Aquatic and Land Interactions Program

About Us

Mission

The mission of the Aquatic and Land Interactions (ALI) Program is to increase understanding of the effects of natural processes and human activities on interactions between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with emphasis on understanding the effects of land management on watershed processes and associated biota (e.g., salmonids, amphibians) in the Pacific Northwest.

We also develop assessment tools to assist managers and decision makers in achieving sustainability at multiple spatial and temporal scales. The scope and scale of natural resources research includes site-specific and process-specific studies that fill narrow gaps in knowledge, as well as watershed- and landscape-scale studies that attempt to address processes, functions, and structure of ecosystems.

An important element of the program mission is to discover general relationships and processes that are not limited to a specific geographic locality. Applications of the research will be most direct within the region where the work was done, but much of the knowledge will be broadly applicable and transferable to other geographic regions and ecosystems.

PNW Research Goals and Outcomes

Goal 1—Develop a fundamental understanding of ecological, social, and economic systems and their interactions.

• Advance the understanding of structure, function, and processes of aquatic and riparian ecological systems.

Goal 2—Assess the status and trends of ecosystems and natural resources and their uses.

• Develop monitoring protocols and data analysis techniques.

Goal 3—Develop science-based options that enhance management.

• Restore ecosystems at risk and reduce the risks people face.

• Create operational strategies for conservation of biodiversity.

Goal 4—Communicate science findings and enhance their application.

• Bridge the gap between information generation and its use.

Our Scientists

Aquatic and Land Interactions Program Douglas Ryan, Program Manager

Olympia ALI Team Pete Bisson, Team Leader

Corvallis ALI Team Gordie Reeves, Team Leader

Juneau ALI Team Rick Edwards, Team Leader

Wenatchee ALI Team Rick Woodsmith, Team Leader

Boundary Spanning Team

Our Partners

USDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station, Aquatic and Land Interactions Program
Last Modified: Friday, 09 June 2006 at 18:32:02 EDT