QUARTERLY Autumn 2018 H P : about a emp ng such a thing. But it A H R got me thinking about the historical by Suzanne Silverthorn research I’d been doing. It brought me My heart sank when I heard the back to the fi rst recorded ascent led news. Jim De erline, who le his by Major John Wesley Powell in 1868, mark on the world with his passion for Isabella Bird’s colorful account of her RMNP and his record assents of Longs 1873 summit, and the daring climbs Peak, was gone. His life had been of East Face adventurers, including cut short and I couldn’t stop thinking Ranger Jack Moomaw, whose Longs about his kindness — helping me, a Peak legacy was bestowed to Jim. I en- complete stranger, with my research visioned what it must have been like ques ons. I had looked forward to to climb in the elements without the mee ng him in person to thank him benefi t of comfortable hiking shoes, for his help, and that opportunity had windproof clothing, energy snacks and now vanished. I had read accounts of other modern conveniences. Or to Jim’s work as a climbing ranger and have climbed as a guest of the Longs the dangerous rescues and recover- Peak Inn, while listening to stories ies associated with the job, and of his about Mills’ years-long crusade to love of organizing the Longs Peak create the park. reunions that brought together climb- I shared my idea with a co-worker, ers from all genera ons to celebrate an experienced mountaineer, and their passion for the towering peak. I without hesita on he off ered to join was in awe of Jim’s accomplishment me. To prepare for the hike and to of holding the record for the most familiarize myself with the trail, I took assents. He quietly surpassing the leg- a prac ce hike one Sunday with the endary Shep Husted, the guide who inten on of making it to the Boulder once worked for naturalist and hote- Field at 12,700 feet — a sight I’d only lier Enos Mills, leading guests on the seen in photographs. I was three trek from the Longs Peak Inn, which hours in when I arrived at my planned served as the outpost for adventure des na on, thankful for my inaugu- during the park’s early years. ral 14er hike up Mt. Sherman a few That’s when I got the idea: Would weeks earlier. Looking up some 500 it be possible to summit Longs Peak, feet beyond was the Keyhole forma- the most celebrated mountain in the on with its ragged edges resembling park, just once as my own personal its namesake. I sat down to take it all tribute, to say thank you to Jim? I’m in, then advanced to the tent sites, not a climber, and while I’d enjoyed each encircled by rock walls, which exploring the park’s many trails served as the only available protec on throughout my life, I’d never thought from the elements. (Tribute, con nued on page 12)
I : SUPPORT THE PARK WITH YOUR HOLIDAY PURCHASES THIS YEAR! (SEE PAGE 3) 2 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er
Execu ve Director Estee Rivera Murdock
Board of Directors Dear Friends, As winter se les into the Rockies, I hope this le er fi nds you well Jim Pickering (President) and warm, wherever you are. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Estes Park, CO I fi nd myself especially thankful for the public lands I’m lucky enough to Brian Ross (Vice President) call my backyard. This summer, I was fortunate, with a li le bit of luck and a lot of careful planning, to retreat into Rocky Mountain Na onal Park on many diff erent week- Denver, CO ends for quick backpacking trips with my daughter and husband. We were o en joined by other Timothy Davis (Treasurer) families with small children, too. On one of our trips, we arrived at our campsite a er dark, two Denver, CO miles from the nearest trailhead, with a 2-year old, a 5-year old and a 7-year old in tow, each of them with faces and hands covered in chocolate, only to fi nd a note from the last camper le ng us Zachary Wiebe (Secretary) know of bear ac vity at the site the night before. We scrubbed li le faces, ghtened up our bear- Fort Collins, CO proof canisters, and restlessly fell asleep with fi ngers crossed. Fortunately, we didn’t see a bear Doug Campbell that night, nor on any of our other trips, in part because each of the li le Junior Rangers on our adventures knew how to help protect wildlife, enjoy the wilderness appropriately, and experience Greeley, CO the park safely. I’m always honored to watch a child take the Junior Ranger pledge: “As a Junior Don Cheley Ranger, I promise to help protect Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, my neighborhood parks, and all Denver, CO other natural areas, by being a responsible steward of the environment.” As members and supporters of the Conservancy, you are helping us to reach these children, Charles Cofas and thousands more each year, through educa on programs in the park, schools and communi es. Estes Park, CO that my child has had such wonderful opportuni es to connect with nature and na onal parks. But Katherine Dines so many children have not had the same opportuni es. I am also thankful that my child is healthy Denver, CO and able-bodied, while so many children and members of our community don’t have that same fortune, nor the opportuni es to connect with and learn about the natural and cultural wonders of Howard Fry Rocky. We owe these valued members of our community more. Castle Rock, CO For many park visitors, visi ng Rocky begins in a park visitor center, and so I’m especially excited that we are partnering with the park this coming year to design new exhibits for the Lynne Geweke Kawunechee Visitor Center in Grand Lake. These exhibits will be designed to be accessible for Estes Park, CO people with disabili es, whether visual, auditory, or physical, so that a child who might not be able Elizabeth Grant to pick up and read a Junior Ranger booklet can s ll experience and benefi t from the educa onal Denver, CO content of the exhibits, regardless of their abili es. I frequent a quiet li le trail near my house, and recently found myself grumbling about what I thought was an illegal mountain bike re mark on Julie Harrington the trail, un l one evening when a neighbor in a wheelchair rolled past me on his way to his own Denver, CO adventure further into the park. I waved, and reminded myself that, of course, these are his trails, too, and his wheelchair treads belong on that trail as much as my boot treads do. We can do a Charles Jerden be er job of making sure that all of our community has access to our majes c public lands, either Denver, CO on the trail, on a fi eld trip, or on a ramp into a building. Joel Mayo As we look toward the New Year in the not-too-distant future, I am thankful each day that I Centennial, CO get to serve in a leadership role in this wonderful organiza on, alongside you, our board and staff , and our partners, to con nue to be inspired by Rocky, and to strive to serve the park and its visitors Jan Robertson in new and important ways. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, whether you’re ea ng a turkey Boulder, CO from the store, or watching a wild turkey strut around Cascade Co ages, I hope you’ll men on Rocky Mountain Na onal Park as something you’re thankful for, too! Bill Tindall Carmel, IN Estee Rivera Murdock Execu ve Director Photo: Jim Ward Photo: Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 3 Ask Nancy Happy Holidays Quarterly Editor Nancy Wilson a empts to unearth answers from the Rocky Mountain Conservancy! to any ques ons asked by Conservancy members and park Let us help you make it special with products visitors. If you are curious about something in or about the that support Rocky Mountain Na onal Park! park, email [email protected] or write: Nancy Wilson, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, PO Box 3100, 2019 Erik Stensland 12-month Scenic Calendar Estes Park, CO 80517. Enjoy a year-long journey through the heart of Rocky Mountain Na onal Park through rarely seen views of the park. Item #5983 $14.95 What is the bright orange lichen I’ve seen on rocks along the Member price: $12.70 trails in the park? The park’s most common orange lichen is Xanthoria elegans, or sunburst lichen. There are many other orange lichens, but as this is our most abundant and widespread, chances are good it is this one. If you see this lichen, look around closely on the neighboring rocks — it is 2019 James Frank 12-month Scenic Calendar o en found near animal scat and urine deposits.— Kathy Brazelton, RMNP 12 stunning photographs of Rocky Mountain Na onal Park with descrip ve text for every Ranger, Interpreta on month. Includes large grids for daily notes. What’s the story on the “na ve” greenback cu hroat trout in the Item #3713 $14.95 Member price: $12.70 park — is there some ques on as to their provenance? In a 2007 RMNP Dream Lake Short-sleeved T-shirt study, Metcalf et al. used molecular markers from the mitochondrial and This deep heather green T-shirt sports a design nuclear genomes to analyze individuals from greenback and Colorado River of Dream Lake on the front including the circular cu hroat trout (O.c. pleuri cus) popula ons from the major river basins in type “Rocky Mountain Na onal Park Est. 1915” Colorado. Results from that study iden fi ed fi ve popula ons with what the and “Take me to the Mountains”. 