DOCSLIB.ORG

A Trophic State Analysis of Lakes in Yellowstone National Park

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Trophic State Analysis of Lakes in Yellowstone National Park Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Theses and Dissertations 2013-03-20 A Trophic State Analysis of Lakes in Yellowstone National Park Anthony Alexander Melcher Brigham Young University - Provo Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Melcher, Anthony Alexander, "A Trophic State Analysis of Lakes in Yellowstone National Park" (2013). Theses and Dissertations. 3522. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/3522 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. A Trophic State Analysis of Lakes in Yellowstone National Park Anthony Alexander Melcher A thesis submitted to the faculty of Brigham Young University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science A. Woodruff Miller, Chair Gustavious P. Williams M. Brett Borup Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Brigham Young University March 2013 Copyright © 2013 Anthony Alexander Melcher All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT A Trophic State Analysis of Lakes in Yellowstone National Park Tony Melcher Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, BYU Master of Science Eutrophication is of interest in the field of water quality. Eutrophic lakes, when used as sources for drinking water, can cause problems during the treatment process, for example algae blooms can clog filters, requiring more water and energy to be used during the cleaning and backwashing of the filters. Excess nutrient loading and eutrophication can also harm fish and aquatic life habitats. Certain species of algae and cyanobacteria can be toxic to humans as well. Since 1998, Dr. A. Woodruff Miller has collected water samples from 46 lakes and ponds in Yellowstone National Park. The Carlson Trophic State Index, the Vollenweider Model, the Larsen Mercier Model, the Burns Trophic Level Index, and the Naumann Trophic Scale were then used to assign each lake or pond to a trophic state classification (Oligotrophic, Mesotrophic, Eutrophic, and Hyper-Eutrophic). Of the 46 total lakes and ponds that have been tested over the past 14 years, five lakes are classified as slightly oligotrophic, implying that the waters are relatively clear and free from nutrient pollution. Of the 46 lakes, 19 are classified as slightly mesotrophic, mesotrophic, or strongly mesotrophic. These classifications imply that the waters are moderately clear and contain some nutrient pollution. Of the 46 lakes, 14 are classified as slightly eutrophic, eutrophic, or strongly eutrophic. This implies that the waters have high turbidity and nutrient content. Of the 46 lakes, 8 are classified as slightly hyper-eutrophic or hyper-eutrophic. These lakes are noticeable for their high algae content with very high nutrient content. These classifications are based on the most recent year sampled. Keywords: Yellowstone National Park, eutrophication, trophic state ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to start off by thanking my graduate committee, Dr. Gus P. Williams and M. Brett Borup, as well as my committee chair, Dr. A. Woodruff Miller. They all played a significant role in the successful completion of this thesis. Dr. Miller allowed me to bounce all my random ideas off of him with a fair amount of encouragement. I would also like to thank the US Bureau of Reclamation, Regional Laboratory in Boise, ID for the analysis and results for chlorophyll-a concentrations. Lastly I would like to thank my wonderful wife, Jamie, for allowing me to put in long nights at the school. I could not have done it without her. TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... xi LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................... xiii 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Eutrophication ................................................................................................................. 3 1.2 Trophic State Classifications .......................................................................................... 4 1.2.1 Carlson Trophic State Index ....................................................................................... 5 1.2.2 Vollenweider Model ................................................................................................... 6 1.2.3 Larsen Mercier Model ................................................................................................. 7 1.2.4 Burns Trophic Level Index ......................................................................................... 8 1.2.5 Naumann Trophic Scale .............................................................................................. 9 2 2011 results from Yellowstone National Park Sampling ................................................. 11 2.1 Beaver Lake .................................................................................................................. 11 2.2 Blacktail Pond ............................................................................................................... 15 2.3 Buck Lake ..................................................................................................................... 17 2.4 Cascade Lake ................................................................................................................ 22 2.5 Clear Lake ..................................................................................................................... 26 2.6 Druid Lake .................................................................................................................... 30 2.7 Duck Lake ..................................................................................................................... 33 2.8 Eleanor Lake ................................................................................................................. 36 2.9 Feather Lake ................................................................................................................. 38 2.10 Floating Island Lake ..................................................................................................... 41 2.11 Goose Lake ................................................................................................................... 44 2.12 Harlequin Lake ............................................................................................................. 48 v 2.13 Hazle Lake .................................................................................................................... 