Vegetation & Resources Management Branch

Mountain view showing several different plant communities.
The Vegetation & Resources Management Branch inventory, monitor, manage, and research the vast array of plant communities in the park.

NPS

 

Vegetation communities found in Yellowstone National Park reflect underlying geology, climate conditions and disturbances created by fire, roads and developments, grazing/browsing, non-native species, and a changing climate. In addition to nearly 1,350 native vascular plant species, 217 non-native plant species have been documented in the park. The Vegetation and Resources Management staff inventory, monitor, manage and conduct research on the vast array of plant communities in Yellowstone. These include invasive, non-native plant inventory and control, wetland communities and rare plant survey and protection, vegetation monitoring and ecological restoration, hazard tree management, and aquatic invasive species prevention from establishment in park waters.

The Vegetation and Resources Management Branch includes the following programs:

  • Vegetation Ecology Program
  • Resource Management Operations Program
  • Vegetation Compliance

Publications & Articles

 
Whitebark pine growing on the summit of Mount Washburn.
Plants

Yellowstone's plants include species typical of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and the Intermountain region.

Restored field of plants protected by a wildlife fence.
Restoring Native Plants

Park managers are restoring native vegetation to this area, following recommendations of arid land restoration specialists.

A crew of three sprays invasive plants in a meadow.
Invasive Plants

Invasive plants can displace native plant species, change vegetation communities, affect fire frequency, impact wildlife.

Close-up view of green gentian flowers.
Herbarium

The herbarium specimens document the presence of plants in the park over time and the history of plant collecting in the park.

An underwater view of a spotted fish with a red slash on its neck and side swims above pebbles
Fish & Aquatic Species

Native fish underpin natural food webs and have great local economic significance.

Zebra mussel infestation
Clean, Drain & Dry

Prevent damaging aquatic invasive species from reaching Yellowstone.

Last updated: August 21, 2017

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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