The Arctic LTER Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement and Action Plan has been updated for 2023.
Welcome to the Arctic Long-Term Ecological Research Site
The Arctic Long Term Ecological Research (ARC LTER) site is part of a network of sites established by the National Science Foundation to support long-term ecological research in the United States. Our research site is located in the foothills region of the Brooks Range, North Slope of Alaska (68° 38'N, 149° 36.4'W, elevation 720 m) and is based out of the University of Alaska's Toolik Field Station. The Arctic LTER project's goal is to understand and predict the effects of environmental change on arctic landscapes, both natural and anthropogenic. We use long-term monitoring and surveys of natural variation of ecosystem characteristics, experimental manipulation of ecosystems (years to decades) and modeling at ecosystem and watershed scales to gain an understanding of the controls of ecosystem structure and function. Through this understanding we hope to addresses an important societal goal of predicting the response of arctic ecosystems to environmental change. The data and insights gained are provided to federal, Alaska state and North Slope Borough officials who regulate the lands on the North Slope and through this web site.