What We Monitor

The Central Alaska Network uses long-term ecological monitoring to track changes in selected park resources and processes, called "vital signs." Monitoring these key resources helps us to understand how these ecosystems work and the overall condition of park resources.

A holistic conceptual model was used to identify critical vital signs. The model shows the relationships among park management concerns, ecosystem components and physical drivers, and near-field and far-field anthropogenic drivers of change.

 

Vegetation and Soils

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  Vegetation Structure and Composition

  Vegetation structure and composition tell us about wildlife habitat and environmental changes.

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  Permafrost

  Permafrost underlays much of Alaska's parks. As it thaws, it causes instability.

 

Water

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  Shallow Lakes

  Shallow lakes provide important wildlife habitat.

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  Streams and Rivers

  Streams and rivers are vital ecosystem components and continually shape the landscape.

 

Wildlife

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  Bald Eagles

  Bald Eagles are top predators and often respond quickly to changes in their environment.

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  Caribou

  Four distinct herds of caribou are found in Central Alaska parklands.

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  Golden Eagles

  Denali National Park and Preserve has the longest-running ecological study of migratory Golden Eagles in the world.

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  Dall's Sheep

  Central Alaska parklands contain about 20% of the world's population of Dall's sheep.

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  Peregrine Falcons

  The upper Yukon River corridor is densely populated with Peregrine Falcons.

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  Small Mammals

  Although these small mammals are hardly visible, many larger species depend on them.

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  Moose

  Moose are good indicators of long-term ecosystem change because they depend on large-scale, healthy habitats for food and cover.

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  Passerines

  Passerines provide key ecosystem functions, like seed dispersal.

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  Wolves

  Wolves are a keystone large mammal in Central Alaska parks. They depend on healthy populations of large ungulate prey.

 

Landscape/Physical Environment

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  Air Quality

  Air quality can be impacted by local or regional sources (local wildfires) or from sources far away, such as industry on other continents.

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  Climate

  Climate is the most fundamental driver of ecological condition.

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  Soundscapes

  Different habitats have specific soundscape characteristics that are important attributes of that natural system.

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  Glaciers

  Glaciers are dominant and dynamic physical features and a major driver of landscape change.

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  Snowpack

  Seasonal snowpack has a major influence on hydrology, vegetation, and wildlife.