Big Sky, Montana
Response of mountain stream ecosystems to rapid development and associated changes in nutrient dynamics
Rapid development and land us change associated with ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains is leading to elevated nutrient concentrations in streams, with potentially large effects on food webs and biogeochemical cycling of essential elements. As part of a larger effort in the Big Sky, MT area, we’re examining the sources and fate of dissolved N and P in the West Fork watershed. Where does it come from? Where does it go? What are its effects on food webs, stoichiometry, and nutrient cycling? Leslie Piper’s master’s research is organized by these questions.