52% co on, 48% authors believed were Colorado River cu hroat trout gene c markers on polyester. Unisex sizes: S, M, L, XL and XXL. $24.95 the east side of the Con nental Divide, and one popula on with what they Member price: $21.21 believed were greenback cu hroat trout gene c markers occurring on the High as a Hawk: A Brave Girl’s Historic Climb west slope of Colorado, which has historically been considered Colorado A wonderful story of a young girl’s bravery and River cu hroat habitat. Addi onal gene c research led by researchers strength that captures the thrill of climbing Longs from the University of Colorado (Metcalf et al. 2012) then compared mi- Peak a long me ago, which isn’t so very diff erent tochondrial DNA of extant cu hroat trout popula ons from Colorado with today. Item #3900 DNA extracted from cu hroat trout museum specimens collected in the $14.95 Member price: $12.70 late 1800s, thereby providing an understanding of the na ve ranges of cut- Published by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy throat trout in the southern Rocky Mountains prior to major fi sh-stocking RMNP Vintage Cap eff orts. Several signifi cant conclusions resulted from this study, with the A great cap for a day in the most signifi cant fi nding being that that only a single extant popula on of Rockies! 100% co on and fully adjustable, this comfy greenback cu hroat trout remained, which was occupying Bear Creek, cap boasts an embroidered snow-capped Rocky Moun- near Pikes Peak in El Paso County, Colorado, in the Arkansas River basin. A tain scene s tched with “Rocky Mountain Na onal Park concurrent meris c study (Ask Nancy: Trout con nued on page 15) Est. 1915.” Item #9769 $16.95 Member price: $14.41 I’ve no ced a marked increase in overhead commercial fl ights Trail Ridge Road Van Stainless Steel Cup Featuring the during recent visits to RMNP. In fact, during the morning and Magnet same design as a ernoon, I was hearing overhead fl ights about every 20–30 min- This Volkswagen van the T-shirt, this magnet features an utes. This is concerning — has something changed? lightweight cup is open door revealing a The FAA developed new aircra arrival and departure procedures for highly versa le and view of Trail Ridge Road and two elk the major Denver Metro Area airports in 2010 – 2012. Prior to that me, great for camping beside the road. Measures 3-7/8ʺ x aircra approaching the Denver Metro Area from the northwest were and everyday life. 2-1/2ʺ. Item #4010 $6.95 being vectored over the park to an arrival gate located east of Estes Park. 5.5ʺ tall, 3.25ʺ across. Item #3548 This included numerous fl ight paths over the park resul ng in a broad Member price: $5.91 $14.95 Member price: $12.71 swath of noise impacts. RMNP was very engaged in the planning process Call 970-586-0121, or visit our website at and was successful in persuading the FAA to iden fy a single commercial RMConservancy.org — there’s lots more online! airline arrival fl ight path over the park that roughly follows Trail Ridge Road. The procedures called for aircra to be sequenced from mul ple Cover photo credits fl ight paths west of the park to a single fl ight path over the park. The logic was that with a single fl ight path over Trail Ridge Road, the remainder of (Upper) “Red Fox Hiding” by Conservancy member Jim Ward, Estes the park (which is 95 percent designated wilderness) would be quieter. In Park, CO; (Lower) “Night Sky, Alberta Falls Area” by Conservancy 2016, the FAA launched the Metroplex Project to further refi ne Denver members Kent and Carolyn Carlson, Estes Park, CO Metro Area aircra departure and arrival procedures. Data presented at a Please send high-resolu on images to nancy.wilson@ January 2016 Metroplex mee ng revealed that commercial airlines were RMConservancy.org by December 31 for publica on in the 2019 not following the procedures developed in 2010 – 2012, but were in in Winter Quarterly. fact sequencing directly over the park rather than west of the park. RMNP Photos are always appreciated! Scenery, wildlife and wildfl owers engaged with the FAA Project Manager and staff on the issue, and assur- greatly enhance this publica on, so get out there and take a hike! ances were given that the new procedures would address the situa on. The Denver Metroplex project was on hold and is star ng to move forward Thank You! again.— RMNP Public Aff airs Offi cer Kyle Pa erson 4 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er
Research Behind the Scenes: Ongoing Limber Pine Conservation Strategies in Rocky by Carissa Turner & Saba Asefa
um ribicola, could not conclusive on their own. Spore presence bbe confi rmed. Follow-up (in spring) or DNA analysis is necessary to vvisits during the sum- make a fi nal confi rma on. mmer of 2010 showed Limber pine is recognized as a Spe- nno signs of spores or cies of Management Concern at RMNP. sspore forma on, a sure This high-eleva on keystone tree species ssign of WPBR infec- maintains ecosystem structure, func on Limber pine monitoring and conserva on ac vi es could not be done on. However, further and biodiversity. It supports an array of without the help of dedicated volunteers. Data is recorded on a variety survey work at the plants and animals — the root systems of factors including tree health status, percent canopy kill, percent of Beaver Ponds found an stabilize soil; the branches and needles branches with fresh cones, other notable damages to the trunk and infected mature tree shade young plants and help retain snow; branches, and signs and symptoms of WPBR. Photo: NPS with spores, confi rming and the large seeded cones provide high- It doesn’t seem like much to begin the presence of WPBR in the park.¹ calorie nutri on for the Clark’s nutcracker, with — a slight orange nge to the bark, WPBR is tricky to iden fy and requires squirrels and other wildlife. Limber pines a bit of swelling on a branch, brown pine a trained inspector. Symptoms include have historically signifi cant uses by Na- needles. Inconspicuous features that could branch swelling, orange blisters, diamond- ve Americans for nutri onal, medicinal easily go unno ced. But features like these shaped cankers, and dead branches adja- and ceremonial purposes.³ These trees’ can be a sign of an insidious problem, cent to cankers and blisters. Chew marks ecological and cultural importance, and and in the case of white pine blister rust, from rodents feeding on the cankers may intrinsic value to Rocky has prompted a the Forestry Program at Rocky Mountain also indicate WPBR infec on. Signs of in- proac ve and adap ve approach to their Na onal Park is fi gh ng back. fec on can take years to appear. The tree management. Last October, during rou ne limber found in 2010 was likely infected 4–6 years WPBR isn’t the only issue aff ect- pine surveys, Dr. Anna Schoe le no ced earlier. Models suggest, using canker size ing limber pine in RMNP. Recent severe several limber pine trees (Pinus fl exilis) as a proxy for age, that the tree iden fi ed drought condi ons, along with the bark showing possible indicators of white with WPBR in 2017 was infected in 2001.² beetles such as the mountain pine beetle pine blister rust (WPBR) infec on in the Confi rming WPBR is also challenging, as (MPB), have also aff ected pine species in Beaver Ponds area of Rocky Mountain observed signs and symptoms are not the park. Warmer winters and drier sum- Na onal Park (RMNP). Dr. Schoe le, a mers have supported higher overwinter Research Plant Ecophysiologist with the survival of MPB which in turn led to 19% USFS’s Rocky Mountain Research Sta on, mortality of RMNP’s limber pine between has been conduc ng research on limber 1996 and 2014.³ Limber pine is a preferred pines in the park for several decades. USFS host for MPB.⁴ In addi on, WPBR infec on Forest Pathologist Kelly Sullivan Burns likely increases limber pine suscep bility was called in to take a closer look. Further to bark beetle infesta on. observa ons, removal of a canker, and lab Dr. Schoe le has been at the forefront analyses by Dr. Jane Stewart of Colorado of limber pine research and conserva on, State University, confi rmed WPBR as the and a key partner at RMNP. Her research culprit. RMNP Forest Ecologist Brian Ver- has focused on developing a proac ve ap- hulst and the Forestry Crew removed the proach to support the long-term conserva- infected tree and incinerated it before the on of limber pine in the western United year’s end. This summer, Rocky Mountain States. At RMNP, she has supported a Na onal Park’s Forestry program has been long-term monitoring eff ort, started in busy removing WPBR infec ons in the RMNP Forestry Crew Supervisor Dale Loper 2008; iden fi ed gene c resistance to Beaver Ponds area. prac ces collec ng seed cones as part of a WPBR in limber pine trees in RMNP; led training ac vity. Cones are collected from This isn’t the fi rst me that WPBR has the development of the Limber Pine both trees that contain the gene resilient to Conserva on Strategy; and contributed been found in RMNP. Symptoma c trees WPBR and those that don’t, to support natu- were observed near Many Parks Curve in ral, gene cally diverse popula ons. to the Limber Pine and White Pine Blister 2009, but at the me the fungus, Cronar- Photo: NPS Rust Monitoring and Assessment Guide Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 5 ing and restora on ac vi es. They have photo-documented, tagged and mapped trees; collected seed cones; applied Verbenone pheromone packets; inspected trees for WPBR infec ons; propagated lim- ber pines in the greenhouse; and planted limber pine seedlings at restora on sites. Early detec on and ac on against WPBR will help ensure the long-term presence of limber pine, and the plant and wild- life communi es they support, in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park.