50 2.14 Hot Beach Pond ............................................................................................................ 55 2.15 Ice Lake ......................................................................................................................... 57 2.16 Indian Pond ................................................................................................................... 60 2.17 Isa Lake ......................................................................................................................... 64 2.18 Lewis Lake .................................................................................................................... 67 2.19 Lily Pad Lake ................................................................................................................ 69 2.20 Lost Lake ...................................................................................................................... 72 2.21 North Twin Lake ........................................................................................................... 76 2.22 Nymph Lake ................................................................................................................. 80 2.23 Scaup Lake .................................................................................................................... 84 2.24 Shrimp Lake .................................................................................................................. 87 2.25 South Twin Lake ........................................................................................................... 90 2.26 Swan Lake ..................................................................................................................... 92 2.27 Sylvan Lake .................................................................................................................. 95 2.28 Tanager Lake ................................................................................................................ 99 2.29 Terrace Springs ........................................................................................................... 102 2.30 Trout Lake ................................................................................................................... 105 2.31 Yellowstone Lake at Bridge Bay ................................................................................ 109 2.32 Yellowstone Lake at West Thumb .............................................................................. 112 3 Yellowstone Lakes Over Time ........................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • America's National Parks, 9 Days / 8 Nights
    AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS, 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS Denver > Grand Junction > Salt Lake City > West Yellowstone > Salt Lake City Departure dates: Yearly except April, October – early December, and end of March Overview: Enjoy some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world on this train tour from Denver to Salt Lake City that includes 3 spectacular national parks: Yellowstone, Arches, and Canyonlands. Begin in Denver, where there is no shortage of gorgeous Rocky Mountain views. Head to Grand Junction on Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which is considered one of the most beautiful train trips in North America. Enjoy the lovely views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas. Explore the geological wonders featured in two spectacular national parks: Canyonlands and Arches. Spend a day touring West Yellowstone and exploring the quaint Old Faithful Village. Highlights: Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park* Sightseeing tour of Arches and Canyonlands National Park Roundtrip transfers between Salt Lake City and West Yellowstone Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park’s (seasonal)** Package Also Includes: One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Denver to Grand Junction; Grand Junction to Salt Lake City on the California Zephyr® 8 nights’ hotel accommodations *The Rocky Mountain National Park Tour is seasonal from late May to late September on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The Denver Highlights Tour will be offered when the Rocky Mountain National Park Tour is unavailable. **Lower Loop Tour is seasonal. During winter months, Old Faithful Explorer Tour will be substituted. TRIP ITINERARY DAY 1 YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS IN DENVER Welcome to Denver! Enjoy the views of the fabulous Rocky Mountains as you make your way to your hotel.
    [Show full text]
  • Project Completion Report Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (RM-CESU)
    Project Completion Report Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (RM-CESU) Project Title: UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA NATIONAL REGISTER TESTING AT SHEEPEATER CLIFF, AND ADDITIONAL WORK AT FISHING BRIDGE, HORSETRAILER PARKING, AND ISA LAKE BRIDGE Project Code: UMT-234, J1580100301 Type of Project: RESEARCH Funding Agency: National Park Service FLHP FUNDS Partner University: THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA NPS Agreement Technical Representative: Elaine Hale, Archeologist P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190 Phone: 307-344-2156 [email protected] Principal Investigator: Dr. Douglas H. MacDonald University of Montana Department of Anthropology Missoula, Montana 598 phone: 406-243-5814 [email protected] Start Date of Project: May 20, 2010 End Date of Project: September 30, 2013 Funding Amount: $45,000 Project Summary This project includes archeological inventory and National Register testing for the Golden Gate to Norris segment of road reconstruction to facilitate evolving designs for improved parking areas. It also includes an archeological inventory for the FHWA project to replace the Isa Lake Bridge. Additional archeological excavation work and geoarcheological prospecting work has been added to the RM-CESU agreement to facilitate the replacement of the buried water line at Fishing Bridge within the boundaries of precontact buried archeological site 48YE1, which is a NPS line item funded project. The archeological inventory and NR testing for the area proposed for new horsetrailer parking and access road is located in the northwestern portion of Yellowstone National Park, in the west central portion of the 7.5 minute Mammoth, Wyoming-Montana Quadrangle from the Grand Loop Road south of Glenn Creek on Swan Lake Flats.
