Department of the Interior(DOI) Secretary Bruce Babbitt in 1994 selected Glacier Bay as one of 12 focal areas nationwide where a partnership to facilitate ecosystem-based approaches to science and resource management will be developed. The newly-created Biological Resources Division within the DOI is responsible for implementing the 12 ecosystem initiatives during 1994-1997. The Alaska Biological Science Center of the BRD is responsible for implementing the Glacier Bay program.
The three components of the Glacier Bay Ecosystem Initiative and the current status of work on each component is described below:
The BRD will initiate (1) partnerships with agencies, groups, and individuals with resource management roles to identify their science and data needs for this area (resource managers) and (2) partnerships with agencies, groups, and individuals conducting research and collecting data in this area (scientific collaborators).
An effective mechanism for managing data and transferring information will be developed to ensure that scientific information is integrated and available to partners, scientists, decision makers, and other users. Data must be collected, stored, georeferenced, and archived in a way that allows integration of data sets, easy retrieval by a variety of users, and ready conversion to client-oriented products.
An infrastructure needs plan will be prepared to detail the logistical support and facilities necessary to building an effective Glacier Bay ecosystem program. Access to office and laboratory space, temporary housing, equipment storage, data systems, transportation, research vessels, and other support will facilitate interaction and information exchange among researchers and managers.
For further information contact:
Joy Geiselman, Ph.D.
Glacier Bay Ecosystem Initiative Coordinator
Alaska Biological Science Center
1011 E. Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907)786-3668, fax (907)786-3636
email: joy_geiselman@usgs.gov
Glacier Bay
Alaska Glacier Bay Field Station
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