The Sevilleta Field Station serves a large number of research scientists and students who study the extensive and ecologically diverse region of central New Mexico. The region incorporates transition zones among numerous biomes, including Great Plains Grassland, Chihuahuan Desert, Colorado Plateau Shrub-Steppe, Interior Chaparral, Mogollon Pi on-Juniper Woodland, and Montane Forests. Current scientific research in the region focuses on biotic responses to climate change at various spatial and temporal time scales (seasonal, annual, and long-term), biodiversity issues, and ecosystem restoration following natural and anthropogenic disturbance. Funding for research activities on the Sevilleta has exceeded $15.6 million, and continues to increase. From 1990 to 1995, there were 357 scientists and students working on 109 research projects in the region served by the Sevilleta Field Station. The Sevilleta Station provided logistical support to a large proportion of these projects. This project addresses improvements in three areas of station operations requiring enhancements to meet growing demands by field research scientists. Computation - the addition of graphical/GIS and ARC/INFO workstations and computer server, with terminals for station residences; Information - installation of a Differential GPS Community Base Station for field GPS work, the addition of a computerized Ariel Library Reference Station for literature searches/inter-library loan computer transmissions, and the acquisition of station library reference materials; Transportation - the addition several vehicles for use in field studies covering large areas of central New Mexico. With these enhancements, the station's capabilities will finally match the logistical demands for field support by the Sevilleta's scientific community.
