Editorial

The last few months have been quite exciting for the LTER network.

This has been both a challenging and exciting year for the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network.  LTER science is stronger than ever, with numerous critically important findings at bot

This summer we learned that the National Science Foundation (NSF) will not be renewing the Sevilleta (SEV) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program.

Much has changed since the LTER Network Office (LNO) cooperative agreement was last renewed in 2009, but LNO staff continue to make progress toward the goals established in that award.  Shortl

As we wind up 2013, it is worth reflecting on some positive experiences and negative challenges that occurred this past year. First the positive: In 2013 the US Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network paid tribute to the tremendous growth and success of the International LTER (ILTER) Network during its 20^th anniversary.

As I write this brief update, three topics are currently on my mind: The government shutdown, site visits, and plans for the future of the LNO.

The Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network recently held its Executive Board Meeting and of much greater general interest, the 12th annual spring mini-symposium at the National Science Founda

A National Science Foundation (NSF) review team has praised the LTER Network Office (LNO) for its efforts promoting network science, for progress on the Network Information System, for its strong relationship with site information managers, and for creating a new web presence. 

The LTER Network held its 11th annual mini-symposium in March 2012 at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in Arlington, Virginia.

Things have been hopping along recently in the LTER Network Office (LNO). This fall, in addition to raking leaves and laying in a supply of firewood, we have played host to seven LTER projects either in our training lab or at the Sevilleta Field Station:

• Three research working groups funded by the LNO from the 2010 competition were organized by Katie Suding/Elsa Cleland, Julia Jones (AND), and Bob Christian (VCR)
• Theresa Valentine (AND) and Corinna Gries (NTL) coordinated working groups focused on the production of IM/IT products
• The Drupal Ecological Information Management System group engaged in their second training workshop under the guidance of Iñigo San Gil (MCM)
• Finally, Jamie Hollingsworth (BNZ) visited the LNO for an extended period to work on a new cartographic almanac