Yosemite National Park is a changing environment where weather can vary by the minute, with increased chances of change at higher elevations. Environmental Justice is about real people facing real problems and designing practical solutions to address challenging environmental issues. This information system is … We work to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional operational results at Yosemite National Park. Examples of research include correlating entrance station traffic volumes to crowding/congestion at attraction sites, and understanding how crowding affects travel time on the Half Dome cables. Environmental Issues: Yosemite can be affected by issues, many of which originate outside the park, like air quality and climate change. Environmental Issues Yosemite National Park’s environment is healthy in many ways, yet Yosemite can be affected by environmental issues. This was my parents' first visit to a National Park in USA! The National Park Service, in cooperation with state and other federal agencies, is making concerted efforts to reduce the damage caused by air pollution. Threats to park resources and the integrity of park ecosystems include loss of natural fire regimes, air pollutants and air-borne contaminants, global climate change, direct impacts to resources from high visitation in some areas of the park, habitat fragmentation from both outside and inside park boundaries, and the invasion of non-native plant and animal species. Since 1972, lightning ignited 1,800 fires in Yosemite; a third of those were managed by park staff. Historically, fire was often seen as a negative force, but in recent years it has been realized that the benefits of fire in forests are numerous. Being rock-gray in color, pikas are seldom seen until their shrill, metallic call reveals their presence. 164 Answers. Learn about climate change, what it is, how it affects Yosemite and how science helps us understand its impact on our environment. The presence of wild turkeys, white-tailed ptarmigan, bullfrogs, introduced fish and other non-native animal species in Yosemite threaten the park's native species. We mail our newsletter out once every quarter, and it contains full color photos from the region, and relevant news about issues affecting the local environment. For these reasons, the unique enjoyment of sounds in a national park setting makes the soundscape worthy of protection. Ultimately, climate change challenges us to consider what it means to conserve a place during a time of large-scale environmental change. Listening to water flow or wildlife vocalize can be degraded by inappropriate sounds or sound levels. Many Yosemite visitors come to experience this worldwide vanishing resource. Also, learn more about how Yosemite's scientists work on a regional level through. The harmful effects of ozone in Yosemite, described on the Park Service website, read like a pharmaceutical warning label: “coughing, sinus inflammation, chest pains, scratchy throat, even permanent lung damage and reduced immune functions” are associated with breathing ozone polluted air, particularly for those who work outdoors like park rangers or who are exercising, like park visitors. It's possible that increased noise may disrupt wildlife behavior, particularly in mating, locating prey, and complex communication methods. Weather data: Get latest from Yosemite weather station, including composite data, that's part of the RAWS system, which is overseen in part by the Desert Research Institute, the environmental research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Lightning, common in the summer, is an essential element in the Sierra Nevada fire-dependent environment. In addition, the division processes hundreds of, every year for its staff and outside interests. Non-native animal species, like the New Zealand mud snail, concern park scientists because this species can completely cover a river streambed, thereby altering the ecosystem. Looking out from Yosemite's Inspiration Point offers a breath-taking scenic view.  US-Parks.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. Environmental Issues; Points of Interest/ Things to do; For Further Information... Fire has been a fascinating thing in Yosemite because for years scientists thought fires were bad for the park. Globally, temperatures have risen 0.6 °C (1.1 °F) in the past 50 years; 0.8 °C (1.4 °F) in the last century, with temperatures in the Sierra rising From trail repairs to wildlife management to youth programs. The pika is a close relative of the rabbits and hares, with two upper incisors on each side of the jaw, one behind the other. As with most natural landscapes, there is a real and present problem with invasive species – most of which it is understood were brought from eastern states and from Europe through the 19th century. Greetings from Yosemite National Park. While visiting Yosemite, you may see evidence of any of these practices. The list below documents how Yosemite scientists approach some of these issues. Ongoing scientific research abounds at Yosemite, from declining animal species studies and invasive plant removal strategies to human carrying capacity issues. Mountains that led to the creation of Grand Teton National Park where you can explore over two hundred miles of trails, float the Snake River or enjoy the serenity of this remarkable place. In addition, the division processes hundreds of research permits every year for its staff and outside interests. The Environmental Law Conference at Yosemite® is nationally recognized as the largest and most prestigious gathering in California of leaders in environmental, land use and natural resources law. It is a phenomenon that is both fascinating and dangerous. A natural lightscape, such as a dark night sky, is an environment that has not been disturbed by light or air pollution. Yosemite's fire management program is designed to protect life, property, and natural and cultural resources, while ensuring the continuation of fire as a natural process. in Environmental Issues, News California’s Yosemite National Park just got bigger by 400 acres, the largest single addition it’s seen in the last 70 years. Air pollution is currently recognized as one of the most significant threats to the resources of the Sierra Nevada. Plan Your Trip Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have made countless trips to the park, our books, maps and field guides will help you make the most of your time in Yosemite. National opinion divided between giving San Francisco the right to dam the valley and preserving the val… Unfortunately, the answer to this question is that there are numerous threats to the park and its Ecosystem, as well as to the