    [Show full text]
  • Yellowstone National Park! Renowned Snowcapped Eagle Peak
    YELLOWSTONE THE FIRST NATIONAL PARK THE HISTORY BEHIND YELLOWSTONE Long before herds of tourists and automobiles crisscrossed Yellowstone’s rare landscape, the unique features comprising the region lured in the West’s early inhabitants, explorers, pioneers, and entrepreneurs. Their stories helped fashion Yellowstone into what it is today and initiated the birth of America’s National Park System. Native Americans As early as 10,000 years ago, ancient inhabitants dwelled in northwest Wyoming. These small bands of nomadic hunters wandered the country- side, hunting the massive herds of bison and gath- ering seeds and berries. During their seasonal travels, these predecessors of today’s Native American tribes stumbled upon Yellowstone and its abundant wildlife. Archaeologists have discov- ered domestic utensils, stone tools, and arrow- heads indicating that these ancient peoples were the first humans to discover Yellowstone and its many wonders. As the region’s climate warmed and horses Great Fountain Geyser. NPS Photo by William S. Keller were introduced to American Indian tribes in the 1600s, Native American visits to Yellowstone became more frequent. The Absaroka (Crow) and AMERICA’S FIRST NATIONAL PARK range from as low as 5,314 feet near the north Blackfeet tribes settled in the territory surrounding entrance’s sagebrush flats to 11,358 feet at the Yellowstone and occasionally dispatched hunting Welcome to Yellowstone National Park! Renowned snowcapped Eagle Peak. Perhaps most interesting- parties into Yellowstone’s vast terrain. Possessing throughout the world for its natural wonders, ly, the park rests on a magma layer buried just one no horses and maintaining an isolated nature, the inspiring scenery, and mysterious wild nature, to three miles below the surface while the rest of Shoshone-Bannock Indians are the only Native America’s first national park is nothing less than the Earth lies more than six miles above the first American tribe to have inhabited Yellowstone extraordinary.
    [Show full text]
  • Grant Village Area Map
    Yellowstone – Grant Village & West Thumb Area GRANT VILLAGE AREA MAP Page 1 of 18 Yellowstone – Grant Village & West Thumb Area Grant Village to Old Faithful Road Map Page 2 of 18 Yellowstone – Grant Village & West Thumb Area Grant Village to Lake Vicinity Road Map Page 3 of 18 Yellowstone – Grant Village & West Thumb Area Grant Village to the South Entrance Road Map Page 4 of 18 Yellowstone – Grant Village & West Thumb Area Day Hikes Near Grant Village & West Thumb Begin your hike by stopping at a ranger station or visitor center for information. Trail conditions may change suddenly and unexpectedly. Bear activity, rain or snow storms, high water, and fires may temporarily close trails. West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail Stroll through a geyser basin of colorful hot springs and dormant lakeshore geysers situated on the scenic shores of Yellowstone Lake. Trails and boardwalks are handicapped accessible with assistance. Trailhead: West Thumb Geyser Basin, 1/4 mile east of West Thumb Junction Distance: 3/8 mile (1 km) roundtrip Level of Difficulty: Easy; boardwalk trail with slight grade as trail descends to and climbs up from the lake shore Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail Hike to a high mountain meadow for a commanding view of the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Mountains. Trailhead: Trailhead sign at entrance to West Thumb Geyser Basin parking area Distance: 2 miles (3 km) roundtrip Level of Difficulty: Moderate; mostly level terrain with a moderately strenuous 400-foot elevation gain near the overlook. Shoshone Lake Trail (via DeLacy Creek) Hike along a forest's edge and through open meadows to the shores of Yellowstone's largest backcountry lake.
