This proposed site draws upon a strong three-way core partnership of NAU and two entities of the USDA Forest Service: the Coconino National Forest and the Rocky Mountain Research Station. Together NEON, RMRS, and NAU bring a critical mass of researchers to bear on a single scientific platform. The Coconino NF has demonstrated interest in the educational aspects of NEON as well as the science. USFS maintains a Beaver Creek Ranger Station facility with high visitor access; the area is targeted for the National Forest's Sinagua Circle educational project, highlighting indigenous cultures and their use of water.

        The three Arizona universities have just collaborated to obtain $200,000 from the state-funded Science Foundation Arizona to coordinate NEON activities (funding ARENA, the Arizona Environmental Array). Key non-profit entities for collaboration include Lowell Observatory, The Arboretum at Flagstaff, and The Museum of Northern Arizona. Additional agency involvement includes the USGS, NPS, USFWS, and Arizona Game and Fish. The Beaver Creek Watershed is partnered with La Michilía Biosphere Reserve in Durango, the only temperate forest reserve in Mexico; NAU collaborates with La Michilía through the Instituto de Ecología. We have an excellent working relationship with other institutions and personnel associated with Domain 13 and the national connectivity effort, and we are committed to a coordinating role for all of Domain 13.