Potential impacts of global climatic change to National Park units of the Southeast
Nodvin SC and Reeves CL. 1990. Potential impacts of global climatic change to National Park units of the Southeast. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 71(2):270
Potential changes in global climate present the National Park Service (NPS) with challenges in the management of natural and cultural resources. The Southeast Region Office (SERO) administers 58 park units in 9 states and 2 territories. Many are known centers of biological diversity with 6 units classified as International Biosphere Reserves. We surveyed park superintendents, managers, and scientists to predict impacts of climatic change to park units within the region. Varying scenarios were employed to assess variables of fire frequency, terrestrial and aquatic habitats, biological diversity, migration and dispersion, and rare and endangered species. For example, elevated temperatures will result in the accelerated loss of remnant vegetation types (e.g. spruce-fir) from the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Respondents indicated that current and new threats to both natural and cultural resources will be intensified. By identifying these potential climatic impacts now, NPS can develop or enhance appropriate monitoring systems, interpretative programs, and management policies.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Nodvin, Stephen; Reeves, Carolyne
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC TN, Management