Neon

The book endorses the National Science Foundation's concept of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) for providing a nationwide network of facilities and infrastructure for ecological and environmental research that is impossible with existing infrastructure. The committee identified six grand challenges in environmental biology - biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, climate change, ecology and evolution of infectious diseases, invasive species and land and habitat use-that deserves high priority for research and needs to be addressed on a regional or continental scale. However, the book says that NEON needs a refined focus and a more detailed plan for its implementation to ensure the maximization of its contribution to science and to better fit within the purview of Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction funding.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1. The National Ecological Observatory Network2. Environmental Issues of National Importance and the Role of theNational Ecological Observatory Network3. Concept and Implementation of the National EcologicalObservatory Network4. Effect of the National Ecological Observatory Network on theScientific Community, Education, and Public Outreach5. A Synthesis of Early Concepts of the National EcologicalObservatory Network and a New Vision6. Findings and RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A: Committee on the National Ecological ObservatoryNetwork Biographical SketchesAppendix B: National Research Council Workshop on the NationalEcological Observatory Network AgendaAppendix C: Federal Agencies and Professional Societies the VoicedTheir Support for the National Ecological Observatory NetworkThrough the National Research Council Workshop and Web ForumImages and Figures