Long Term Research at Reynolds Creek, Idaho, Lessons Learned.

Initiated in 1960 as an “outdoor hydrologic laboratory”, the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed (RCEW) was intended for long term research, and now has over 50 years of continuous hydrologic data and more than 300 publications.

Some benefits of long term sites are that they:

1. Allow for relatively large-scale research. Point studies are invaluable, but must be integrated in a larger landscape. It’s not practical to instrument large study sites for short term studies.
2. Provide real data for climate change in ecohydrologic context, for example on streamflow, snow distribution and soil water and vegetation.
3. Provide a temporal and spatial context for focused, small scale and short term research. A recent example is a study of bedload transport and the critical need for coincident streamflow data.
4. Are a test-bed for model testing and development. We highlight two “homegrown” models.
5.  Provide baseline data for new research.

These benefits come at cost. Based on our experience, some important considerations are:

1. Continuous effort is required. Data continuity is critical. At present there are over 100 sites in the RCEW collecting a wide variety of data on loggers operating year round. Something is always going wrong.
2. Scientific input is needed at all levels. Skilled technicians are essential but not sufficient. To maintain high data quality over time research and publication are critical.
3. Access to processed data is required with quality control best done on-site.

Our final point is that networking expands value. The recent designation of the RCEW as a Critical Zone Observatory has been a boon. Ongoing critical zone research makes use of all the advantages listed in a multi-disciplinary context and is opening the door for comparisons within the larger CZO network. Recent addition to the Long Term Agroecosystem Research network may provide similar benefits.