THE VIEW FROM ONE PARK: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS FOR GEOSCIENCE RESEARCH AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Since Congress mandated the use of science in decision-making in 1998, Rocky Mountain National Park has actively worked to support research with funding, housing, campsites, volunteer time, and various types of logistical support. The number of research projects undertaken annually at the park approximately doubled from 1998-2003. However, funding, staff time, and the availability of housing/campsites will continue to constrain research. This talk will take a realistic look at the qualities that make a partner’s project attractive to park staff and what types of support a park may be able to offer. In addition to Rocky Mountain NP, information on working through one of the NPS’s new Research Learning Center’s will be covered in detail.