Silverton , Colorado

The Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is an independent,not-for-profit 501(c)(3) research and education institution and field station. MSI’s mission is to enhance understanding and sustainable use of the San Juan Mountains and their communities. Whether it’s air quality, climate change,wetlands, water, or mountain town revitalization, MSI is hard at work bringing research and planning expertise to the San Juan Mountain region and applying the results through education and on-the-ground projects. MSI’s program is stakeholder-driven, meaning that it is motivated by the needs of the policy makers, environmental managers, scientists, community planners, educators, business managers, conservation professionals, and community members - that have a stake in the health of our environment. An integral part of this program is outreach to translate and deliver results to stakeholders to allow informed discussion and decision-making. Equally important is applying results through on-the-ground restoration and revitalization projects. MSI’s activities occur across elevations from the high alpine to the semi-arid foothills, woodlands, and range that make up the San Juan Mountain region. MSI projects also occur within the communities we serve. Many other mountain regions and communities face the same challenges as the San Juans. In this regard, MSI’s work has broader application across the Four Corners, Southern Rocky Mountains, western United States, and globally. [view full description]