The San Juan Basin and River corridor is a biologically and culturally diverse eco-region with exceptional geologic formations and innumerable paleotological, archaeological and natural history sites, providing immense research opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers at NAU. 

In January 2006, the BLM designated The San Juan River cooridor as a potential Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) with the highest diversity of relevant and important values (scenic, cultural, wildlife, and natural systems) for the region. A global and national recreation destination and important resource for surrounding communities, the area experiences annual increases in visitation and resource use. Baseline inventory data and continued monitoring and evaluation are critical steps that will assist resource managers to develop sound management and conservation strategies for the San Juan River Basin and corridor.  

EMA's San Juan River Basin Program strives to encourage, facilitate and develop multi-disciplinary research projects that meet the specific resource needs of the managing agencies and communities, while enhancing educational and research programs at the University. 

Current projects within the San Juan River Basin include:

Annual Thematic Projects

Long-term Research Projects