Interested in ge ng involved in the limber pine C. ribicola, the non-na ve fungus that causes WPBR, has a two-host life cycle. (Photo (le ): fungal monitoring and restora on? Each year, the sperma a known as aecia, with spores not yet erumpted. Photo (right): Sporula ng aecia show- Forestry program recruits volunteers to support ing the rusty-colored sportes. While fatal to limber pines and other 5-needle white pines (pines limber pine conserva on eff orts. Contact the with needles in bundles of fi ve), the second host, most commonly currant or gooseberry shrubs (Ribes spp.), is not greatly aff ected by the fungus. Limber pine is the only 5-needle white pine park volunteer offi ce in early spring. found in RMNP. Photos: NPS/Anna Schoe le 1 Schoe le, A., B. Goodrich, and J. Klutsch. 2010. for Rocky Mountain Na onal Park. RMNP’s one packets is underway.⁸ Verbenone is a “White Pine Blister Rust Confi rmed on Limber Pine in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park.” Rocky Mountain forestry program has enthusias cally chemical compound that mimics the pher- Research Sta on, Fort Collins, CO. incorporated Dr. Schoe le’s recommenda- omone pine beetles exude to ward off 2 Burns, Kelly Sullivan. 2018. White Pine Blister ons into their limber pine monitoring and other pine beetles when they have paired Rust Infec ons Confi rmed on Limber Pine in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park in 2017. Lakewood, CO: US conserva on work. with a mate, thus dissuading bark beetles Forest Service. The Limber Pine Conserva on Strat- from a emp ng to infest a tree. Over 275 3 Schoe le, A.W., C.M. Cleaver, K.S. Burns, and and egy, ini ated in 2008, employs on-site and individual limber pines have been treated J.J. Connor. 2015. “Limber Pine Conserva on Strat- egy.” Report Prepared for RMNP. off -site approaches to management to with Verbenone at 17 limber pine sites in 4 Cerezke, H.F. 1995. “Egg gallery, brood pro- promote conserva on. The goal is to in- the park since 2008.⁹ Verbenone packets duc on, and adult characteris cs of mountain crease the limber pine popula on, sustain are placed annually on 15 trees per limber pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera:Scoly dae) in three pine hosts.” The gene c diversity in limber pine stands, pine site. Addi onally, infected parts of Canadian Entomologist 127 (06): 955-965. iden fy WPBR-resistant trees, and moni- trees are immediately pruned to reduce 5 Schoe le, A. W., R. A. Sniezko, A. Kegley, and K.S. tor limber pine communi es for rust. To the spread of blister rust. Burns. 2014. “White pine blister rust resistance in limber pine: Evidence for a major gene.” Phytopa- proac vely assess WPBR, there currently At least for now, Rocky’s forestry crew thology 104: 163-173. are 17 monitoring plots where tree stands has been successful in keeping the threat 6 Schoe le, A.W., B.A. Goodrich, J.G. Klutsch, K.S. consist of 20% or more limber pine, and of WPBR at bay. A 2013 study by the NPS Burns, S. Costello, R.A. Sniezko, and J. Connor. 2011. “The Proac ve Strategy for Sustaining Five-Needle six wetland early detec on-monitoring Inventory and Monitoring program found Pine Popula ons: An Example of its Implementa- plots where early detec on is most likely 0.3% of limber pine trees surveyed were on in the Southern Rocky Moutains.” Edited by D.F. because they provide the high humidity infected by WPBR, compared to over 24% Tomback, M.P. Murray, C.M. Smith R.E. Keane. The Future of High-Eleva on Five-Needle White Pines in and cool temperatures necessary for spore at Glacier Na onal Park and 7% at Great Western North America: Proceedings of the Hight release and germina on. Each monitoring Sand Dunes Na onal Monument.¹⁰ Much Five Symposium. Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service sta on is evaluated for tree sizes, eleva- of the monitoring and data collec on is Proc. RMRS-P-63. 323-334. 7 Cleaver, C., K. Burns, and A. Schoe le. 2017. on, slope and presence of WPBR. Seeds ongoing, but there is a posi ve outlook on “Limber Pine and White Pine Blister Rust Monitoring are collected from trees within the park the future health of RMNP’s limber pine and Assessment Guide for Rocky Mountain Na onal that will be out-planted in new areas that popula on. The park’s Limber Pine Con- Park.” Report prepared for RMNP. 8 Schoe le, A.W., K.S. Burns, C.M. Cleaver, and J.J. have a good environment for limber pine, serva on Strategy was recently expanded Connor. 2018. Proac ve limber pine conserva on op mizing the gene c diversity of the spe- into northern Colorado and southern strategy for the Greater Rocky Mountain Na onal cies. Addi onally, seedlings from seed col- Wyoming, highligh ng RMNP’s leadership Park Area. General Techinical Report RMRS-GTR-379, Fort Collins, CO: US Department of Agriculture, For- lected from 80 trees within the park have role in conserving biodiversity across the est Service, Rocky Mountain Research Sta on, 81. been screened for gene c resistance to greater landscape.¹¹ 9 Connor, J., A. Schoe le, K. Burns, and E. Borgman. WPBR, as resistance conferred by a single There is no doubt that this work takes 2012. “Limber pine conserva on in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park.” Nutcracker Notes 23: 13-15. gene has been confi rmed in the park’s lim- an army of dedicated staff , partners and 10 Borgman, E. 2017. Forest Health of High-Eleva- ber pine popula ons.⁵,⁶ These individual volunteers. Each year since the monitoring on, Five-Needle Pines at Glacier Na oanl Park, trees are periodically monitored.⁷ Some program began in 2008, up to 40 volun- Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, and Great Sand Dunes Na onal Park and Preserve: 2013 Data Report. seeds also are stored in a freezer to save teer ci zen scien sts work nearly 1,000 Natural Resource Data Series NPS/ROMN/NRDS- for later use if needed, and for ongoing hours in support of the Limber Pine Con- 2017/1112, Fort Collins, CO: Na onal Park Service. gene c research. serva on Strategy program. Limber Pine 11 Schoe le, A., K. Burns, T. Douville, and C. Holtz. 2018. Update on Status of the Southern Rockies Rust To combat bark beetle infesta ons, Ci zen Scien sts have worked alongside Resistance Trial (SRRRT). USDA. protec on of limber pines with Verben- Forestry staff in all aspects of monitor-
Support Rocky’s resource management programs by dona ng to the Conservancy at RMConservancy.org, or call 970-586-0108. 6 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er
Research Science in Action Researching Antibiotic–Resistant Bacteria in Rocky
Laura Scott, Bailey – RMNP Research Fellow
A research project is like a long The planning for this project prepared so extensively that noth- hike. There’s an ini al gust of excite- started in the winter of 2017. Coor- ing could surprise me or go wrong. ment at the start, upon undertak- dinated eff orts were made to make Despite the delay, the work eventually ing this huge endeavor, followed by sure that both the park’s interests and started, and the journey began. hours of hard work and eff ort. A lot of my research interests were covered. I During the fi rst two months of planning goes into every li le detail. designed a project with the lo y goals sampling I hiked more than 200 miles, Despite this, somewhere along the of elucida ng the mysteries behind collected over 200 soil and water way something unexpected is going an bio c-resistant bacteria found in samples, and processed thousands to slow you down: It might storm, you the far reaches of the natural environ- of bacterial plates. I got caught in may stumble and trip, and some- ment, and determining whether they thunderstorms, pushed my muscles to mes things just take longer than might be a threat to their limits, and made an cipated. In certain moments your human health. This I designed a project with laboratory mistakes des na on seems distant, and you was going to be my the lo y goals of eluci- that con nually set me wonder if you’ll ever reach it or why breakthrough op- da ng the mysteries back. When my me in you were crazy enough to a empt portunity to make my the park was halfway it in the fi rst place. When you fi nally mark as an up-and- behind an bio c- spent, I was less than reach your goal, you’re on top of the coming scien st in my resistant bacteria found halfway through re- world. And while I haven’t achieved fi eld. As every detail in the far reaches of trieving and processing all my research goals yet, the summit was checked, supplies the natural environ- my samples. Ge ng is defi nitely in sight. were ordered, and ment, and determining all of the work fi n- I am honored to have been this fi nal arrangements ished seemed like an summer’s Bailey – RMNP Research were made, my excite- whether they might be a insurmountable task. Fellow off ered through the Rocky ment and an cipa on threat to human health. However, the true ob- Mountain Conservancy. This fellow- were irrepressible. jec ve was always in ship is geared toward young scien sts I arrived in Rocky Mountain sight: There’s a poten al public health conduc ng graduate work in Rocky Na onal Park rip-roaring to begin. threat, and I was determined to get Mountain Na onal Park. In par cular, My fi rst hurdle was a delay in arrival the data I needed to do something it is designed to off er insight about of supplies. Sampling and processing about it. public educa on and service when of bacterial samples requires delicate In general, work taking longer conduc ng scien fi c research in public and precise melines, especially when than intended was frustra ng and lands. The fellowship also aff ords public health outcomes are at stake. I stressful. However, interac ng with an aspiring scien st opportunity for could not start my fi eldwork. I prac- park visitors, while a delay, was never scien fi c independence, including ced pa ence while familiarizing my- bothersome. These people were the associated benefi ts and trials that self with the park and triple-checking genuinely intrigued by the idea that come along with it. my research plans. I was certain I had an bio c-resistant bacteria might be
Support interns and fellows through the Conservancy’s Next Genera on Fund at RMConservancy.org, or call 970-586-0108 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 7 lurking in soil and water in the park at project. Termina on of the project or trail, you’ll slowly discover peace and all, much less in the far reaches of the loss of data were not op ons. I had to isola on. I have hiked an en re day park’s backcountry. I had many oppor- engineer solu ons or give up. To this without seeing any other people in tuni es to educate hikers about the extent, I have matured as a scien- several nooks and crannies of the dangers of drinking untreated envi- st. No longer do I fear approaching park. The idyllic, age-old idea that ronmental water. I also always made a unforeseen detriments, but face them wandering “into the wilderness” will point to inform guests about microbial head-on with the knowledge that I result in greater solitude the farther stewardship, and humankind’s pro- am fully capable of allevia ng them. you go, appears to s ll hold true, even pensity for contamina ng the envi- Without the experience of this fellow- in a park as busy as Rocky. ronment with our microbes. To my ship, I would not have this newfound As this fellowship experience con- pleasure, visitors were always quick skill or confi dence in my scien fi c cludes, there is s ll much work to do. with kindness and encouragement, abili es. There are samples to be collected and wishing me luck, and with one saying When one thinks about research processed, presenta ons to give, and they hoped to read about my fi ndings in a na onal park, one might think of ques ons le to answer. A small army in the journal Nature. In an extreme climate change, wildlife monitoring, of volunteers is helping me reach the case, I met a young man in the parking ecological webs, and other common fi nish line, for which I am extremely lot before my hike to sample on Mt. “nature” themes. Infec ous disease grateful. Once back at Tulane, there Ida. He took a par cular interest in my threats are for hospi- will be bacterial research and ul mately fl ew back out tals and dense urban In reality, a na onal park iden fi ca on tests, to the park several weeks later to help centers. In reality, a makes for an ideal an bio c-resistance with sampling for a weekend. Not only na onal park makes locale to study the gene tes ng, cell did my project benefi t from his as- for an ideal locale to coun ng, risk model- sistance, but my morale was boosted study the microbiologi- microbiological eff ects ing, and data analysis as he impressed on me that I was cal eff ects of humans of humans on the to complete. Howev- capable of achieving my goals. The on the natural envi- natural environment. er, the limited results generosity and kindness of strangers ronment. How do our from the current was an unexpected benefi t of this ex- pathogens get into the environment? processing are intriguing. Thus far, the perience, and it served as a reminder Do they evolve within the environ- an bio c-resistant bacteria tend to be for whom this work is done and why it ment or do we induce the change? found nearer to trailheads, compared is so important. Are we changing the microbiome to backcountry sites. This suggests My home ins tu on, Tulane of pris ne environments by visi ng that the presence of an bio c-resis- University, is more than a thousand them? Do these changes represent a tant bacteria might be related to the miles away, and I did not bring a fi eld/ threat to human health? A park like presence of humans. Ul mately, I am lab team with me. Besides the obvi- Rocky off ers countless examples of a hopeful that the completed data will ous implica on that the workload is human-impact gradient along which be illumina ng and serve to inform us mine to bear, the arousal of scien fi c we can study and a empt to answer about human health risks and natural hurdles has also weighed heavily. these ques ons. resource management policy. Progress-hal ng problems reared My research hypothesis posits This fellowship has been the expe- their heads, both in the lab and the that human impact aff ects the pres- rience of a life me, and I am thankful fi eld, threatening the whole research ence of an bio c-resistant bacteria to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy aand their associated genes and Rocky Mountain Na onal Park for wwithin the natural environ- this opportunity. I have solidifi ed my mment. This venture has passions for environmental microbiol- eenabled me to observe the ogy, specifi cally regarding an bio c ppoten al of these es mat- resistance, tested and extended my eed mechanisms take place. limits as a scien st, and appreciated To many visitors’ the value of serving the public in a re- ((and researchers’) lament, search career. I plan to move forward pparking lots near trailheads with my passion and my skills, solving aare frequently full, to the important public health problems, and vvery last legal inch, in the pursuing a career in public service. ssummer. But when you Laura Sco has been the Bailey-RMNP fi nd a place to park and Research Fellow during 2018. wwalk a li le way down the 8 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er
Help Us Protect and Preserve Rocky! Please make your annual gift today!
