Natural Resource Condition Assessments for Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

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The Natural Resource Condition Assessment (NRCA) Program provides framework, funding, and publishing support to parks to aid in the synthesis and documentation of natural resource conditions. Condition assessment reports are a tool to describe selected park resources, and record a snapshot of their current condition, identify trends, and identify potential or current threats and stressors. Understanding the condition and trend of natural resources is key for parks and NPS planners to appropriately prioritize and allocate stewardship resources.


 

A view of yellow sunflowers with Sunset Crater Volcano in the background.

NPS Photo

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument was established on May 26, 1930 to preserve Sunset Crater Volcano and surrounding volcanic features, including the Bonito Lava Flow, ice cave, cinder fields, spatter cones, lava tubes, and squeeze-ups. The relatively young age of the volcanic eruption (<1000 years ago) provides an excellent opportunity for scientists to study the ecologic succession of soils and plants in an arid and largely barren environment. As plants return, so do the animals that use them for food and shelter.

NRCA reports completed for this park:

Traditional NRCA: 2018

Traditional NRCA Report: 2018

In an effort to better understand and manage the natural resources of the monument, a Natural Resource Condition Assessment was completed and published in 2018. In a collaborative effort between the National Park Service and Utah State University, staff identified nine natural resource topics to assess in the study:

		- Viewshed
		- Night sky
		- Air quality
		- Soundscape
		- Recent volcanic cinder terrain
		- Volcanic features
		- Ponderosa pine (Pinus poderosa) and Pinyon-Juniper (P. edulis-Juniperus spp.)
		- Sensitive and vulnerable tree species
		- Sunset Crater beardtongue (Penstemon clutei)

Most of the resource assessments resulted in a good condition rating, one of moderate concern (air quality), and conditions unknown (and therefore not rated) for sensitive trees and Sunset Crater Beardtongue. The natural resources at the monument face many threats due to an ever-increasing human population within surrounding cities, and increasing temperatures and erratic precipitation due to climate change. A proactive science program will become even more important in influencing resource conditions and identifying necessary adaptations in a rapidly changing environment.

Links to NRCA Products
Materials produced by the park and the NRCA Program.

For other reports and natural resource datasets visit the NPS Data Store.

Source: Data Store Collection 7765 (results presented are a subset). To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.