The study area is the San Luis Valley, Colorado. The way in which hydrologic dynamics can influence wetland dynamics will be further studied by developing a model of wetland dynamics for a natural wetland complex in the San Luis Valley. This model will be used to model habitat dynamics for indicator waterbird species at both wetland and landscape scales. Ecosystem dynamics are critical to the ecological integrity of natural communities. This is especially true of intermountain wetlands, which vary considerably from season to season and year to year.
Many species occurring in intermountain wetlands are dependent on wetland dynamics.
These wetlands are extremely sensitive to climate variability, surface water diversions, and ground water pumping. Past management of intermountain wetlands primarily targeted waterfowl and emphasized maintenance of static, deep-water wetlands. This management strategy has compounded the effects of water diversion projects by dampening hydrological fluctuations, disrupting natural processes. We now recognize that protection and management of functioning, dynamic ecosystems is necessary to ensure that suitable habitats for all species are maintained in the landscape. Unfortunately, this new-found insight is hampered by uncertainty of the patterns and roles of dynamics in ecosystems, and how they have been altered by human activities.