highly sacred to indigenous cultures that use them for water supplies, ceremonies, and
other purposes. Given the interactions between temperature, precipitation, infiltration, and
aquifer dynamics, springs also are sensitive indicators of climate change. Yet while much
attention and funding has been devoted to rivers and streams, springs ecosystems have
been largely overlooked in conservation, research, and management. They are abundant
across the United States, but in arid and mesic landscapes alike, springs are poorly
understood, incompletely mapped, and inadequately protected. The lack of information
and attention has resulted in the loss of many springs and springs-dependent natural,
socio-cultural, and economic resources through poor management practices. Estimates of
impairment or loss of springs in some landscapes exceed 90% (GCWC 2002). But until
recently there has been no effort to systematically map, inventory, or assess springs
ecological integrity within or across administrative boundaries. Existing information is
minimal, fragmented, and largely unavailable to land managers, Tribes, conservation
organizations, and researchers. We established the Springs Stewardship Institute (SSI) to
improve understanding of springs ecology, to educate resource managers and the public
about the importance of springs stewardship, and to partner with other organizations,
agencies, Tribes, and researchers who are working to protect these critically endangered
resources.
