NGRREC Research

NGRREC is unique, focusing on research projects that are as diverse as the river itself. Our research projects focus on all aspects of the ecology and management of large rivers, including aquatic, floodplain, and terrestrial habitats, watershed processes, and the human communities that depend on river-floodplain ecosystems.

Our researchers have extensive expertise in monitoring critical natural resources of large rivers, information which is essential for the sustainable management of these ecosystems. We are working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, and state natural resources agencies to establish a long-term monitoring network of permanent floodplain-forest sites throughout the Upper Mississippi River System. Additionally, NGRREC researchers are part of the network of scientists conducting monitoring and research for the Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP). The LTRMP, coordinated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Geological Survey, has been monitoring the fishes, aquatic vegetation, and water quality of the Upper Mississippi River for over twenty years providing one of the most comprehensive and extensive data sets for any major ecosystem in the world. 

• An important tool for sustainable management of the native fauna and other natural resources of large rivers is habitat restoration. Our researchers have extensive experience assessing ecological responses to large-scale habitat restoration projects in rivers for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other agencies. Examples include assessing terrestrial vegetation responses to island protection projects, assessing the health of floodplain forests under differing hydrologic management strategies, and tracking the response of fishes, macroinvertebrates aquatic vegetation, and water quality to habitat restoration projects in backwater lakes.
  
  
• The introduction and spread of invasive species threatens many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, including large rivers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, and other groups have turned to NGRREC researchers to assess efforts at preventing Asian carp from spreading to the Great Lakes from the Illinois River. NGRREC researchers are also assessing the spread of invasive plants species in floodplain and terrestrial habitats of the Upper Mississippi River System.
  
  
• Assessment of green building features is an important research area associated with the new Confluence Field Station. Among the features being studied are green roof technology and the use of wind energy systems.

Since its inception, NGRREC has funded more than $285,000 in research and maintains an expert staff involved in research funded by other sponsors. 

A comprehensive overview and findings of all current and ongoing NGRREC projects is available here. MORE

Includes a list and summary of all research projects that have been completed by NGRREC and our associates. MORE

A collection of peer reviewed papers and journal articles based on work supported wholly or in part by the NGRREC. MORE