Non-Point Contaminants in Alaskan Park Ecosystems: State of Knowledge and Gap Analysis Report
Project ID: J8W07110022
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Oregon State University
Fiscal Year: 2011
Initial Funding: $11,751
Total Funding: $11,751
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Biological
National Park: Alaska Region
Principal Investigator: Nanus, Leora
Agreement Technical Representative: Schirokauer, David
Abstract: This is a collaborative project to develop a state of the science, white-paper report, on contaminant research and monitoring relevant to Alaskan National Park ecosystems. The goal of the report is to compile information to inform managers and the public about conditions and trends, both spatially and temporally, of toxic air contaminants and associated sensitive receptors. The project will be implemented through collaboration among the National Park Service (NPS), a Principal Investigator (PI) at Oregon State University (OSU), and a PI at University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). The presence and effects of environmental contaminants in northern ecosystems is a dynamic and re-emerging issue that needs carefully directed research and monitoring attention. The report from this project will provide the following: 1) a comprehensive literature review (and bibliography) describing all present and past agency and university based contaminant research and monitoring projects that have implications for Alaskan National Park ecosystems and subsistence users; 2) identify and highlight gaps in the state-of-knowledge; 3) highlight any currently emerging issues (e.g., endocrine disruptors); 4) describe the spatial distribution (using a GIS database) and sampling return interval of ongoing monitoring programs; and 5) identify sampling and analysis gaps in existing monitoring programs. This project will benefit the public by providing a ‘one-stop-shopping’ source of information and data on the state-of-the-science of environmental contaminants research and monitoring affecting Alaskan National Park ecosystems. The paper will also identify gaps in knowledge and flag emerging issues, such as climate contaminant interaction, to inspire new and innovative investigations. Ultimately, this concise summary of a vast body of scientific literature and data will be a stewardship tool to help land managers, and the public, protect NPS lands in Alaska.
Deliverables: