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volume 20 • issue 2 • 2012 rcheology of the irport ings ite An Interview with Suzanne Lewis Following the Path of Stone Origins of a Continent Intruding through the Precambrian rocks in the northern part of Yellowstone, two bodies of igneous rock—the Crevice Pluton (right) and the Hellroaring Pluton (left)—are examples of how new developments are constantly intruding to reshape Earth as well as bodies of scientific knowledge. The plutons were photographed by researchers in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates project featured on page 22. Just a Status Report , I was having a conversation with documented—helping us to extend our knowledge of peo- one of the geologists in Yellowstone about the history ple’s historical impact on this land. of science. We reflected on how so many closely held The responsibility for managing those human impacts Sviews and interpretations about the fundamental nature of has a shorter history, but one that is no less dynamic for its the planet and its life forms have given way as new infor- brevity. During her eight-year tenure as Yellowstone’s first mation becomes available. Each era has its own “science,” female superintendent, Suzanne Lewis had to reconcile the because the purpose of scientific inquiry is not just to dis- science and values of today with the habits and understand- cover new information, but to allow our understanding of ing of the eras that came before. In her interview for the the world to change because of those discoveries. As the Yellowstone Oral History Project she shares with us some geologist remarked to me: “Science is just a status report.” It of the challenges she faced when questioning traditions and reflects our understanding of the world now—in this time. moving forward with new science. The research that we present in this issue takes us back along On October –, park scientists and staff will join various geological and social timelines and shows how the other regional land managers and researchers in Mammoth earth has changed, and how we humans have changed upon it. Hot Springs, Wyoming at the th Biennial Scientific In a National Science Foundation Research Experience Conference: Greater Yellowstone in Transition: Linking Science for Undergraduates project, students from across the country and Decision Making. This conference will provide an oppor- have helped to determine the type and composition of the tunity to exchange information relevant to management and rocks that are literally the foundation of Yellowstone. Their to identify resource challenges that require new research. research reveals the conditions under which these rocks were The forums and presentations will bring the latest “status formed and tells us more about the evolution of the North reports” out of the field laboratories and classrooms and into American continent. At the same time, the record left in the park. The observations and scientific analysis that are stones which have been moved and shaped by human hands shared will help to establish management targets or desired tells us about the evolution of North American culture. conditions, examine the interactions between humans and In both Michael Livers’ graduate research on the Airport the environment, and determine how best to continue sci- Rings stone circles and Amy Bleichroth’s analysis of obsid- entific exploration. ian found at a Hopewell site in Indiana, we learn about the lifestyles and movements of early people through the area that is now Yellowstone National Park. Livers’ work adds to We hope you enjoy the issue. what we know about how early people used the resources of the area and poses research questions that could confirm the presence of native populations earlier than previously NPS a periodical devoted to natural and cultural resources volume 20 issue 2 September 2012 A detailed image of a lithic sample from Obsidian Cliff. J W Editor Graphic Designer M A F Associate Editor FEATURES J B Assistant Editor Graphic Designer Stone Circles in Yellowstone E Y An archeological investigation into prehistoric stone circles at Assistant Editor the Airport Rings Site near the North Entrance of the park A P , I . Bozeman, Montana offers new insights into the presence and activities of early Printer native people in Yellowstone. Michael Livers Following the Path of Stone An undergraduate student project analyzes obsidian artifacts found at the Mann Site, a Hopewell archeological site in Posey County, Indiana, to determine if they could have originated Yellowstone Science is published periodically. thousands of miles away on the Yellowstone Plateau. Support for Yellowstone Science is provided Paul K. Doss and Amy Bleichroth by the Yellowstone Association, a nonprot educational organization dedicated to serving the park and its visitors. For more information Passion and Hard Work about the association, including membership, or to donate to the production of Yellowstone Selections from an oral history interview with Yellowstone’s Science, visit www.yellowstoneassociation.org or first female superintendent, Suzanne Lewis (–). write: Yellowstone Association, PO Box 117, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. The Following her retirement in , Lewis reflects on hard opinions expressed in Yellowstone Science are the authors’ and may not reect either lessons, personal victories—and the impact of her leadership National Park Service policy or the views of on the park. the Yellowstone Center for Resources. Copyright © 2012, Yellowstone Association. Interview with Suzanne Lewis For back issues of Yellowstone Science, please see www.greateryellowstonescience.org/ys. Origins of a Continent Students from across the nation help uncover new geologic Submissions are welcome from all investigators conducting formal research in the Yellowstone evidence that informs our understanding of the evolution of area. To submit proposals for articles, to subscribe, or to send a letter to the editor, the North American continent in a Research Experience for please write to the following address: Editor, Yellowstone Science, PO Box 168, Undergraduates project. Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. David Mogk, Darrell Henry, Paul Mueller, and David Foster You may also email: [email protected]. Yellowstone Science is printed on recycled paper with a soy-based ink. DEPARTMENTS News & Notes Atlas of Yellowstone Now Available • 2012 Summer Bison Count Cover photo: Shorts “Isolation”—Garnet Hill in winter. Flora of the Yellowstone Region Mobile Application • Project Photo © James Duckworth 2010. Exploration’s All Girls Expedition • the interaction of humans and nature heavily influenced by each specific pop- throughout the region; and ulation’s age structure, plus a variety of • the importance of Yellowstone environmental conditions. National Park and its region as natu- The peak population recorded ral and cultural resources. during the summer surveys was in Early production work on the Atlas , when the population was esti- of Yellowstone project was made possible mated at , bison. by a seed grant approved by the board Ongoing population monitoring of the Yellowstone Park Foundation, efforts include an annual winter count, and funding by Eyes on Yellowstone typically conducted around December made possible by Canon. each year. Population estimates from summer and winter annual surveys are 2012 Summer Bison Count used to inform adaptive management strategies under the Interagency Bison Yellowstone National Park’s sum- Management Plan (IBMP). Specific mer bison survey estimates a parkwide management actions may be modified population of ,, a % increase based on expected late winter popula- Atlas of Yellowstone over the estimate of ,. The tion levels as corroborated by the sum- Now Available results are based on aerial surveys con- mer population estimate. The Atlas of Yellowstone is the first com- ducted in June and July . The IBMP is designed to conserve prehensive atlas of a national park. The The count includes approximately a viable, wild bison population while atlas, published earlier this year, repre- , adult and yearling bison, and helping to protect Montana’s brucello- sents a major collaboration between the about calves of the year observed sis-free status. IBMP-cooperating agen- University of Oregon and Yellowstone in June. The current population is con- cies include the National Park Service, National Park. Over researchers centrated in two herds, with an esti- the USDA Forest Service, the USDA from the National Park Service and mated , bison in the northern Animal and Plant Health Inspection the region’s universities, agencies, and herd and , in the central herd. Service, the Montana Department of institutes contributed their expertise The rate of population change Livestock, the Montana Department of and knowledge to this publication. The observed this past year is within the Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Intertribal Atlas of Yellowstone will be a -page expected range for wild bison. Rates Buffalo Council, the Confederated reference volume that uses rich graphics of change in wildlife populations over Salish Kootenai Tribes, and the Nez to examine a wide range of topics from time reflect the combined effects of Perce Tribe. art to wolves, provides new references reproduction and mortality, and are maps for the region, and provides a rich understanding of the unique place NPS of Yellowstone in the world. The Atlas of Yellowstone’s content covers topics relevant to Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the surrounding