Biocomplexity Workshop – Field Trip
State of the Watershed
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Read: State of the Watershed Handbook
Examine the Big Thompson Watershed Assessment
As you travel through the watershed on this field trip consider the following questions:
 Is there a particular area of interest that should be emphasized in assessing
this watershed?
 Are there unique features?
 What is the landuse mosaic? What is the dominant land use?
 What are the key drivers of change?
 What are the impacts of these key drivers?
Some of this material was taken from: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/caribbean/index.shtml
Stop 1: Mt Britton:
The Mt. Britton Trail provides the visitor with the opportunity to experience the Cloud
Forest. This trail begins to ascend on a narrow concrete tread through the Palm Forest.
The trailhead begins at 750 meters above sea level (2,460 feet) at Road 930 and ends at
900 meters above sea level (3,036 feet) at the Mt. Britton Tower. You are near the top
of the watershed and at the edge of the cloud forest.
Describe the following at this site:
1. What do you think the water quality is at this location? Why?
2. How would you describe the stream? (Is it flowing, what type of materials are in
the stream? Is there much debris? Is the water clear?)
3. Are shrimp found this high up in the watershed? Do think there are natural
predators at this elevation?
4. How would you describe the vegetation? Is the canopy open or closed?
5. What types of infrastructure can you identify?
6. How would you describe the river/road relationship? Is there an intersection? Is
there evidence of erosion? Are there structures in place?
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Stop 2: Bano de Oro Trail
Visit the short level paved section of the trail that will lead you to the Bano de Oro
bathing complex. Originally built as a swimming pool in the 1930's by the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC), now it is only for viewing. As you hike see if you can catch a
glimpse of one or more of the old fish hatchery tanks. Built of stone, some have a
circular shape. These tanks represent a failed attempt to breed and introduce trout, an
exotic cold water species, into the tropical forest. The trail begins at 650 meters above
sea level (2,112 feet) at PR 191, Km. 12.0 and ends at 750 meters above sea level (2,437
feet).
Describe the following at this site:
1.
Level of infrastructure
2.
Comment of the stream environment. Stream habitat, structure, water quality?
3.
Vegetation: is it different from the previous stop?
4.
River/road relationship?
NOTE: La Mina Falls:
We will not visit La Mina Falls as the hike is too long for our day trip. However, La Mina
represents the nexus of human activity, biological process, and geomorphic landscapes
that epitomize the biocomplexity project. People come to recreate in the extensive
series of pools. These pools are also prime habitat for the migrating shrimp. The
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geomorphology define the structure of the pools and change slowly over time, or may
change suddenly due to a natural disaster (landslide, hurricane, flooding). The Falls are
also important because they act as a barrier to certain aquatic species – this may limit
predation of shrimp at higher elevations.
La Mina Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the rain forest, is reached via this
trail. The lush vegetation and exuberant palm trees combine with the cascades and
pools of La Mina making this trail one of the most scenic in the area.
As you wind down the trail you will come across several series of narrow concrete steps
and picnic shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. Originally
these picnic shelters with stone fireplaces were used as honeymoon cottages. At the
end of the trail you will arrive at La Mina Fall, a beautiful waterfall that drops over 35
feet. Visitors often stop and cool themselves under the cold running water. From this
point you can access the Big Tree Interpretive Trail, and the Rio de la Mina Trail.
Stop 3: Yokahu Falls
Visit the top of the tower. Be sure to read all the interpretive signs. The view from the
tower reveals a complex landscape. Look carefully at the mountain tops and notice the
change in vegetation.
1. Why is there a change in vegetation? What are the key drivers?
Look at the ocean view. You are also looking at several different types of jurisdictional
levels: the US Forest Service (Federal), Department of Natural and Environmental
Resources (Commonwealth), and Municipalities. Also, you are looking at two main
types of environments that demand conservation action yet also attract tourists: the
rivers and rainforest of El Yunque and the beach and ocean environment.
2. Do these environments represent competing interests in terms of conservation?
3. What might be the impact of regulation?
4. What impacts might encroaching development have on protected areas?
Stop 4: La Coca Falls
At an elevation of 450 meters (1,476 feet) above sea level, La Coca Falls is a spectacular
feature seen by the visitor traveling up to the Forest (PR 191, km. 8.1 and km 8.2). The
waters of La Coca Falls drop 85 feet (26 meters) onto a huge rock formation at the
bottom of the falls. This is an excellent spot for photos.
La Coca Falls derives its name from its official owner in the 14th century, Spanish settler
Juan Diego de La Coca. Historically in Puerto Rico properties have been referred to by
the owner name. However, throughout time, names have undergone some evolution
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resulting in shortened versions. Thus, the property of Juan Diego de la Coca is presently
known as La Coca Falls.
Surprisingly, these falls have never dried up. This is quite unusual given the fact that the
Forest has periodic dry spells. Yet, La Coca continues to run freely and greet visitors
each day. Rocks are extremely slippery and no trails are maintained around the falls.
Two parking areas are available for visitors.
1. Comment on the river/road relationship at this site. Be sure to look at both the
upstream and downstream locations.
Stop 5: El Portal Rain Forest Center
The main entrance to El Yunque National Forest is the El Portal Rain Forest Center. The
Rain Forest Center’s building complex was designed to blend into the surrounding
forest. The soaring tree canopy and winding rivers of the forest are constantly repeated
in the overall architectural theme. Construction of the Center was begun in 1994 and it
was opened to the public in June 1996.
Visit the three separate pavilions located on the second floor of the building:
Understanding the Forest, Connections, and Managing for the Future.
Collect 5 facts from each pavilion:
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Understanding the Forest: Large selection of hands-on displays to understand
the flora and fauna of the rain forest.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Connections: Describes the connections between our everyday life and the
world’s rainforests.
1.
2.
3.
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4.
5.
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Managing for the Future: Displays how rainforests worldwide are currently
being destroyed, but also information about modern methods of conservation
management.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Stop 6: La Vega
This is one of our study sites that is located outside of the forest boundary. Think
about cumulative effects from the top of the watershed to the ocean.
Describe the following at this site:
7. What do you think the water quality is at this location? Why?
8. How would you describe the stream? (Is it flowing, what type of materials are in
the stream? Is there much debris? Is the water clear?)
9. Are shrimp found at this elevation in the watershed? Do think there are natural
predators at this elevation?
10. How would you describe the vegetation? Is the canopy open or closed?
11. What types of infrastructure can you identify?
12. How would you describe the river/road relationship? Is there an intersection? Is
there evidence of erosion? Are there structures in place?
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Stop 7: Palmer
This is a sleepy town at the lower end of the Mameyes watershed.
1. Where is the river?
2. What observations can you make about the river/road relationship?
3. What is the relationship of development to the watershed?
Congratulations, you have completed your journey through the Rio Mameyes
watershed. Over the course of the day, we have worked our way from the top of the
watershed to the bottom, not only looking at the interaction between natural
systems, but also at the interaction between humans and the natural environment.
Biocomplexity in any watershed manifests in a myriad of ways. While several
aspects of biocomplexity may be evident – each watershed is unique due to the
interplay of the physical, biological and social processes.
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