NPS
The Northern Colorado Plateau Network monitors air quality, climate, land surface phenology, landscape dynamics, uplands, and water quality at Timpanogos Cave National Monument. The results of that monitoring provide park managers with scientific information for decisionmaking.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation on October 14, 1922, due to its "unusual scientific interest and importance." The monument protects three main caves (Hansen Cave, Middle Cave, and Timpanogos Cave), which are connected by human-made tunnels. The caves are highly decorated and well-known for their vibrant colors, profusion of delicate helictites and anthodites, unique origin, and rich cultural history.
Elevation ranges from 1,670 meters (5,480 feet) along the western boundary to 2,454 meters (8,050 feet) on a peak along the southern boundary. Forest, woodland, and shrubland communities dominate the slopes of the monument, while the rare herbaceous communities are restricted to rocky substrates with very thin soils. Riparian plant communities occur on the bars and banks of the American Fork River and in tributary ravines and gullies. The cave system contains three main water bodies (Hansen Cave Lake, Middle Cave Lake, and Hidden Cave Lake), along with several seasonal smaller bodies of water.
Exotic plant species invasion; cave water quality; increasing recreational use; and a lack of data regarding vascular plants, mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and species of special concern are the monument's main natural resource management concerns.
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Source: Data Store Saved Search 3753. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3754. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Last updated: August 21, 2023