Please give what you can today using the handy envelope attached.
Dear Friends, Thank you for your support and passion in 2018 as we worked together to support Rocky Mountain Na- tional Park (RMNP). While the number of people visiting Rocky, as well as the park’s needs, continue to grow each passing year, I’m pleased to report that your generosity has made this another exciting year full of successes. Here are a few highlights
With your help, we supported the park’s ongoing fl ood-recovery efforts after the 2013 Colorado fl oods to reroute and reestablish the Aspen Brook Trail using sustainable trail-building techniques. Your contributions helped to improve campground services and accessibility by constructing and installing a solar shower station and pathway at Glacier Basin Campground, and building accessible trails to restrooms in Moraine Park Campground. Your donations supported the development of innovative backcountry toilet systems in the Longs Peak area, improving the resource conditions and visitor experience in Rocky’s wilderness. Thanks to you, we doubled the High School Leadership Corps from one crew in 2017 to two crews in 2018, reaching even more youth from ten Front Range communities, and tackling more park stewardship projects in the process. You enabled us to increase participation in children’s and family programming in Field Institute classes by eliminating the fees for enrollment in most classes, thus removing cost as a barrier for local kids to spend time learning in their national park. While 2018 was as another incredible year at Rocky, there is still more work to be done. The upcoming year presents exciting new challenges and opportunities for land protection, stewardship of our beloved park trails, and preserving valued park resources so they may be enjoyed for years to come. We are counting on your support to make our work possible! Will you make a gift to support the park? Please return your gift in the enclosed envelope today. Again, thank you for being a valued member of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Your generous gift today is vital to our ability protect, preserve and enhance Rocky Mountain National Park — for everyone.
With gratitude, You also can make a gift online at Esther Rivera Murdock Executive Director RMConservancy.org
PO Box 3100 Estes Park, Colorado 80517 Phone: 970-586-0108 RMConservancy.org
Support park programs through RMConservancy.org, or call 970-586-0108. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 9
Your Opportunities to Give in 2019:
Best Use Help the park where funding is needed Your contributions at work most. This op on gives the Conservancy the fl exibility to respond to the park’s prior- Conservation ity needs. Your gi may be used for trails, educa on, exhibits, land protec on, historic Corps preserva on, and more. Plans for 2019 include new exhibit designs for the Kawun- Spotlight eeche Visitor Center; and urgently needed repairs at the Holzwarth Historic site.
Next Generation Fund Your gi provides support for park internships, school programs, Junior Ranger programs, internships, publica- ons, educa onal materials, and engage- ment with Na ve American tribes. It will also provide tui on-free programs for local youth.
“BecomingBecoming a member of the Con- Con Trail Improvement Fund serva on Corps this past summer As more people visit the park each year, was nothing short of a life-chang- the need for trail maintenance has never ing experience. I was challenged been greater. Your gi s will be used to to navigate solu ons in ways I had help rehabilitate and improve the trail not previously done before, and it from Dream Lake to Lake Haiyaha, to is because of these challenges that restore the Adams Falls Trail, and more. I have seen my growth and am Help us keep your favorite trails safe and more equipped to handle the rigors available to all. of life. I came into the Corps with an idea of what conserva on was. Leaving the Corps, I have a passion for it. I hope to use my knowledge Conservation Corps and experience from this summer This past summer, the Corps improved as a springboard for my career, and trails, restored historic cabins and more in Rocky and the Arapaho-Roosevelt Na onal engage in stewardship for the rest Forests. Next year with your gi , crews of my life.” — Daniel Vasquez will work in Rocky and in the Indian Peaks Texas Wilderness to improve access and repair trails. Help inspire the public-lands stew- ards of tomorrow! 10 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Conservancy Contributes to New Park Housing Facilities for Rocky iissues for the Secretary,” said Rick May, A contractor constructed the shells, SSenior Na onal Advisor for Recrea on and the fi nish work will be completed by aat Interior. “We are apprecia ve of the the Larimer County Conserva on Corps ppartners who are providing assistance (LCCC) of Fort Collins, Colorado. The LCCC tto Rocky Mountain Na onal Park to will be directly hired and funded through iimprove housing condi ons for park a dona on from the the Rocky Mountain sstaff who provide important services to Conservancy. The LCCC will work under ppark visitors.” the supervision of park staff . Conservancy board members gather at Two “Park Model” RV units were do- “We are grateful for the generous one of the bunkhouse projects for the nated to the park by the Forest River Park dona ons from Forest River Park Model ribbon-cu ng ceremony. Model Division of Elkhart, Indiana, and two Division, the RV Industry Associa on, and by Kyle Pa erson, were donated by the RV Industry Associa- the Rocky Mountain Conservancy,” said RMNP Public Aff airs Offi cer on. Each structure provides approximately Rocky Mountain Na onal Park Superin- On October 24, U.S. Department of 400 square feet gross fl oor area. tendent Darla Sidles. “These organiza ons Interior and Na onal Park Service offi cials Also highlighted was the construc- have contributed greatly to provide much- celebrated the construc on of new hous- on of two new bunkhouses. This project needed new housing units for park staff ing units at Rocky Mountain Na onal Park. replaced two dilapidated and obsolete to rent. Addi onal housing is one of the “These projects have addressed a houses with two new four-bedroom, park’s highest priori es, to help us be er signifi cant maintenance backlog at the eight-bed housing units, each encompass- a ract and retain the staff that are so park and will reduce opera on and main- ing 1,880 square feet. The new quarters cri cal to serving our visitors and protect- tenance costs in the future; two cri cal will be fully accessible. ing Rocky’s amazing resources.” Summer Discovery Days at RMNP: Families Exploring Rocky Mountain National Park Together by Ka e Phillips, Educa on Pro- ery season with addi onal visitors gram Manager, Kathryn Fergu- and new ac vi es. In 2018, a total son, Distance Learning Specialist, of 3,400 visitors par cipated — and Colle e Wilfong, Geologist in averaging 400 visitors a ending Parks Intern per week. If you’ve ever visited the Discovery Days fun doesn’t Moraine Park Discovery Center stop when summer ends. Ac- during the summer, chances are vi es from these weekly themes you may have seen Discovery are woven into school outreach Days in ac on. Discovery Days is programs and fi eld trips during the a family-oriented public program school year. Kindergarten- through at Rocky Mountain Na onal Park college-age students interact that runs for eight weekends with Educa on Rangers to experi- Families enjoy relaxing in the reading nook and ge ng ence some of these same concepts each summer. The program was crea ve at the arts and cra s sta on of Discovery Days. piloted by the educa on team at Photo: NPS through classroom- and fi eld-based Rocky in 2009, and has expanded adventures. The Conservancy pro- no shortage of excitement! every summer since. The program is vides cri cal fi nancial support to pur- Whether families have all day or designed to complement other child- chase supplies and materials to maintain just an hour, Discovery Days fosters a centered programming being off ered, high quality year round programming. fun, family-friendly, interac ve space to such as Rocky’s Junior Ranger Program. Summer may have just ended, but explore the unique resources of Rocky, Thanks to the generosity of the you can be certain that the educa on up-close and personal. O en, local and Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Rocky’s team and the Rocky Mountain Conser- Front Range families a end mul ple Discovery Days program provides an vancy are already planning new ac vi es weeks of ac vi es, since each week has array of hands-on ac vi es each week for next summer. Updated 2019 informa- a diff erent theme. We had one family during the summer. From studying on will be on the park’s website, and in this past summer that par cipated in all lichens up-close under a microscope the park newspaper. Drop in any me at of the Discovery Days! Now in its ninth in “Our Park Rocks” to exploring the the Moraine Park Discovery Center next summer of programming, Discovery invertebrates that live in Rocky’s rivers summer and see what’s happening in Days con nues to grow and expand ev- in “Water, Water Everywhere,” there’s Rocky Mountain Na onal Park! Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 11
