Description:
The report presents results of the initial reconnaissance effort of a pilot study to assess the suitability of Noatak National Preserve (also a designated UNESCO/MAB International Biosphere Reserve) as a site for an Integrated Global Background Monitoring site. Sites currently established as part of the pilot network are Olympic National Park, Washington, USA, and Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. Objectives of the global network are: to establish reference levels for pollutants that already exhibit global contamination; establish baseline measurements of ecosystem parameters that permit comparison of more impacted areas; and serve as an early warning system for detecting increases in hazardous pollutants and changes in ecosystem processes. Because of its remote and pristine nature, Noatak National Preserve appeared to be an excellent candidate for inclusion in such a baseline network.