    [Show full text]
  • Old Faithful Area
    Yellowstone – Old Faithful Area OLD FAITHFUL AREA MAP Page 1 of 25 Yellowstone – Old Faithful Area Old Faithful to Madison Road Map Page 2 of 25 Yellowstone – Old Faithful Area Old Faithful to Grant Village Interactive Road Map Page 3 of 25 Yellowstone – Old Faithful Area Old Faithful Area Tour - North Page 4 of 25 Yellowstone – Old Faithful Area Old Faithful Area Tour - South Page 5 of 25 Yellowstone – Old Faithful Area Old Faithful Area Tour Introduction The largest concentration of geysers in the world is in the Upper Geyser Basin. Several of the more prominent geysers and hot springs are included on this tour with information concerning their eruption patterns, names, and relationships with other geothermal features. Upper Geyser Basin - South Section: Old Faithful Geyser Old Faithful erupts more frequently than any of the other big geysers, although it is not the largest or most regular geyser in the park. Its average interval between eruptions is about 91 minutes, varying from 65 - 92 minutes. An eruption lasts 1 1/2 to 5 minutes, expels 3,700 - 8,400 gallons (14,000 - 32,000 liters) of boiling water, and reaches heights of 106 - 184 feet (30 - 55m). It was named for its consistent performance by members of the Washburn Expedition in 1870. Although its average interval has lengthened through the years (due to earthquakes and vandalism), Old Faithful is still as spectacular and predictable as it was a century ago. The largest active geyser in the world is Steamboat Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin. Giantess Geyser Infrequent but violent eruptions characterize Giantess Geyser.
    [Show full text]
  • YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK R N C Hard-Sided Camping Units Only C E Perc an Ez Pelic N See Detail Map Above PE L LICAN
    Services and Facilities Mammoth Hot Springs Old Faithful Canyon Village West Thumb Fishing Bridge, Lake Village 6239ft 1902m 7365ft 2254m 7734ft 2357m and Grant Village 7733ft 2357m and Bridge Bay 7784ft 2373m 0 0.1 0.5 Km To Gardiner To Madison To Tower-Roosevelt To Lake Village 0 0.5 Km To Canyon Emergencies Check the park news- Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Grand Geyser Amphitheater For medical or other emer- paper for seasonal dates Fi Duck 0 0.1 Mi 0.5 Post Amphitheater re To Norris 0 0.5 Mi h gencies contact a ranger or of services and facilities. Office o Lake Fishing Bridge le West Thumb Ice Visitor Education call 307-344-7381 or 911. Geyser Amphitheater Hill West Thumb Castle Center Showers-Laundry Ranger station To Geyser Basin Geyser Ri Old Ice Upper Terrace Drive: Park ve Canyon Lodge Medical clinic r Faithful Visitor Headquarters no buses, RVs, or trailers; y Information Station Campground a closed in winter Center To East HISTORIC w Bookstore - Showers Entrance Winter road closures FORT e n Laundry YELLOWSTONE o YELLOWSTONE From early November to Lodging Lake Village Post early May most park roads LOWER Office Lake Lodge UPPER TERRACES Chapel Old Faithful Inn Old Faithful LAKE are closed. The exception Food service TERRACES AREA Geyser Lower Falls is the road in the park AREA Old 308ft Upper Lookout between the North one-way Faithful Falls 94m Fishing Bridge Picnic area To Point Amphitheater North Lodge View Grand Recreational Vehicle Park Entrance and Cooke City. Inspiration hard-sided camping units only Entrance Post Office View Point It is open all year.