SUPPORT THE CONSERVANCY AND RMNP ON COLORADO GIVES DAY, DECEMBER 4 Colorado’s largest one-day online About Colorado Gives Day largest gives-day incen ve funds in the giving movement, presented by Com- Colorado Gives Day is powered by country. Every nonprofi t receiving a dona- munity First Founda on and FirstBank, is ColoradoGives.org, a year-round website on on Colorado Gives Day receives a por- coming up and we need your support. featuring more than 1,900 nonprofi ts. on of the Incen ve Fund, which increases On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, ColoradoGives.org encourages charitable the value of every dollar donated. thousands of donors will come together giving by providing comprehensive, objec- to support Colorado nonprofi ts like ours. ve and up-to-date informa on about To donate to us on Last year we raised more than $47,000. Colorado nonprofi ts and an easy way to Colorado Gives Day, This year, our goal is to raise $52,000, support them online. go to coloradogives.org and which we hope to exceed! Your gi will $1 Million Incen ve Fund provide cri cal support to Rocky Thanks to Community First Founda on search for the Mountain Na onal Park. and FirstBank, Colorado Gives Day features Rocky Mountain Consevancy. a $1 Million Incen ve Fund, one of the
6 TheThe mainmain culpritculprit forfor thethe park’spark’s borealboreal toadtoad populapopula onon declinedecline isis chy-chy- ttridiomycosis,ridiomycosis, duedue toto amphibianamphibian chytridchytrid ___.___. ItIt causescauses a thickeningthickening ofof thethe Park Puzzler sskin,kin, blockingblocking importantimportant electrolyteselectrolytes fromfrom beingbeing absorbed.absorbed. by RM Conservancy Member Joel Kaplow 1111 JustJust northnorth ofof thethe KawuneecheKawuneeche VisitorVisitor CenterCenter isis HarbisonHarbison ______andand ppicnicicnic area,area, namednamed forfor a homesteadinghomesteading familyfamily famousfamous forfor theirtheir friedfried AAcrosscross cchicken.hicken. 7 OnlyOnly aboutabout 3%3% ofof allall thethe cricri erer sspeciespecies iinn RMNPRMNP (not(not toto menmen onon thethe world)world) 1133 RMNPRMNP boastsboasts ______peakspeaks thatthat toptop outout atat overover 12,00012,000 feetfeet aboveabove seasea level.level. hhaveave a bbackbone,ackbone, butbut theythey getget aallll thethe a enen on.on. WhatWhat areare thethe otherother largelylargely 1155 EstesEstes ParkPark wwasas ffoundedounded inin 1859,1859, andand offi ciallycially becamebecame anan incorpo-incorpo- iignoredgnored 97%97% called?called? rratedated ______iinn AprilApril 1917.1917. 8 NoneNone ofof Rocky’sRocky’s hummingbirdshummingbirds overwinteroverwinter iinn thethe park.park. TheyThey allall migratemigrate 1166 Rocky’sRocky’s ______CCanyonanyon andand namesakenamesake creekcreek aarere ffoundound justjust southsouth ofof ssouth,outh, somesome forfor thousandsthousands ofof miles.miles. InIn thethe spring,spring, somesome notnot onlyonly returnreturn toto thethe eequallyqually gloomy-soundinggloomy-sounding DarkDark Mountain.Mountain. ssameame aarea,rea, bbutut ttoo tthehe eexactxact ssameame ____!__! 1177 AnotherAnother earlyearly ttundraundra bloomerbloomer isis thethe alpinealpine forget-me-not.forget-me-not. ItIt likeslikes toto 9 RMNPRMNP iiss ttryingrying toto reestablishreestablish itsits borealboreal toadtoad populapopula onon byby hhavingaving ddedicatededicated ggrowrow iinn wwindsweptindswept aareas,reas, ssoo wwithith nnoo ______ttoo bblocklock tthehe ssun,un, iitt getsgets a headhead pparkark sstataff andand volunteersvolunteers placeplace newbornsnewborns iinn selectedselected ponds.ponds. WhatWhat areare thesethese sstarttart oonn otherother fl owers.owers. nyny tailedtailed toadtoad totstots called?called? 1188 WhenWhen a malemale ruby-throatedruby-throated hhummingbirdummingbird isis doingdoing hishis aerialaerial divingdiving 1100 SomeSome eagereager vvisitorsisitors tendtend toto ventureventure tootoo closeclose toto thethe park’spark’s elk,elk, especiallyespecially aactct toto wowwow thethe ladies,ladies, hishis wingswings cancan beatbeat anan unbelievableunbelievable ______hundredhundred dduringuring thethe popularpopular ruru ngng season.season. Volunteers,Volunteers, knownknown asas thethe ______Corps,Corps, areare mesmes a ssecond!econd! ttherehere ttoo aadmonishdmonish andand educateeducate thesethese folks.folks. 1111 A llepidopteristepidopterist iiss ssomeoneomeone whowho studiesstudies bubu ererfl iesies andand ___.___. ThanksThanks largelylargely ttoo cici zenzen scienscien stst RichardRichard Bray,Bray, a erer 1155 yyearsears ooff cchasinghasing bubu ererfl iesies withwith 5050 ofof hhisis helpers,helpers, thethe numbernumber ofof knownknown speciesspecies inin RMNPRMNP grewgrew ffromrom 9977 ttoo 1141.41. 1122 TheThe chainchain ofof fi veve llakesakes iinn RockyRocky easteast ofof GrandGrand LakeLake areare knownknown aass tthehe Shoe-Shoe- sstringtring LakesLakes toto old-old- mers.mers. TThehe largestlargest oonene isis LakeLake ___.___. 1144 OneOne prepre y bbluelue tundratundra fl owerower iiss kknownnown aass bbothoth sskyky ______andand skunkweed,skunkweed, tthehe lala erer ddueue ttoo itsits pungentpungent aromaaroma producedproduced toto keepkeep unwantedunwanted visitors,visitors, likelike aants,nts, away.away. 1166 TheThe ___-tailed___-tailed hummingbirdhummingbird isis thethe mostmost commoncommon varietyvariety ofof thisthis miniatureminiature mmarvelarvel sseeneen fl i ngng aboutabout thethe park.park. 1188 It’sIt’s nnormalormal forfor a hummingbird’shummingbird’s heartheart toto beatbeat ______ mesmes a ssecond.econd. 1199 Well-meaningWell-meaning visitorsvisitors cancan bebe temptedtempted toto feedfeed Rocky’sRocky’s wildwild denizens.denizens. NotNot a ggoodood thing.thing. ParkPark volunteersvolunteers whowho keepkeep a watchwatch onon thisthis areare knownknown asas thethe ______Busters.Busters. DDownown 1 BothBoth thethe BigBig ThompsonThompson andand FallFall riversrivers arisearise insideinside RMNP.RMNP. TheThe conconfl uenceuence ofof thesethese ttwowo streamsstreams iiss foundfound nextnext toto thethe appropriatelyappropriately namednamed ______DriveDrive inin EstesEstes Park.Park. 2 OneOne ofof thethe earliestearliest tundratundra fl owersowers ttoo bbloomloom iiss thethe primrose.primrose. ItsIts namename isis dderivederived ffromrom tthehe LLaa n “primus,”“primus,” whichwhich meansmeans what?what? 3 TheThe fl oodingooding ofof SeptemberSeptember 22013013 wwasas ssoo ddamaging,amaging, forfor a whilewhile thethe onlyonly iintactntact motorwaymotorway inin oror outout ofof EstesEstes ParkPark waswas ______RidgeRidge Road.Road. 4 EveryEvery year,year, aboutabout ______thousandthousand hikershikers a emptempt ttoo ssummitummit LLongsongs Peak.Peak. OnlyOnly aaboutbout halfhalf makemake it,it, andand therethere isis anan averageaverage ofof twotwo unfortunateunfortunate fatalifatali es.es. 5 TheThe sharpsharp pinnaclespinnacles onon thethe westwest endend ofof LumpyLumpy RidgeRidge areare knownknown asas TheThe ___.___. 12 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Photo: Lisa Thompson Photo: (Tribute con nued from p. 1) been using on their descent when Another op on was to stay at the That’s when it all came back to tragedy struck; it was Kiener who sug- Timberline Cabin, a way sta on oper- me. This is where the Boulder Field gested the cables. ated by the Longs Peak Inn, which was Shelter Cabin and stables had once While improving safety was the located about three miles from the been located, and up ahead I spo ed overall goal, a byproduct of these trailhead at 11,000 feet near the pres- the beehive-shaped memorial shelter eff orts was the crea on of a high- ent loca on of Jim’s Grove Junc on. nestled in the rocks. I was familiar eleva on resort, albeit primi ve. The This ny structure housed sleeping with these structures from my re- masonry shelter cabin was completed quarters on one end and a combina- search, but experiencing these sites in 1927 and was operated by a conces- on kitchen-dining area on the other. fi rsthand was something special. sionaire. It was only 14 by 18 feet, yet It was eequipped with a telephone line The inspira on for construc- wwith sketchy reliability. These on of these shelters followed ooutposts sheltered climbers for one of the worst tragedies in a number of years before the Longs’ climbing history. It hap- bbuildings became uninhabit- pened on January 12, 1925, whenn aable. The cables were removed 34-year-old Agnes Vaille froze to ffrom the North Face in the death while wai ng for rescuers 1970s. to reach her. She had just boldly As I hiked toward the Key- completed the fi rst winter ascentt hhole, I stopped at the shelter of the East Face, and had taken a mmemorial and peeked inside. It fall during her descent. Too weak wwas cold, dark and fi lled with to con nue, her climbing partner,r, ssnow, a reminder of winter’s Walter Kiener, went to get help, hharsh condi ons. A plaque but it was too late. Rescuers also hhonoring Vaille and Sortland is lost one of their own as an unfor-- ffastened to the outside. giving snowstorm pounded the I took one last view through mountain. Jim De erline in his element mmy history lens and then