Ozark Partnership
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Ozark Summit 2009May 5-7, 2009,
Eureka Springs, Ark. The 2nd Ozark Summit focused on Ozark natural resource management and research issues, including how climate change and America's energy needs may affect the Ozarks. The meeting was hosted by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and the U.S. Geological Survey. Ozark Summit 2009_brochure Ozark Summit 2008:
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The OzarksThe Ozarks are one of the most biologically diverse landscapes on earth. Forests, glades, prairies, streams, caves, springs and fens harbor habitats and species found nowhere else on the planet. Ozark biodiversity is due in part to the age of the landscape. Nearly a quarter billion years of erosion and weathering have resulted in a thoroughly dissected plateau of remarkable geologic, topographic and hydrologic diversity. Subterranean dissolution of carbonate bedrock has formed world-renowned karst features of springs, sinkholes and caves. The Ozarks have continuously supported plant and animal life for 225 million years; perhaps longer than any other region in the United States. No glaciers or oceans covered the Ozarks during this time, providing opportunity for species to diversify. During glacial maxima, the Ozarks provided refuge for plant and animal species displaced from more northern latitudes. Isolated populations of some of these species survive today in caves, springs and other isolated damp, cool areas. Over 200 species are largely restricted to the Ozarks; of these, approximately 160 species occur nowhere else in the world. Find out more about Ozark culture and environment here. |
The Ozark PartnershipThe Ozark Partnership seeks to help sustain the biologically rich, nationally-significant natural resources of the Ozarks. Our aim is to improve effectiveness and efficiency of science and management through the cooperative work of State, Federal and nongovernmental organizations that conduct natural resource research and management in the Ozarks. We also welcome private citizens and landowners. Steps are being taken to:
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Ozark endemic species |
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Ozark hellbender |
Dwarf spiderwort Tradescantia longipes Matt Struckoff U.S. Geological Survey |
Woodland crayfish (juv.) |