Ecosystem-scale environmental assessment capability at CERC centers on
ecological consequences of land use and management actions on riverine
environments by identifying and predicting the interactions between abiotic and
biotic components. Investigations are conducted largely through partnerships
with other organizations, including universities and federal and state agencies,
for planning land and water use in areas along the Missouri
River, the lower Rio
Grande, and other large river systems. The primary purpose is to assess the
adverse responses and vulnerability of populations, communities, and ecosystems
to changes in land use, particularly floodplain management. Studies are
conducted to provide the information needed to mitigate these changes.
