National Park Sensors

Yosemite National Park
Indicators to be monitored in 2004
    - Campsite Number
    - Campsite Condition
    - Number of encounters with other parties
    - People at one time at selected sites
    - Exposed tree roots
    - Number of social trails
    - Length of social trails in meadows
    - River bank erosion that is accelerated or caused by visitor use
    - Water quality

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planning/projects/verp2004.pdf

Yellowstone National Park
Monitoring the Wetlands
    - Wetland classification and identification produced through stereoscopic interpretation of 1:58000-scale color infrared photography taken in August and September, 1982, 1983, 1984
    - Habitats identified by vegetation and soil types
    - Topographic maps, SCS soil surveys, USGS water resources also used to ensure accurate delineation

http://www.nps.gov/yell/publications/pdfs/wetlands/inventory.pdf

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Water Tank and Distribution System Replacement

- National Park Services proposed to replace the water storage tank and water main system at Ash Mountain headquarters complex.
- Fire sprinkler system will be installed in four largest buildings

Alternatives
    - 1. No Action
    - 2. Construction of 220,000-gallon concrete water storage tanks
             - Tanks would provide for increased water storage for potable water
             - Fire hydrants moved
             - Overhead sprinkler system installed in four main buildings

- (2nd) Alternative will have little or no negligible impacts on geology, soil, special-status species, air quality, water resources, water quality, archaeological resources, cultural landscapes, ethnographic resources, museum objects, scenic values, soundscapes, night skies, prime and unique farmland, land use, environmental justice, and Indian trust resources

Exotic Plant Management
- Monitoring for new occurrences and for trends in existing populations
- Prevention strategies and local policies for reducing the introduction and establishment of new populations
- Eradication of existing exotic populations
        - Surveys for exotic vascular plants were conducted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon from 1997-1999

Tree Hazard Management
- Park foresters evaluate trees in developed areas for structural soundness and determine whether they pose a significant risk to people or building
- Specially trained crew of tree workers removes those trees or parts of trees that are likely to fail and cause harm to life or property

Amphibians, Reptiles, Fish Management
- In order to monitor the density, distribution, and species composition of native and exotic fish, counts are regularly conducted along set transects
- Also, transects of western pond turtles in low elevation rivers and streams are monitored

Sequoia National Park monitors:
- Air resources
- Geology (mines, etc.)
- Vegetation
- Water Resources
- Wildlife
- Fire

http://www.nps.gov/seki/snrm/data/rmp.htm

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