HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 OSTB- AGCI Interactive Roaring Fork Observation Information Network AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
WORK SESSION DATE: March 7, 2017
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Aspen Global Change Institute Partnership with Pitkin County Open
Space and Trails on the Interactive Roaring Fork Observation
Information Network
STAFF RESPONSIBLE: Gary Tennenbaum, Director Pitkin County Open Space and Trails
John Katzenberger, Executive Director AGCI
Elise Osenga, Research and Education Coordinator AGCI
ISSUE STATEMENT: Global climate change will have local impacts in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Long-term monitoring can help us to better understand what those changes are and the implications
they may have for land-use management.
BACKGROUND: Pitkin County Open Space and Trails has partnered with the Aspen Global
Change Institute over the past 3 years to install soil moisture monitoring stations on Open Space
properties. This information will be critical to guide land management in the future in response to
the real effects climate change on vegetation and wildlife habitat. The interactive Roaring Fork
Observation Network(iRON), created by the Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI), helps to
further understanding of local changes by measuring climatic conditions and soil moisture over time.
Soil moisture is critical to all vegetation in our semi-arid valley. How soil moisture changes in
response to shifts in climate conditions is the central focus of the observation network. The network
consists of 9 stations placed strategically in different ecological zones spanning from 6,200 feet at
Glenwood Springs to 12,200 feet at Independence Pass. This presentation will review what has been
learned since the network was established in 2013, the partners involved, and how this information
fits into the bigger picture of management in the context of a changing climate.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN: Flourishing Natural and Built Environment and Liveable and
Supportive Community
KEY DISCUSSION ITEMS: Adapting natural resource management to climate change is critical
to ensure funds are spent efficiently and effectively.
BUDGETARY IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDED BOCC ACTION: None. Information only.
ATTACHMENTS: Maps of locations of soil monitors
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