Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Rocky Mountain CESU

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The purpose of the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (NOROCK) funding opportunity is to develop geologic and geomorphic spatial data sets using existing soil maps, geologic maps, aerial photographs, satellite data, well logs, and other sources of available data. The spatial data sets will be of a regional scale covering the Eastern Sheridan County, Montana, which includes most of the prairie potholes and includes wetlands and grasslands managed by the Medicine Lake Wildlife Refuge. The research is based upon growing public concern over the environmental risks associated with oil development and production in the Williston Basin in the Northern Great Plains (Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota). Recent advances in technology have increased energy development in the Bakken Formation within the Williston Basin. Superimposed over this landscape is the Prairie Pothole Region, which includes critical wetland and grassland habitats of importance to breeding, nesting, and migrating waterfowl, wetland birds, and grassland birds. Potential impacts of oil field activities on these important habitats include brine contamination from co-produced waters that leach from oil well reserve pits, injection wells, and transport lines. Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region have been identified as most likely affected by climate change in Montana because of their seasonal nature. Climate change in the Prairie Pothole Region is projected to result in a negative feedback loop of carbon sequestration. Therefore, it is imperative to complete these spatial data sets in order to fill the knowledge gaps in existing research.

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