Several themes emerged from the presentations. Dr. James Deacon emphasized this point with his research on desert fishes. It is important to manage for the maintenance of natural variability, not stasis. The presentation by Dr. Tom Van Devender showed that the desert has undergone great change in the last 40,000 years. Only by understanding this variation and its importance to the development of the modern Mojave Desert ecosystem can we effectively manage the desert for future generations to enjoy.
Global change necessitates adaptive management.
Climate change, increasing CO2, and increasing inputs of nitrogen from air pollution have subtle but sure impacts on ecosystems like the Mojave. Some species will prosper, others may decline. Effective management must consider the implications of these global factors. For example, increased nitrogen input may favor the proliferation of exotic annual grasses and their accompanying short fire cycles. Geological and associated ecological processes are slow, therefore research on these processes is by necessity long-term.