BISLEY WATERSHEDS

The Bisley watersheds are managed by the International Institute of Tropical Forestry as a site of long-term studies on the hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology of montane tropical watersheds. Research facilities include 2 walk-up canopy towers, climate stations, throughfall and litter collectors, and three gaged watersheds, permanent ecological study plots, a MAB biodiversity plot, and areas designated for aquatic research.

In addition to projects sponsored by the USFS, research in the watersheds is also conducted by the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Group, the Smithsonian MAB and Biosphere Program, the U.S. Geological Survey, and numerous Universities from around the world. Major research themes include hurricane damage and recovery, forest nutrient cycling, geomorphology and hydrology, forest ecology and aquatic ecology.

Researchers are encouraged to work in the Bisley area. However, to maintain the ecological integrity of the watersheds and the scientific veracity of the projects certain protocol is required. This protocol is designed to protect the watersheds, create an amiable work environment, and provide an historical record for future scientists.

All projects in the watersheds must have explicit permission by the International Institute of Tropical Forestry before they can begin. Watersheds 1 and 2 are sites of many long-term studies and can only be entered for specific research purposes. Groups are not allowed to walk within these watersheds. Watershed #3 is a long term control. NOBODY IS ALLOWED IN THIS WATERSHED.

All projects must file a study plan and follow the procedures for conducting research in the LEF. Any manipulative research must follow NEPA procedures and file an Environmental Assessment with the Caribbean National Forest.

The location of all research plots and studies must be approved prior to their establishment.

All research plots and studies must be clearly marked with the investigator's name and affiliation.

For further information or permission to use the Bisley Watersheds, please contact:

 

F.N. Scatena
International Institute of Tropical Forestry
USDA Forest Service
P.O. Box 25,000
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
FSCATENA@LTERNET.EDU
787-766-5335