The long-term maintenance of the scientific infrastructure described above is a major undertaking by the USDA ARS. It requires routine, year-round instrument evaluation, calibration and replacement coordinated with data management. All data collected is subject to scientific oversight by NWRC staff. The USDA ARS Northwest Watershed Research Center supports a “headquarters” facility where field staff are stationed who are responsible for the day-to-maintenance of both the scientific and physical infrastructure. The latter includes vehicle maintenance, field radios (no cell service), road repair, facilities including bunk beds and trailers, basic laboratory, meeting room, etc. In addition, an electronics technician keeps the data flowing and maintains the radio telemetry system and a database manager evaluates incoming data quality and processes those data with scientific supervision.