Scientists and managers have brought water resource issues facing the Luquillo Experimental Forest to both local and national attention. Results of this research are being directly linked to management of hydrologic connections across the boundaries of the Caribbean National Forest. For example, Benstead et al. This combined information was used to make recommendations for mitigation of negative environmental effects caused by water abstraction. As a result of these findings, the designs of two new water withdrawal systems have been altered by the Puerto Rican Aqueduct and Sewage Authority to minimize mortality of migrating aquatic biota.
Intakes also operate when stream flows are high so that base flows are maintained.
Equally encouraging is that water withdrawal from another intake on the Culebrinas River has been prohibited from 7 to 11 PM and a fish ladder has been required. These are some of the questions that long-term research at the Luquillo LTER site will help address. Expanding human populations require more water and they often look to public lands to meet their demands. Correspondingly, there is less fresh water available for the environmental needs and integrity of ecosystems that are not dominated by humans. References Benstead, J. P., J. G. March, C. M. Pringle, and F. N. Scatena.