The Delaware River Basin Collaborative Environmental Monitoring and Research Initiative: Foundation Document

Abstract

The U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Park Service formed the Collaborative Environmental Monitoring and Research Initiative (CEMRI) to test strategies for integrated environmental monitoring among the agencies. The initiative combined monitoring and research efforts of the participating Federal programs to evaluate health and sustainability of forest and freshwater aquatic systems in the Delaware River Basin (DRB). Forest ecosystem health issues addressed by the CEMRI effort include urbanization and forest fragmentation, productivity and carbon sequestration, nitrogen saturation and calcium depletion, vulnerability to exotic insects, and effects of interactions among these factors. Ongoing monitoring programs were enhanced with supplemental sampling locations and measurements, and models were developed or modified to associate intensive process-level information with extensive landscape-scale information from satellite, aerial, and ground monitoring systems. This paper discusses development of the CEMRI in the DRB and methods to address environmental issues across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Note: The Executive Summary portion of this document is available in print; the full foundation document is online only.

Titles contained within The Delaware River Basin Collaborative Environmental Monitoring and Research Initiative: Foundation Document

• 1.0 Executive summary
• 2.0 Introduction to the Delaware River Basin pilot study
• 3.0 Foundation programs for the Delaware CEMRI framework
• 4.0 Measuring and monitoring forest carbon stocks and fluxes
• 5.0 Monitoring methods for forests vulnerable to non-native invasive pest species
• 6.0 Monitoring recovery from calcium depletion and nitrogen saturation
• 7.0 Monitoring the status and impacts of forest fragmentation and urbanization
• 8.0 Integrating the effect of terrestrial ecosystem health and land use on the hydrology, habitat, and water quality of the Delaware River and estuary
• 9.0 Conclusions

Citation

Murdoch, Peter S.; Jenkins, Jennifer C.; Birdsey, Richard A. 2008. The Delaware River Basin Collaborative Environmental Monitoring and Research Initiative: Foundation Document. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-25. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. Executive summary, 15 p.; online foundation document, 93 p.g