Development of a Spring Ecosystem Monitoring Protocol in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Schmitz D, McGlynn B, Patten D. 2007. Development of a Spring Ecosystem Monitoring Protocol in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Land Resources and Environmental Sciences - Montana State University. Bozeman, MT
Aridland seeps and springs in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (BICA) were identified as a vital sign for the Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network (GRYN). This protocol was developed to monitor the ecological condition of BICA springs. Seeps and spring ecosystems have an ecological importance disproportionate to their spatial extent in this desert environment. Protecting seep and spring resources requires in-depth understanding of their ecological character, controlling factors, and natural variability over space and time.