Natural resource condition assessment: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Schwemm CA. 2020. Natural resource condition assessment: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Natural Resource Report. NPS/FOVA/NRR—2020/2105. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
The NRCA study team compiled existing data and information to characterize the condition and trends of focal natural resources at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The assessment did not include other areas of Vancouver National Historic Reserve. This report is intended to inform and support park managers in developing recommendations for protecting and improving the condition of natural resources in the park. Focal resource elements selected for assessment were organized into six chapters: 1) Air Quality; 2) Climate; 3) Freshwaters; 4) Native Fauna; 5) Sensory Environment (Natural Night Skies and Natural Quiet); and 6) Habitat Integrity (Land Cover and Use). Indicators (quantitatively measurable descriptors) were identified to evaluate the condition and trend of each resource. Using these indicators, reference conditions were established for each resource in relation to what is known about the historic values or descriptions of indicators, allowing an assessment of current conditions. If sufficient data were available, the trend in resource condition was determined. However, in most cases sufficient data were not available to provide a quantitative evaluation of condition or trend, so qualitative information and expert opinion were used instead. A confidence level was assigned to each assessment based on the strength of available information. Conducting a natural resource assessment for a park that was established specifically to preserve cultural and historic resources is problematic, and particularly for this park given the priority of protecting cultural landscapes. That said, the natural resources protected by NPS land management require attention, and many sites set aside to protect cultural values, particularly in urban areas, offer visitors and residents opportunities to experience nature unavailable in otherwise highly populated landscapes. Likewise, these sites often provide habitat for native species that are becoming increasingly rare.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Schwemm, Catherin
- Date of Issue
- 2020-04
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- FOVA , NRSS , WRD