    [Show full text]
  • RI 2019 Welcome Faqs.Pdf
    Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park, is named after the Yellowstone River. Welcome Yellowstone National Park is as wondrous as it is complex. The park has rich human and ecological stories that continue to unfold. When Yellowstone was established as the world’s first national park in , it sparked an idea that influenced the creation of the National Park Service and the more than ­ sites it protects today across the United States. Yellowstone National Park also forms the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. At ­, square miles, it is one of the largest, nearly intact temper- ate-zone ecosystems on Earth. The park continues to influence preservation and science, and we are pleased to share its stories with you. Many people have dedicated their lives and careers to • The park newspaper distributed at entrance studying Yellowstone and the park has a long history gates and visitor centers. of research and public interest. The park hosts more • Site bulletins, published as needed, provide than 150 researchers from various agencies, univer- more detailed information on park topics such sities, and organizations each year. They produce as trailside museums and the grand hotels. Free; hundreds of papers, manuscripts, books, and book available upon request from visitor centers. chapters on their work annually—a volume of infor- • Trail guides, available at all visitor centers. mation that is difficult to absorb. This compendium A $1 donation is requested. is intended to help you understand the important concepts about Yellowstone’s many resources and Second Century of Service contains information about the park’s history, natural On August 25, 2016, the National Park Service and cultural resources, and issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Resources Stewardship in Yellowstone National Park Erin White, Ph.D., P.E., Park Hydrologist
    Water Resources Stewardship in Yellowstone National Park Erin White, Ph.D., P.E., Park Hydrologist National Park Service Yellowstone Center for Resources E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Photo: NPS / Jacob W. Frank “Old Faithful” Geyser On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the world’s first national park, set aside in recognition of its unique hydrothermal features… • 5 entrances; 4+ million visitors/year • 50% inc. in Memorial Day weekend visitation in2021 vs. 2019 Roosevelt Arch, North Entrance, built 1903 Yellowstone NP forms the core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is a world leader in promoting large landscape conservation. Pelican Creek Mission "... to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.“ – NPS Organic Act of 1916 View from the headwaters… • 150 lakes, 278 streams, 45 waterfalls, and thousands of small wetland areas. • 5.2 million automated streamflow measurements collected in 2020 with cooperation of USGS WY-MT Water Science Center • Infrastructure & Civil Works Projects • Water Supply Planning • Federal Highways Water • Transboundary Issues Resources • Water Rights and Wild & Scenic Rivers Designation • Aquatic Invasive Species Management • Climate Change • Water Quality • Spill Response & Clean-up • 303d Listings Isa Lake Water Supply • The mis-classification of GWUDI sources as groundwater was determined to be a national issue based on the 6 Year Review of the Microbial Drinking Water regulations (EPA, 2016).
    [Show full text]
  • Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks 5
    ©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd Yellowstone & Grand Teton NATIONAL PARKS Around Yellowstone p129 Yellowstone National Park p46 Grand Teton National Park p168 Around Grand Teton p211 Benedict Walker, Bradley Mayhew, Carolyn McCarthy, Christopher Pitts PLAN YOUR TRIP ON THE ROAD Welcome to Yellowstone YELLOWSTONE Other Overnight & Grand Teton National NATIONAL PARK . 46 Hikes . 81 Parks . 4 Driving . 82 Day Hikes . 50 Yellowstone & Grand Cycling . 82 Teton National Mammoth Country . 51 Mammoth Country . 82 Parks Map . 6 Roosevelt Country . 57 Canyon Country . 83 Yellowstone & Grand Canyon Country . 60 Lake Country . 83 Teton’s National Lake Country . 63 Parks’ Top 20 . 8 Geyser Country . 84 Norris . 65 Need to Know . 18 Geyser Country . 66 Other Activities . 85 If You Like . 20 Bechler Region . 69 Sights . 90 Mammoth Country . 90 Month by Month . 23 Overnight Hikes . 70 Roosevelt Country . 94 Itineraries . 25 Canyon Country . 74 Canyon Country . 97 Activities . 30 Lake Country . 75 Lake Country . 101 Travel with Children . 39 Geyser Country . 77 Norris . 105 Travel with Pets . 43 Bechler Region . 79 Y LIU/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGE © IMAGE LIU/EYEEM/GETTY Y © CASS/SHUTTERSTOCK KEVIN YELLOWSTONE RIVER P57 CHASE DEKKER/SHUTTERSTOCK © DEKKER/SHUTTERSTOCK CHASE OWL, GRAND TETON JACKSON HOLE P221 NATIONAL PARK P168 Contents UNDERSTAND Geyser Country . 108 GRAND TETON The Parks Today . 228 Bechler Region . 117 NATIONAL PARK . 168 History . 230 Sleeping . 117 Day Hikes . .. 172 Geology . 239 Mammoth Country . 119 Colter Bay Region . 172 Wildlife . 244 Roosevelt Country . 120 Central Tetons . 175 Canyon Country . 121 The Tetons via Idaho . 178 Conservation . 253 Lake Country . 121 Moose–Wilson Road . 180 Norris . 122 John D Rockefeller Jr Geyser Country .