transi- For Park Superintendent Photo courtesy of Rebecca De erline oned to the purpose of my trip Roger Toll, the tragedy was per- — it was a prac ce hike to test sonal — Vaille, a Denver socialite and it could accommodate up to 14 guests. my stamina, a er all. Five weeks later, a member of the Colorado Mountain It was equipped with a stove, a small I returned to the trail with my hiking Club, was a rela ve of his. The fallen sea ng area, sleeping quarters and companion and was lucky enough to rescuer, Herbert Sortland, had been a other basic necessi es. In those days, summit from the Keyhole Route on caretaker at the Longs Peak Inn. Those you could reach the shelter cabin by my fi rst a empt. When I got to the circumstances and the probability of horseback, spend the night in rela ve top, I thanked Jim for serving as my in- more disasters in the future caused luxury, and climb to the summit the spira on, and for his contribu ons in the park to implement a series of next morning u lizing the benefi ts of adding another chapter to the annals man-made safety provisions to help the Cables Route. A return from the of Longs Peak history. reduce the danger. This included trail Keyhole Route, with its newly added improvements, construc on of the markings of red-and-yellow bull’s-eyes, Suzanne Silverthorn is a frequent con- tributor to the Quarterly. When she’s two shelters, and installa on of steel completed the experience. Souvenir not wri ng or visi ng the park, she cables on the hardest sec ons of the postcards were available that included a daily postmark from the Boulder serves as Director of Communica ons North Face for use as hand lines. This for the town of Vail, Colorado. was the route Vaille and Kiener had Field Shelter. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 13 The Rocky Mountain Conservancy expresses special thanks to the following people for their donations supporting Rocky Mountain National Park: June 22, 2018 – October 24, 2018 total gifts: 420 ~ total donations: $91,545 Donald Irwin, Yucca Valley, CA: Patricia Jones, Urbana, IL David Sholem, Champaign, IL: M B In memory of Dar Spearing Thomas Kim, Champaign, IL In memory of Dr. Jay Yambert Tyler Mooneyhamk, Parker, CO: Jeff rey and Cynthia Kyrouac, Carmel, IN Paul Strother, Willis, TX: F In honor of Annabel Villegas Kelly Kyrouac/Rocky Mountain Rescue, In memory of Mary Jean Peketz RogerRoger Cousins,Cousins, Marion,Marion, IA: Paul and Deborah Price, Loveland, CO: Carmel, IN Daniel and Debra Swanson, Loveland, CO: In memory of Jill Cousins In memory of Gavin Myers Constance Lamons/Rehab Team of Palms In memory of Steve Schmelzer Annika Marks/Rocky Mountain Rescue, Eric Stein, Calabasas, CA: West Hospital, Coral Springs, FL Robert and Brenda Ward, Windsor, CO Los Angeles, CA: In memory of Gaye Franklin Hugh and Susan McCoy/ Sarah West, Ke ering, OH: In honor of Bill and Chris Marks Kim Vanbuskirk, Li leton, CO: Rocky Mountain Rescue, Suble e, IL In honor of Andrew Gagnon 70th Birthdays In memory of Mary Jean Peketz Leann Moore/Rocky Mountain Rescue, Jamie Yas, San Francisco, CA: Carol Warner, Ft Collins, CO: Savory, IL In honor of Kyle White C G In memory of James L. Warner Julia and Robert Overstreet, Champaign, IL Honeywell Interna onal Charity Virginia Wentz, Denver, CO: Kathryne Peters, Champaign, IL Matching, Washington, DC In memory of Ronald P. Wentz Stephen Stanner/Rocky Mountain O F All in memory of Kenneth Kratky Rocky Mtn. Climbers Club, Aurora, CO: Rescue, Champaign, IL Shelley and Terry Ahlers, Omaha, NE Carol Warner, Fort Collins, CO InI memory of Geraldine (Gerry) Wilson William Tilton/Rocky Mountain Rescue, Susie and Deloit Childers, Omaha, NE Chillicothe, IL Woody and Shirley Frey, Thurston, NE Tricia Trusco /Carle Health Info H P C C Gene and Denise Kaup, Oakland, N Management, Champaign, IL Karen and Larry Kay, Lincoln, NE F F CynthiaCy and Bruce Wellman, Champaign, IL Ron Keiser, Omaha, NE Virginia Ripley, Omaha, NE: Bob and Tammy Kratky, Dakota City, NE James and Pat Pickering, Pickering Estes ParkPark, CO DouglasDouglasa andnd Jeanne Abel,Abel, Arvada,Arvada, CO Joquin Aranda, San Antonio, TX In honor of the Rocky Mountain Nancy and Kenneth Kratky, Longmont, CO Walter and Marlene Borneman, Search and Rescue Team Audrey Olson, Emerson, NE L P Estes Park, CO Sandy Kulper, Lincoln, NE F CurtC and Heidi Buchholtz, Estes Park, CO: T I Beth Renz, Pender, NE In memory of Terry Sonstroem Mrs. Ivan Schmedding, Winnebago, NE F Bill and Chris Sessler, Lincoln, NE Ann Carpenedo, Carpenedo, GreenGreen Bay, WI: JacquelineJ and Stephen Burden, Golden, CO Beth and Dave Siemens, Omaha, NE In memory of Sidney Anthony Anges Richard and Sheri Fedorchak, Estes Park, CO Lawrence Adams, Adams LongmontLongmont, CO Lemar Vogler, Louisville, NE Wendy Covert, Lakewood, CO: Joyce Garrison, Oak Harbor, WA: R.E. and Diann Admire, Grand Junc on, CO: In memory of William and Bonita Covert In memory of Geraldine Stutheit In memory of Orville Thomas, Jus n Dorman, Madison, WI Margaret and Brian Greene, Longmont, CO B U Steven Anderson, Tucson, AZ: Barry Goldstein, Longmont, CO Theodore and Susan Larson, Centennial, CO In memory of Jay Yambert James AlbriAlbri on, Brighton,Brighton, COCO Emma Jackson, Longmont, CO: Ellen Macleay, Broomfi eld, CO: Stuart and Cathy Barnes, Longmont, CO Mary and James Alfred, In honor of Diana Abbo In memory of Dirk Milici Gary Berning, Dallas, TX La Grange Park, IL Steven Je er, Portland, OR Carlen Schenk and Barry Brezan, Lisa Buczkowski, Livingston, TX: Francisco Alvarado, Silverthorne, CO In honor of Steve Je er New Berlin, WI In memory of Maynard T. DeYoung Alison Anson, Denver, CO Charlo e Koenig, Coralville, IA: Jerome Sutherland, Denver, CO: Patricia Connors, Oregon, WI Aaron Ashby, Cedar Rapids, IA: In memory of John Koenig In memory of Bruce Dines Leslie Covelli, Loveland, CO: In memory of Glenn W. Ashby, Jr. Sarah Lucas, St. Peters, MO: Carol Warner, Ft Collins, CO: In memory of Mary Jean Peketz Jess Au, Washington, DC In memory of Emery Gene Lieurance In memory of James L. Warner Melinda Dutcher, Mooresville, NC: David Aus n, Akron, PA Erica Pulver, Carbondale, CO Ben and Judy Wentworth III, In memory of Logan Polfuss Mary Bailey, East Syracuse, NY Aus n Rice, West Glacier, MT Colorado Springs, CO Eric Froehlich, Severn, CO Dan Baker, Lawndale, CA Bonnie Russell-Bushaw, Golden, CO Wildlands Trekking Co., Flagstaff , AZ Marianne Gaynor, Riverview, MI: Robert and Noreen Baker, Estes Park, CO Ben Schuster, St. Louis, MO: Parks Project, LLC, Marina Del Rey, CA In honor of James and Sue Baldwin, Loveland, CO In honor of Bo Made in Nature, Boulder, CO Gene Stehman’s 71st birthday Shelbie Barnhardt, Castle Rock, CO Michelle and Sco Shonbeck, Bellaire, TX Marianne Gaynor, Riverview, MI: John Bartholow and Janet Seeley, Dylan Tusinski, Longmont, CO: W E In honor of Ryan Dick’s 35th birthday Fort Collins, CO In honor of Dylan Tusinski Alex Harle , Brownsburg, IN J.D. and Rose Marie Benisek, San Angelo, TX Barbara Van Horne, Denver, CO S R JohnJ Kuzan and Pa Vocker, Tampa, FL Mark and Amy Bertrand, Rockwall, TX: Be y and Phil Weber, Loveland, CO: Deb Manders, Cedar Rapids, IA: In memory of Meryl Bertrand In memory of Geraldine Stutheit All in Memory of Dr. Dr (Jens) Jay Yambert Yambert AArnold and Rita Blockman, Champaign, IL In memory of Ron Berlage Helen Besse, Sunset Valley, TX N G Randall and Deborah Cekander, Anthony and Lori Marcello, Wheat Jonathon Bevolden, Denver, CO Champaign, IL Ridge, CO: Michael Biggins, Albuquerque, NM R F Kimberly Chisholm, Carmel, IN In honor of Mary Jean Peketz Jessica Billingsley, Denver, CO Nancy and Steven Dodge/Biomedical Joseph McGinnes, Hummelstown, PA: John and Carlin Bra , Fort Collins, CO In honor of Doug & Melanie McGinnes James Brazelton, Fort Collins, CO Meredith Williams Founda on,on OpelikaOpelika, AL Imaging Center, Mansfi eld, IL. Erin McKenney, Annandale, VA: William and Annyce Brower, Lafaye e, CO: Danielle Davis, Hilliard, OH: Kathy and Bill Gray, Urbana, IL In honor of Bill Stuart In memory of Elizabeth Anne Brower In memory of Therald Merlin King Mar n Hood, Champaign, IL Mary Meier, Des Moines, IA Kristen Bush, Sterling, KS Emma Dehner, Longmont, CO: James Hoover, Champaign, IL William and Anita Ondr, Centennial, CO: Erin Buzuvis, Northampton, MA: In memory of Raymond Phillips Patricia Jones/Beckman Ins tute, In honor of Ferrel Atkins In honor of Deb Bialeschki, Rhonda Linda Goff , Estes Park, CO: Urbana, IL Debra Ritzwoller, Boulder, CO: Mickelson and Karla Henderson In honor of Kerry Morimoto’s birthday Patricia Jones/Rocky Mountain Rescue, Urbana, IL In memory of Gaye Franklin To make a gi to support Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, visit RMConservancy.org, or call 970-586-0108. 