Yosemite's landscape is both defined and challenged by its environmental conditions, including plant and animal populations, air and water quality, and the impact of human activities on these. Scientific research projects create baseline data and analysis of these conditions, allowing park planners to make informed decisions for the future.
Current Projects
FUNDING NEEDED: $343,603
High Elevation Plant Survey
This project focuses on the high-elevation alpine plant communities at the crest of the Sierra Nevada and will inventory and survey some of the rarest and most specialized plant species in the Park. These plants are also among the most vulnerable to extinction in a drying, warming climate and to competition by other species moving up in elevation. The goal of this project is to document the species that occur in these ancient, wind-swept sites and provide data necessary to back up efforts to further protect them as needed.
Trail Use Assessment
Yosemite’s wilderness has always been a destination for solitude, self reflection, and elemental experiences. Yosemite’s backcountry permit system has been in place since the 1970’s, and includes zone quotas. This assessment and newer model allows managers to use a trailhead quota system instead of zone quotas, and provides overnight wilderness visitors with greater freedom while protecting social and natural values. This project will update information about how trails are being used and the results will help to ensure a quality wilderness experience.
Yosemite’s Melting Glaciers
Yosemite’s largest glaciers are shrinking. The Mount Lyell glacier is one of the primary sources of year-round runoff in the Tuolumne River watershed and any decrease in runoff could have serious consequences for habitat in the Tuolumne area. This project will combine traditional glacier measurements with new laser repeat scanning techniques to evaluate the health of these glaciers. Study results will establish a database, predictive tools and computer models that will help scientists understand the cause and future extent of the decline. Additionally the results will help researchers understand the effect of climate change in Yosemite.
Completed Projects
Surveys of mountain lions, bees, goshawks, Great Grey owls, and bats. Research related to lakes, vegetation and stream mapping, climate analysis, amphibian decline, pioneer use in the wilderness, effects of grazing, Native American archeology and forest fire prediction.