An interactive, Internet accessible database that integrates microbiological data with physical, chemical, and geological data of the geothermal features.

The thermal features of this natural resource contain microbiological diversity that has the potential for remarkable scientific and economic impact. The cataloging and mapping of extreme microorganisms in YNP is of strategic importance to resource preservation and management, scientific research, and public education.

Objective: To develop an integrated relational database and Geographic Information System (GIS) for managing YNP microbial biodiversity data and associated habitat information.
Benefits: Facilitate resource preservation and management: Provides a means to assess impacts from scientific research, visitor use, park operations Supports monitoring the frequency that sites are sampled to help prevent "overuse" of resources Enhances scientific research: Provides a formal means to catalog microbiological data Facilitates acquisition and distribution of information Defines gaps in understanding of Yellowstone microbiota Promotes inter- and intra-disciplinary collaborations Promotes public education High school sampling teams University research Communicate scientific relevance to public
Components: Database Microbial studies/references Spring characteristics - geology, chemistry, hydrology GIS coverages Hardware Internet server and associated requirements End user: PC, Macintosh or UNIX Software Microsoft Access (database) Internet browser Internet map server Communications Network - Internet Functions Search and query database Input data / information Links Park personnel Web page master

By Act of Congress on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park was "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people" and "for the preservation, from injury or spoilation, of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders and their retention in their natural condition.

Inventories of living organisms in the U. S. are well behind those of other countries. In addition, microbiology worldwide lags far behind the plant and animal sciences in biotic inventories. If microbial exploration is not undertaken soon, there will be a negative impact on both the scientific and industrial capabilities of the country. Therefore, it is recommended that federal agencies in the United States provide financial support for microbial exploration as soon as practical (American Academy of Microbiology).

Several international research efforts in biological diversity, such as DIVERSITAS and SCOPE, and European efforts, are already underway. The U. S. should join with these efforts where practical, initiate new international efforts as needed, and foster international cooperation and collaboration in this area, especially in microbial diversity. The potential value of microbial diversity provides compelling justification for launching a major national program in microbial exploration (American Academy of Microbiology).

INEEL, Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC , Inc.,P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415

Ronald C. Rope, Ecological and Cultural Resources, (208) 526-9491, rcr@inel.gov

Daphne L. Stoner, Department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry
University of Idaho - Idaho Falls, (208) 526-8786, stondl@if.uidaho.edu

Sera E. White, Ecological and Cultural Resources, (208) 526-1632, whitse@inel.gov