14 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Verl and Carolyn Carlson, Johnstown, CO: Michael Kedda, Derwood, MD Larry Rutz, Windsor, CO: Network for Good/Lisa Brenskelle, In memory of Be y Jones Katherine Kerestes, Greeley, CO In memory of Ray Phillips Washington, DC Verl and Carolyn Carlson, Johnstown, CO: Robin Klein, Estes Park, CO Kris n Salenger, Denver, CO Network for Good/Marcus Weimer, In memory of Doris Smith and Barry and Sharon Knapp, Rochester, MN Darrell C. and Judy A. Schaper, Bri , IA Washington, DC: Layne Murdock, Sr. Nichole Lafond, Loveland, CO Jody Schmidt, Lone Tree, CO In honor of Hope Shishilla, Peggy Carr, Denton, TX Sherman and Patrina Lambert, Valeria Schweiger, Boulder, CO Washington, DC Mary Ray Cate, Santa Fe, NM Englewood, CO George Shaver, Evergreen, CO Disney EARS to You, Lake Buena Vista, FL David Ciancio, Evergreen, CO Nushim Lee, Brighton, CO Martha Shepard, Windsor, CO: I YourCause, Plano, TX Erin S. Clark, Normal, IL Troy and Kimberly Lee, Thornton, CO n memory of Geraldine Stutheit Aus n Community Founda on, Aus n, TX Joseph Conchobhar, Arvada, CO Thea Lewis, Parker, CO Brad Shoptaw, Larkspur, CO Panorama Global Impact Fund, Reston, VA David Cone, Westminster, CO Karen Livesay, Evergreen, CO Barbara Shull, Fort Collins, CO Colorado Gives: Community First Grace Connor, Lakewood, CO LaVerne Love, Crawford, CO Linda Siegrist, Loveland, CO Founda on, Arvada, CO Jennifer Cooke, Fort Worth, TX Cong Lu, Denver, CO Kimberly Smith, Charlo e, NC: Vanguard Charitable, Warwick, RI Vaughn Copley, Superior, CO Rudolph Lukez and Dana Schaefer, In memory of (Jens) Jay Yambert Network for Good, Washington, DC Rev. Kim M. Cran, Meridian, ID Highlands Ranch, CO Michele Smith, Chicago, IL: Network for Good, Washington, DC Kris Creps, Coloroado Springs, CO Joshua Lyon, Loveland, CO In honor of Deb Bialeschki and McMaster-Carr Supply Co., Elmhurst, IL Julie and Joseph Cunningham, Arvada, CO Darleen Marolf, Waverly, NE: Karla Henderson Cheley Colorado Camps, Inc., Estes Park, CO Sco Daves, Castle Rock, CO In honor of Kevin Smith’s 60th birthday Tracy and Rudy Spano, San Diego, CA AmazonSmile Founda on, Sea le, WA James Davis, Evergreen, CO Hunter and Kathleen Mar n, Julia A. Strimer, Chelsea, MI: Cream City Market, LLC, Li leton, CO Mary and Bruce Davis, Thornton, CO Fort Collins, CO In memory of Mary L. Maff ei Roman c Riversong, Estes Park, CO Margaret Day, Aurora, CO: Paul Mar n, Loveland, CO Nicholas Talbert, Grandview, MO All in memory of Gaye Franklin In memory of Barri Boreu Gabriel Mar nez, Arvada, CO Mahone Tarrall, Boulder, CO Ronda Cur s, Boulder, CO Lori and Joe Dempsey, Boulder, CO Brian and Kara Maxwell, Erie, CO Amy Taylor, Evans, CO Shirley Guenther, Williamsburg, VA Kerry Derrick, Arvada, CO Brennen McCloy, Greeley, CO Elizabeth Teater, Denver, CO Linda and Stanley Burech, Sco sdale, AZ Richard and Becky Dickinson, Wakarusa, KS Vanessa and Franklin McCracken, James and Cynthia Thompson, Spring, TX: Meghan and David Diekmann, Broomfi eld, CO In memory of All in memory of Jean Parshall Dormer Castle Rock, CO Barbara McDonnell, Aurora, CO Dr. and Mrs. Winfred M. Stoker Sara Goldstein, Delray Beach, FL David Ehrman, Longmont, CO Holly McKinley, Li leton, CO Jeff Treadway, Houston, TX: Marlene Kitchell, Sarasota, FL Gayle Ellio , Iowa City, IA: Gina Mesnier, Golden, CO In honor of Rick Byrd, Houston, TX Murray Hill Neighborhood, Blu on, SC In memory of Ken Kellar Joyce Meyer, Redmond, WA: Sean Tremblay, Longmont, CO Elise McCaff ery, Blu on, SC Joan and Robert Engelhardt, Broomfi eld, CO In memory of Kim West Marin Un edt, Denver, CO All in memory of Mary Jean Peketz Larry Ennenga, Li leton, CO Michelle and Virg Monroe, Denver, CO Katherine Van Amson, Denver, CO D. Beverly, Broomfi eld, CO Lyn Ferguson, Estes Park, CO Kerry Morimoto, Denver, CO: Neil Venard, Loveland, CO Wayne Beverly, Loveland, CO John Fielder, Silverthorne, CO In honor of Jennifer Judge and Richard Visintainer, Estes Park, CO Marvin Eakes, Westminster, CO Guido and Annemarie Finocchiaro, Patrick Wiltsey Mark and Jodi Voyles, Luther, OK: Donna Grass, Broomfi eld, CO Estes Park, CO Ray Morris and Lori Joy, Li leton, CO In honor of Colin and Jean Johnson, Broomfi eld, CO Steven M. Fishburn, Aus n, TX Richard Moseley, Boulder, CO: Mark’s and Jodi’s wedding anniversary Kenneth and Karen Kanemoto, Deborah Friedman, Denver, CO In honor of Mary Ann Moseley William Waddill, Durango, CO Longmont, CO Edward Gabrielsen, Golden, CO Family Nakao, Honolulu, HI Michael Waters, Lyons, CO Lisa Kassel, Broomfi eld, CO Helga Gaff ron, Niwot, CO Eric Nichols, Loveland, CO Kathryn Welch, Loveland, CO Samuel and Elizabeth Novak, Joseph Gaudu s, Evergreen, CO Alejandro Orozco, Aurora, CO Deb Welsh, Pender, NE: Broomfi eld, CO Chakri Gavva, Albuquerque, NM Kenneth and Debra Ortmann, Denver, CO In memory of Ken Kratky David Peketz, Westminster, CO Amy S. Gendler, Golden, CO Heidi Orton, Allen, TX Clint Wilcoxson, Longmont, CO Melissa Ronacher, Lafaye e, CO Carol Gerlitz, Boulder, CO: Tel Orton, Alamosa, CO Charles Williams, Breckenridge, CO Jack and Joyce Williams, Longmont, CO In memory of William Braddock Ben Owens, Englewood, CO John Williams, Golden, CO Bywater Family Trust, Lakewood, CO Stephen and Be e Goldmann, Dallas, TX: Edythe and Joe Pahl, Denver, CO Nathaniel Yale, Longmont, CO Tim Ra erman, Centennial, CO In memory of Dick Buckner Elizabeth Parker, Broomfi eld, CO Robert and Karen Yi, Michael Yousif, Loveland, CO Cindy Green, Boulder, CO Michael and Maureen Parks Evergreen, CO Gary Griggs, Aurora, CO (Parks Family Founda on), Dallas, TX Hana Yoo, Wheaton, IL: All in memory of Jus ce Gudorf, Denver, CO Paul and Donna Payne, Garland, TX In memory of John C. Koenig Geraldine “Geri” Stutheit Tom and Pa Gustafson, Golden, CO Sandra Peacock, Estes Park, CO Mark Young, Longmont, CO Douglas and Linda Agee, Fort Collins, CO Brian Hagan, Birmingham, AL: Jonathan Pedersen, Ukiah, CA: BMS Matching Giving Program/ Dale Agger, Fort Collins, CO In memory of Brian Perri In honor of Micki & Warren Pedersen Alan M. Keller, Andover, MA Janet Baynton, Loveland, CO Julie and Mar n Harrington, Denver, CO: Sco Pie e, Evergreen, CO Los Alamos Na onal Security, LLC, Ando- Jean Anne Bullock, Red Lodge, MT In honor of Win & Cinda Johnson’s 50th Anne Pi s, Parker, CO ver, MA Wedding Anniversary Krista Poeschl, High Ridge, MO Colorado Gives: Community First Julie and Mar n Harrington, Denver, CO: Paul W. and Joan Poston, Lakewood, CO Founda on, Arvada, CO ARK UZZLER OLUTION In memory of Bruce Dines Rowdy Putnam, Loveland, CO Fidelity Charitable/Eric Corwin, P P S George and Cherry Harrison, Ricardo Quezada, Rifl e, CO Cincinna , OH Westminster, CO: Peter Reed, Li leton, CO Fidelity Charitable/Eugene In memory of Ray Phillips Craig Reinig, Highlands Ranch, CO Krueger, Cincinna , OH Beverly A. Henderson, Estes Park, CO Daisy and Theodore Rhoades III, Douglas County Community Dennis and Bonnie Henley, Estes Park, CO Pla eville, CO Founda on, Lawrence, KS Peggy Hill, Commerce City, CO Judith Richardson, Shawnee, KS Teachers Insurance and Annuity Heidi and Lance Hoff man, Omaha, NE Rachel Robben, St. Louis, MO: Associa on TIAA, Charlo e, NC Jordan Hoff man, Broomfi eld, CO In memory of YourCause/Jane Stout, Plano, TX Chris ne Hollmann, Parker, CO Jean Claude (John) St. Pierre American Endowment Nicole Hornick, Fort Collins, CO Annmary K. Roberts, Westminster, CO Founda on, Hudson, OH Brian Huss, Denver, CO Carlene and Cameron Roberts, Fidelity Charitable/Jennifer Nate Jenson, Broomfi eld, CO La Crosse, WI Wood, Cincinna , OH Carolyn Johnson, Arvada, CO Lindsey Roberts, Bowling Green, OH: YourCause/Ka e Caldwell, Cur s Johnson, Green River, WY In memory of Dr. Kenneth Shemberg Plano, TX Dus n Johnson, Breckenridge, CO Ryan Robertson, Morrison, CO Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Julia L. Johnson, Evans, CO Amanda Robles, San Francisco, CA: Dallas, TX Kristen Johnson, Allentown, PA In memory of Erik Kristoff ersen YourCause/Laura Weiss, Plano, Mark and Rebecca Johnson, Berthoud, CO Tresa Rogers, Lone Tree, CO TX Richard K. Johnson, Kenosha, WI Larry and Twila Rosenow, Grinnell, IA Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 15 Wilbur Flachman, Westminster, CO David and Sharon Smith, Robert and Steven Fromme, Fort Collins, CO Fort Collins, CO Brian Stutheit, Li leton, CO James and Mary Fuller, Lynn Stutheit, Fort Collins, CO Quick-Fix Science Fort Collins, CO Wilbur and Geraldine Stutheit, Terry Gilmore, Fort Collins, CO Fort Collins, CO Ron Graver, Fort Collins, CO David and Susan Stalsworth, Beverly Haddwn, Fort Colliins, CO Fort Collins, CO Subalpineubalpine Forest Forest H.E. and Carol Halac, Fort Collins, CO Mary Jane Thorson, Fort Collins, CO Mark and Rebecca Johnson, Carol Warner, Ft Collins, CO Fires and Climatic Berthoud, CO David and Carol Wood, Timnath, CO Mark and Janet Knoll, Margaret and Fontaine Reeves, Variation Fort Collins, CO Fort Collins, CO Marsha Leavi , Fort Collins, CO The Question: How does fi re Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Lira, E occurrence relate to climate variability? Fort Collins, CO O Climate can aff ect fi res by crea ng fi re- prone condi ons like drought. Un- Robert Loner, Fort Collins, CO derstanding the rela onship between fi re occurrence and climate variability Randy and Nancy Morgan, Fort Collins, CO Americaiil By Rail, Inc., can help predict how future climate change scenarios may impact wildfi re Corinne Peck, Fort Collins, CO East Lansing, MI pa erns. The goal was to ascertain the rela onships between wildfi re occur- Hugh Price, Fort Collins, CO Sunrise Tours, St. Louis, MO rences in subalpine forests with (1) climate variability (specifi cally drought); Diane Sherry, Fort Collins, CO Tour America, LLC, Los