infrastructure needs to … This trend is already impacting glaciers, snowpack, waterfalls, wildfire activity, forest health, and ecosystems throughout the park. Invasive species have a negative impact on natural resources nationwide, including in Yosemite National Park. 2. - Nocturnal animals need darkness: hunting, concealing, navigation, and reproduction. YOSEMITE ASSOCIATION, SUMMER 2006 3 CLIMATE CHANGE IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARKC limate change appears to have arrived in Yosemite National Park. Yosemite National Park Environmental Factors Threats to park resources and the integrity of park ecosystems include loss of natural fire regimes, air pollutants and air-borne contaminants, global climate change, direct impacts to resources from high visitation in some areas of the park, habitat fragmentation from both outside and inside park boundaries, and the invasion of non-native plant and animal species. Also, learn more about how Yosemite's scientists work on a regional level through Inventory & Monitoring. Water Pollution - generally Some of these, like climate change, are especially challenging because they originate outside the park. The Hetch Hetchy Valley was within Yosemite National Park and protected by the federal government, leaving it up to Congress to decide the valleys fate. Kari Cobb, spokesperson and ranger at Yosemite National Park, also believes parks and their native species undergo stressful effects due to the impact of human presence. These components to effective park management encompass the documentation of existing-use conditions and associated resource impacts. Plants can be affected by artificial light because it disrupts their natural cycles. Image credits Adam Kool. We went to Yosemite National Park in the month of April 2017 from Santa Clara, CA. This is done by an intensive monitoring program, by offering support for research, and by expanding the education of park visitors concerned about the future of Yosemite National Park. Answers. - Natural cycles of plants can be disrupted by artificial light. Environmentalists have reported "smog so thick that Yosemite Valley could not be seen from the air". This occasional smog is harmful to all species and vegetation inside the Park. Fears over what might happen to the incredible beauty of the Yosemite area by those looking to exploit that scenery for their own gain led U.S. We hope you will join us and many of our nation’s top environmental officials, lawyers and other professionals in the spectacular setting of Yosemite. Worldwide emissions of greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rapid warming observed across the western US. That association, the first nonprofit partner in the National Park System, evolved over decades and strengthened its partnership with the park — now, it lives on as Yosemite Conservancy.Read more about our history here. Expert Answer. “Though Yosemite Valley is the most impacted part of Yosemite National Park, other less visited areas do receive impact by visitors too,” added Cobb. The list below documents how Yosemite scientists approach some of these issues. In Yosemite, it is something that we manage carefully and continue to learn more about. Current Environmental Issues: Natural processes are constantly at work in Yosemite. Fire has many faces. Sounds are an integral part of visitors' Yosemite experience. (Source: Trade and Environment Database) • Vehicle traffic has increased about 30 percent over the last decade. Located in central California, Yosemite National Park was established in 1890 and draws four million annual visitors. A new multi-year project will identify historic and current park vistas using previous vista studies, historical records, GIS data, and site visits. The Environmental Justice program’s goal is to ensure that all people are protected from disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards by working with and on behalf of impacted communities. Social scientists conduct research to inform visitor use management, resource impact monitoring, and planning-related projects. Cultural and historic sounds, like the rhythm of a horse-drawn wagon, are components, too. The entire Yosemite National Park has been preserved as well as possible since 1890 when the area became protected. Scientists project that average temperatures in the park may rise by 6.7–10.3°F between 2000 and 2100. Human Impact Pollution Light Pollution - Pollution especially strong from San Joaquim Valley. This was addressed through improved environment sanitization. Donor support makes it possible. Yosemite National Park’s environment is healthy in many ways, yet Yosemite can be affected by environmental issues. To study the topic, the National Park Service devised a system to measure sky brightness, and even remote parks like Yosemite face stray light pollution, particularly from the San Joaquin Valley. As we witness shifts in natural systems, park scientists are working to document and understand these changes to support ongoing management decisions. Description: A path validation issue existed in dyld. Although 94% of Yosemite is Congressionally designated wilderness, the remaining 6% has serious problems with over-development and over-crowding, especially in Yosemite Valley. Yosemite's Division of Resources Management and Science, frequently hosts scientific symposiums for the public and other scientific presentations which are presented at monthly forums. Yosemite National Park, California, Preservation, Safety. Global climate change is impacting Yosemite. Salomon's S/Lab MTN Ski Boot is lightweight option for aggressive skiers who are looking to crush the climbs and ski... Price subject to change | Available through Backcountry.com. Your purchases help fund important work in Yosemite, to repair trails, restore habitat, protect wildlife and much more. Yosemite National Park Environmental Factors. The park is actively attempting to control the non-native plant species that pose the most serious threat, such as spotted knapweed, yellow star-thistle, bull thistle, and Himalayan blackberry. 2021 Yosemite scientists aim to restore the park's historic scenic vistas using sound cultural and ecological practices and processes. Go to website, click on Yosemite Valley flag and then access grid on left. There are presently eight plant species listed as threatened or endangered in Yosemite (2). Some of these, like climate change, are especially challenging because they originate outside the park. Views like this one, seen by explorers like James Mason Hutchings and John Muir, are part of the history that inspired the protection of the park in the late 1800s. 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