Alaska's Copper River: humankind in a changing world.

Abstract

Opportunities for natural and social science research were assessed in the Copper River ecosystem including long-term, integrated studies of ecosystem structure and function. The ecosystem is one where change, often rapid, cataclysmic change, is the rule rather than the exception. The ecosystem also contains a variety of people pursuing various human purposes. Although few people dwell in the ecosystem, their signatures are evident in many ways, and their numbers and effects are increasing. Thus, the Copper River ecosystem presents the opportunity to " watch creation, " in the sense of both natural change and human influence. A multidisciplinary group of 16 scientists and specialists with a wide range of experience in natural resource science and education defined the Copper River ecosystem in scientific terms and described dimensions of the ecosystem including vegetation, wildlife , land ownership, and human occupation. Opportunities for science are described followed by recommendations. A section on " Knowledge as a Management Goal " also is included. Abstract One might ask, " Why the Copper River? " What can scientists and, by extension, society, hope to learn through research in a place as remote from the mainstream of 20th century society as Alaska's Copper River? In addition to the primary questions asked of the Copper River Science Commission, we returned often to this essential question. Out of our discussions grew a theme that, we believe, explains the value of the proposed research program. That theme is change—local, regional, global, ongoing change. As we met and deliberated , reinforced by divergent points of view and understandings of the environments around us, we became increasingly impressed by the life and vitality that mark the Copper River ecosystem. In contrast to many other " older " natural environments, rapid, cataclysmic change is the rule rather than the exception. Thus the idea of change as a theme for research. It is a relevant theme not only because change is the nature of this ecosystem but also because of its importance in current society. Today, societies worldwide are experiencing unprecedented change because of population growth, advancing technology, and the shift from an agrarian to an urban society. The world is constantly evolving—the natural environment and human societies. Our future on the planet depends, in large part, on how successfully we adapt to change. In addition, the Copper River is not so remote after all. As a region, it is as relevant and …