    [Show full text]
  • Water Right Permitting Activity
    Progress Report: Yellowstone Controlled Groundwater Area Technical Oversight Committee 2014 - 2018 Contents Yellowstone Controlled Groundwater Area (YCGA) .................................................................... 1 Technical Oversight Committee (TOC) .......................................................................................... 1 TOC Reporting Requirements ........................................................................................................ 3 Water Permitting in the YCGA ....................................................................................................... 3 Water Permitting Activities in YCGA ............................................................................................ 3 Summary of YCGA Monitoring, 2014 to 2018 .............................................................................. 7 Overview of Monitoring Trends ................................................................................................... 15 Miscellaneous MBMG Activities ................................................................................................. 16 Summary of Yellowstone National Park Monitoring, 2014 to 2018 ............................................ 19 Water Use Data and Analysis ....................................................................................................... 24 Re-evaluation of YCGA Boundary ............................................................................................... 25 Education and Public Outreach ....................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • New York City Getaway
    PEAKS TO PACIFIC, 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS Denver > Salt Lake City > West Yellowstone > San Francisco Overview: Looking for a scenic vacation with a splash of city excitement? Then, this Denver to San Francisco trip, with stops in Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park and Yosemite, is just what you need! First, see the majestic Rocky Mountains of Denver on a guided sightseeing city tour of several amazing natural mountainous treasures, including Red Rocks Park and Bear Creek Canyon. Take a sightseeing city tour in Salt Lake City. Enjoy a full day in Yellowstone National Park and get up close with Old Faithful. Spend the day exploring the festive San Francisco and enjoy an awesome Yosemite day tour. This trip promises to be full of spectacular sights and lots of fun. Highlights: • Sightseeing tour of Rocky Mountain National Park* • Sightseeing city tour of Salt Lake City • Sightseeing tour of the Lower Loop of Yellowstone National Park • Sightseeing tour of Yosemite National Park Package Also Includes: • One-way Amtrak® from Denver to Salt Lake City; Salt Lake City to San Francisco on the California Zephyr® in Coach accommodations • 8 nights’ hotel accommodations; 1 night onboard Amtrak • Roundtrip shuttle transfer from Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone *Rocky Mountain National Park Tour is seasonal from late May to late September on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Denver Highlights Tour will be offered when Rocky Mountain National Park Tour is unavailable. TRIP ITINERARY DAY 1 DENVER Welcome to Denver! Located 5,280 ft above sea level, Denver, or the “Mile-High City” offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is the perfect place to start your Peaks to Pacific journey.
    [Show full text]
  • Invasive Vegetation Management Plan Environmental Assessment February 21, 2013
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Yellowstone National Park Invasive Vegetation Management Plan Environmental Assessment February 21, 2013 ii Invasive Vegetation Management Plan / Environmental Assessment Executive Summary Yellowstone National Park (YNP) has developed a plan to address terrestrial invasive nonnative plants parkwide. (As used here, the term “invasive nonnative plant” has a similar meaning as alien, exotic, or noxious plant or weed.) This Invasive Vegetation Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) provides a comprehensive approach toward invasive vegetation management to preserve, protect, and restore the diversity, ecological integrity, and processes associated with native plant communities in the park. The purpose of the plan is to expand current invasive plant management efforts and implement a parkwide strategy to prevent the establishment and spread of invasive nonnative plant species and to restore, as needed, native plant communities in the park. The plan proposes to achieve these goals by accomplishing the following objectives: 1. Prevent the entry and establishment of new invasive plants 2. Control existing populations of invasive plants by eradicating them, reducing their abundance and density, and containing their spread 3. Restore native plant communities when they have been disrupted or replaced by invasive nonnative plant populations. This environmental assessment evaluates a No-Action Alternative and one action alternative: • Alternative A – The No-Action Alternative represents
    [Show full text]