Pipestone National Monument Natural Resource Condition Assessment
Jones DS, Cook R, Sovell J, Herron C, Brenner J, Decker K, Sherman S, Beavers A, Beebee J, Weinzimmer D. 2016. Pipestone National Monument Natural Resource Condition Assessment. Natural Resource Report. Natural Resource Report NPS/HTLN/NRR—2016/1106. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
The National Park Service (NPS) Natural Resource Condition Assessment (NRCA) Program administered by the NPS Water Resources Division evaluates current conditions for important natural resources and resource indicators using primarily existing information and data. NRCAs also report on trends in resource condition when possible, identify critical data gaps, and characterize a general level of confidence for study findings. This NRCA complements historical resource assessments, is multi-disciplinary in scope, employs a hierarchical indicator framework, identifies and develops reference conditions/values for comparison against current conditions, and emphasizes spatial evaluation of conditions and GIS (map) products. The NRCA for Pipestone National Monument, Minnesota began in 2012. This study employed a scoping process involving Colorado State University, monument and NPS staff to discuss the NRCA framework, identify important park resources, and gather existing information and data. Indicators and measures for each resource were then identified and evaluated. Data and information were analyzed and synthesized to provide summaries and address condition, trend and confidence using a standardized but flexible framework. Pipestone National Monument was created in 2007 to: administer and protect the pipestone quarries, preserving the quarrying of pipestone for Indians of all tribes; to preserve, protect, and interpret the cultural and natural resources associated with the monument; and to provide for the enjoyment and benefit of all people. The monument has significance as a result of its important and unique natural and cultural features and ethnographic landscapes. These features combine to provide an unusual array of habitats supporting a diverse assortment of prairie plants and animals and rare habitats, federally listed threatened and endangered species, and globally rare remnant plant communities.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Jones, D; Cook, R; Sovell, J; Herron, C; Brenner, J; Decker, K; Sherman, S; Beavers, A; Beebee, J; Weinzimmer, D
- Date of Issue
- 2016
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- HTLN , NRSS , PIPE
- Keywords
- PIPE