AMMONIA CONCENTRATIONS IN AGRICULTURAL AND URBAN REGIONS OF NE COLORADO

This project will examine spatial gradients and long-term trends in ammonia concentrations in northeast Colorado, a region that contributes significantly to excess nitrogen deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park. Specifically, the project will:Continue long-term operation of a network of ammonia monitors in NE Colorado. These samplers are operated at approximately 15 sites (urban, agricultural, and background grassland) during the spring through autumn time period.Examine concentration gradients between background, urban, and agriculture-intensive regions to assess the most important regional sources of ammonia.Examine the influence of wildfires in Colorado and elsewhere in the western U.S. on Colorado ammonia concentrations.Examine long-term ammonia measurements in the region to identify any significant concentration trends reflective of changes in ammonia emissions.Disseminate findings to the Colorado agriculture, livestock production, and dairy communities and other stakeholders (e.g., the National Park Service, USEPA, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) working with Colorado's agricultural producers to reduce impacts of ammonia emissions on excess nitrogen deposition to sensitive ecosystems in Rocky Mountain National Park.