Lessons learned from long-term ecosystem research and monitoring in alpineand subalpine basins of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA

Long-term ecosystem research and monitoring was begun in the Loch Vale wate rshed of Rocky Mountain National Park in 1983, after extensive survey work to identify the best location. Then, as now, our scientific objectives were to understand natural biogeochemical cycles and variability, so that we co uld differentiate ecosystem changes from human-caused disturbances, such as atmospheric deposition of pollutants and climate change. We have learned m any lessons, often through our mistakes, that are worth passing on. Clear s cientific objectives, even for long-term monitoring, are essential. Standar dized methods, including rigorous quality assurance procedures should be ad hered to from the beginning of the program. All data, even those collected routinely for background records, should be scrutinized and summarized at l east once a year. Freely share basic information such as weather, hydrologi c, chemical, and descriptive records with other researchers who can build u pon your efforts. Use many tools when asking complex ecological questions, in order to minimize bias toward specific results. Publish frequently; long -term studies do not imply there are no interim conclusions or interesting findings. Interpret findings frequently to policy makers and citizens; incr eased understanding of the environment and human-caused changes may improve natural resource management, and build support for ecological research. An d finally, be persistent. Long-term ecological research can be frustrating and difficult to maintain, yet is often the best way to observe and underst and ecological change on a meaningful time scale.