Natural resource conditions at Capitol Reef National Park: Findings & management considerations for selected resources

Abstract

Capitol Reef National Park (CARE) encompasses approximately 381 mi2 (98,711 ha) in southcentral Utah, and over 70% is managed for its rugged and remote wilderness value. It’s known for its spectacular display of geologic features, including the Waterpocket Fold—an extensive, upthrusted sandstone geologic feature that is the longest exposed monocline in North America. CARE contains high plant diversity and has a large concentration of locally rare and endemic plants, representing about 18% of the park’s total number of plant species. The Fremont River, perennial creeks, and springs, seeps, and tinajas are valued sources of water in the high desert environment of the Colorado Plateau, providing critical habitat for migrating and breeding birds, invertebrates, and other wildlife. At least 58 mammals, including desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni), have been confirmed at the park, and three native fishes are species of special conservation status in Utah. The National Park Service Natural Resource Condition Assessment Program (NRCA) selected CARE to pilot its new NRCA project series. These projects evaluate the best available science to provide park managers with reliable, actionable natural resource condition information. CARE managers selected 11 focal study resources for their NRCA. To help us understand what is causing change in resource conditions, we selected a subset of drivers and stressors known or suspected of influencing the park’s focal resources.