Angeles, CA (2) broad-scale climate pa erns caused by sea surface temperatures (SST) in Joyce and Douglas Sjogren, Elyse Toglia , Broomfi eld, CO the tropical Pacifi c (El Niño Southern Oscilla on or ENSO), north Pacifi c (Pacifi c Fort Collins, CO Decadal Oscilla on or PDO), and northern Atlan c oceans (Atlan c Mul - decadal Oscilla on or AMO), which oscillate between rela vely warm and cool (Ask Nancy, Trout, con nued from p.3) phases; and (3) temporal varia on of sea surface temperatures in the Pacifi c (the coun ng of quan ta ve features of fi sh, such as the -and Atlan c at short (one- to two-year) and long (100+ years) mescales. number of fi ns or scales) of cu hroat trout in Colorado The Project: Compare fi re history to climate records. (Bestgen et al. 2013) supported and complemented the Using dendroecology analyses (tree-cores and fi re- scar cross sec ons) 2012 gene c study. The meris c study was conducted in and vegeta on mapping, Jason Sibold and Thomas Veblen of Univer- collabora on with researchers at the Larval Fish Labora- sity of Colorado at Boulder tory at Colorado State University and Pisces Molecular, reconstructed the fi re history LLC (Boulder, Colorado), and included cu hroat trout (the year and size of past specimens collected from all major drainages in Colorado, fi res) from 1650 to present Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico that are occupied by pu- for 74,000 acres of subalpine ta ve Colorado River cu hroat trout, Rio Grande cu hroat forest in the southern part trout or GBCT. The Fish and Wildlife Service are examining of the park. They compared this emerging informa on, and eventually will determine The eff ects of sea surface tempera- the fi re history of the park tures on Rocky Mountain climate whether the greenback lis ng will change. In the mean- with known tree-ring width A posi ve state refl ects sea team- me, all pure cu hroat popula ons east of the Con nen- data. These tree-ring indices peratures above normal (warm); a tal Divide in RMNP are s ll considered “greenback,” and correlate strongly with rainfall nega ve state below normal (cool). they have all of the associated protec ons for a federally and temperature in the re- *Posi ve AMO is the most important listed species under the Endangered Species Act.— RMNP gion; therefore, tree rings are factor in large-scale fi re occurrence. Conserva on Biologist Mary Kay Watry a good indicator of drought, and can be used as a proxy record of climate condi ons. Researchers tested for rela onships between years in which large fi res occurred and (1) drought; (2) broad-scale climate pa erns, including SSTs; and (3) diff erent combina ons of SSTs in the three ocean regions (eight combina ons between the three oscilla on pa erns).
The Results: Large fi re events are associated with extreme drought condi ons, especially those caused by broad-scale climate pa erns. This study suggests that regional changes in precipita on play a major role in large-scale fi res in subalpine forests, which take place during extreme regional drought condi ons. Large fi res in the subalpine are not necessarily related to above-average moisture condi ons preced- ing fi res, which increase fi ne fuels like grasses and are essen al for fi re occurrence in some lower-eleva on forest types. These results indicate that large fi res in the park depend only on severe drought within the fi re year. This is in sharp contrast to the lower-eleva on ponderosa pine forests, which typically have fi res that follow fuel- enhancing wet periods. American pika are a highlight of the high country, and they For more informa on on the park’s research program, are now entering winter, prepared to endure freezing visit www.nps.gov/romo. Updated September, 2017 temperatures and high winds for the dura on. Photo: Kent and Carolyn Carlson Estee Rivera Murdock, execu ve director Nancy Wilson, Quarterly editor PO Box 3100 Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-0108
Winter is coming. Photo: Conservancy member Marlene Borneman
Nature Notes Glowing golden aspen leaves peek through snow-laden pine boughs on this Sarah Rhode observed four snowy, gray fall day in the high country, where elk and deer and wild turkeys turkeys with a gaggle of 10 roam, burrowing through the fl uff y white stuff to fi nd their food. A second chicks wandering near the signifi cant snowfall in mid-October has got us wondering what the coming Conservancy offi ce on two winter will be like ∆ While hiking to Pe ngell Lake in late July, Conservancy diff erent occasions ∆ On member Walt Borneman spo ed a very ac ve pine marten scurrying across a recent survey of one of a scree slope, but its wary nature kept it hidden in the willows ∆ Late this the park’s nes ng sites, summer, Trail Crew Leader Cameron Stark, who was working in the Boul- RMNP Biological Science derfi eld at the me, and Climbing Ranger Max Barlerin, who was in Chasm Technician Nick Bartush, Meadows, observed a black bear as it came through the Keyhole from Gla- and an intern, observed cier Gorge. They watched as it traversed the upper Boulder Field and headed a peregrine falcon and a Two cow moose showed up a li le late to catch towards Chasm View. It then traversed over to Camel Gully and descended to golden eagle dueling in the the last Moraine Shu le one summer evening. Chasm Lake, then went across Chasm Meadows onto the shoulder of Mount sky as they competed for Photo: Rocky Mountain Transit Staff Meeker and con nued on to the south. WOW! ∆ Park visitor Betsy Banks the same territory. A er a reported a wildlife encounter in mid-August along the shores of Bierstadt couple minutes of screaming, dive-bombing and talon-slashing they retreated Lake — the highlight of which was being checked out by several curious to their respec ve cliff faces. Further surveys revealed the fi nal outcome: The baby ducks. Oh! They also spo ed three moose on the far side of the lake peregrines ul mately lost their nest to ravens, while the eagles managed to — a young one and two adults. They were so surprised to see moose there, hatch a chick ∆ RMNP VIP Trailmaster Carol Nussbaumer was working her as they’d never seen any there before — which highlights the reality that summer morning shi at Bear Lake when she became aware of someone moose are now seen quite regularly on the east side of the park, and lakes standing behind her, obviously wai ng for her to fi nish talking with another and riparian zones are prime spo ng areas ∆ Estes Park High School fresh- volunteer. When she turned around, an elderly man said, “I was hoping you man Caleb Kilgore arrived home late one night in late August to fi nd a male were planning a prize for a 91-year-old man who just walked around Bear Lake.” hummingbird fl u ering on his front doormat. Caleb could tell he needed She had to tell him that, sadly, they weren’t, but to his delight, they did off er help, and he didn’t want him to get eaten during the night. Turns out it was him a Junior Ranger badge as another achievement to augment his memories a calliope hummingbird, the smallest North American bird, in fact. Caleb of Rocky ∆ And Conservancy Development Associate Sue Pinkham watched two and his family set up a shoebox with linens and put him in a quiet dark bears in a meadow near their house near the park’s Beaver Meadows Entrance. room un l morning. When they opened the lid the next morning it was One bear was lying on the ground, happily munching on something, while the clear that he hadn’t moved all night, but breathing deeply, undaunted by other was standing above it at its head, trying to get what the other bear had. the passing cars, their hands, or chirps from other birds. It was clear he was A er a while, they both lumbered up and wandered down the meadow ∆ While in a torpor sleep. They put a heat pack in his box,and within about ten min- deeply engrossed in a thrilling detec ve novel on the edge of his pa o in Estes utes he was blinking his eyes and opening his beak. They a empted to pick Park one sunny a ernoon this summer, Conservancy Everything Man Brian Des- him up to put him up to a nectar feeder outside, but he ghtened right up mond sensed something close by. A fi rst he thought it was a dog, but, stunned, and fl ew to a nearby tree. Yippeee! ∆ Park visitor Dean Mar nson spo ed he watched as a full-size black bear slowly sauntered by, close enough to touch! a turkey vulture si ng in profi le on the rocks around Marys Lake ∆ Conser- Brian suspected that this adult female (determined by its size and lack of odor) vancy Director of Conserva on Geoff Elliot relayed that during mid-summer was the same bear that wandered into the lobby of the Stanley Hotel three days one of his Conserva on Corps crews chased a bear away from their campsite later. Upon being informed of this close encounter, Brian’s two daughters (one in the Moraine Park Campground, while another crew in the Never Sum- in VA one in TX) each asked via separate emails “What book were you reading?” mer Wilderness experienced the thrill of four bull moose walking through And no, it was not Goldilocks ∆ It’s me to start thinking about your next trip to their lunch spot on a regular work day ∆ Conservancy Director of Finance the park — Rocky will be wai ng for you! RMConservancy.org