Impact

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is driven to lead state-of-the-art science and education because the San Juan Mountains are our communities’ greatest asset. Along with our partners and you, they have called us to explore, seek new challenges, and learn from them.

MSI engages stakeholders, galvanizes resources, actuates science, and shares findings – connecting scientists and stakeholders across the San Juan Mountain region to go beyond scientific inquiry to the meaningful application of science that makes a difference for the quality of environment and mountain systems.

Through three program areas - Collaborative Research, Mountain Learning, and Citizen Science we focus our work around five key themes: Air Quality, Water Quality, Climate Variability & Change, Ecosystems & Biodiversity, and Communities & Land Use. For each theme, we have identified challenges, strategies to address those challenges, and where possible, taken actions to engage the citizens in addressing them. 

MSI Themes

stories

There are innumerable stories hidden in the landscape of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, tucked away behind Ponderosa Pine trees, bubbling up in cascading streams, soaring above verdant valleys. Who are the people? What is this place? How can we ensure a better future for us and our surroundings?

The Dirt and Dust podcast, produced by MSI, explores these questions along with the personalities, places, and peculiarities of the 2 Watersheds - 3 Rivers - 2 States Cohesive Strategy Partnership (2-3-2) landscape which works collaboratively, bringing together government agencies, tribal partners, non-profits, community members, and more to make decisions collectively about our forests, rivers, wildlife, and communities. Learn more about the 2-3-2 and other Forest Program projects here.