Biological Inventory Plan, The Sierra Nevada Network, National Park Service

Sierra Nevada Network Working Group

Background, overview, and plan for conducting biological inventories in Sierra Nevada Network parks This Biological Inventory Plan targets the completion of basic inventories of vascular plants and vertebrate animals for the parks of the Sierra Nevada Network. Sierra Nevada Network parks include Devils Postpile National Monument and Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks. The plan’s purpose is to provide park managers in the network, NPS policy-makers, and publics with scientifically sound information on the nature and status of selected biological resources in a readily accessible form. Because of the great biophysical and geographic affinities of all the units in the network, the network concept offers efficiencies in designing and conducting inventory work, and improved opportunities for exchange of ideas and information among parks. The objectives of this inventory plan are as follows: --To document through existing, verifiable data and targeted field investigations the occurrence of at least 90 percent of the species of vertebrates and vascular plants currently estimated to occur in the parks. --To describe the distribution and relative abundance of species of special management concern, such as listed Threatened and Endangered species, invasive alien species, and other species of special management interest occurring within park boundaries. --To provide the baseline information needed to develop a general network “vital signs” monitoring strategy, based on an understanding of ecosystem function and designed to address system stresses and park resource issues. --To develop a coordinated network data management program that results in biological resource information being easily accessible to park managers, policy-makers, scientists, and the public.