North Cascades Research

The North Cascades ecosystem has a local relief of over 8,000 feet, more than 700 glaciers, major watersheds, old growth forests, pristine alpine meadows and an intriguing geologic story. Over 1,500 vascular plants and 300 vertebrate species have been identified in the area. It has a history as both home and travel way for indigenous peoples for more than 8,000 years. The great jumble of peaks that compose the North Cascades mountains provides a formidable challenge to those that venture deep into their interior. As a result, a large portion remains roadless wilderness. With such a varied and protected landscape, there is an abundance of study and research opportunities.

The Park Service, Forest Service, private organizations and universities perform research in the North Cascades. The projects and goals are as varied as the landscape.

A major program in the National Park is the Natural Resource Challenge and its Inventory and Monitoring Program. This ambitious program seeks to acquire information about the presence and distribution of species in the park, as well as global influences. Current projects document: vertebrates (such as mammals, birds, amphibians, fishes and reptiles), invertebrates and plants, air and water quality as well as geology and soil information. This data can be used to generate maps, plan future monitoring and restoration work and better manage and preserve the park.

The U.S. Forest Service is also conducting varied research projects. Researchers are studying the effects of climate change on various forest types and the dynamics of fire in forests. They are also working on surveying mountain goat populations and monitoring stream health.

University researchers are studying many aspects of the North Cascades. Park staff and college teams have been monitoring glaciers for years. Not only are they studying the retreat of many of the glaciers, but also the invertebrates that live on them. Western Washington University researchers are studying the effects of recreational use on sub-alpine sites such as Trapper Lake and the history of regional volcanism at Hannegan Caldera.

This is just a sampling of the scientific work occurr-ing here. Together, we are gaining an understanding of the puzzle that comprises the North Cascades.

For more information, check out the National Park publication Natural Notes, or visit: www.fs.fed.us/pnw/ & www.nps.gov/nwresearch/.

Mountain Goats Rebound Around Mt Baker

This year Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Forest Service plan to complete a mountain goat research program in the Mt. Baker area. Last year the National Park Service began a second mountain goat research project that will continue in the North Cascades, Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks. Radio telemetry is being used to prepare models showing goat population and range.

Surveys of the Mount Baker area in 2005 continued to show an increasing mountain goat population. In July, 331 individual goats were seen. Ten years earlier, in 1995, only 33 goats were seen in the same area and in 2004 fewer than 300 animals were seen.

Surveys around Goat Mountain were also encouraging. The July count of 49 goats is much higher than has been noted for more than 10 years. Surveys just a few years ago rarely found more than ten goats using this area. It is hoped that the Goat Mountain population is beginning to experience a population growth similar to what occurred around Mount Baker over the last 10 years.

During the summer months while you are enjoying spending time in mountain goat habitat please keep your distance. Goats need to be left alone so that they will have the chance to thrive during the vital months of the year when they are feeding and gaining energy for survival.

Global Connections to Alpi Marittime in Italy

North Cascades National Park has formed a relationship with a sister park in Italy: Parco delle Alpi Marittime. Located on the French-Italian border, Alpi Marittime looks a lot like the North Cascades at first glance. Its mountains are steep and close to the sea, and glaciation formed many of their striking features. Ibex, chamois and mouflon, types of wild goats and sheep, graze on steep valley walls in a striking resemblance to the North Cascades mountain goat, and as at North Cascades, marmots chirp at visitors from the hillsides. The resemblance doesn't end there. Like the North Cascades, Alpi Marittime has both small villages and hydroelectric projects within the park.

Alpi Marittime has a different history from the North Cascades. Both began as reserves, but while North Cascades National Park was carved out of National Forests, Alpi Marittime was formed from land that served as a hunting reserve for the Savoia family in the mid 19th century. In Alpi Maritime, the visitor can view something not found in the North Cascades: royal hunting lodges and chalets.

Both parks face similar issues. In Alpi Marittime, ibex and bearded vulture populations are threatened, and programs are underway to help their recovery. The effects of global climate change are seen in disappearing glaciers. Prehistoric sites and historic buildings need to be researched and preserved. And, a balance must be found to meet the needs of residents and visitors while protecting the park's natural resources.

mountain goat

Park Biologist Roger Christophersen had the opportunity last fall to travel to Alpi Marittime and help with resource management. He was able to see the many differences and similarities to the North Cascades. These sister parks can learn from each other's experience and gain a broader understanding of parks, people and the world. To explore more of Alpi Marittime, visit: http://www.parks.it/parco.alpi.marittime/Eindex.html.

 salmon education

Stewards Monitor and Care for the Rivers

A new partnership for river stewardship began in 2005 with the Forest Service and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA). The Nooksack River Steward Program operates under NSEA with student interns and volunteers meeting in June to observe and learn more about the fish and their habitat. During the summer, the stewards collect data on impacts to fish and fish habitat, recreational use and public contact. A similar program along the Skagit River was primarily a monitoring partnership with North Cascades Institute, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (SFEG), park and forest services for the past nine years.

By maintaining a presence along or near the river, stewards are able to meet with visitors who utilize the river for fishing, boating, camping, and other recreational activities. Stewards provide informal education regarding the impacts that different types of recreation can have on the fisheries.

River Stewards present information on salmon, habitat needs and key features within the Nooksack Basin. They also provide environmental education for public and private groups such as area school and youth organizations, and others who may have questions, concerns or interest in the fish of the Nooksack River. Contact NSEA through their website at www.n-sea.org/

North Cascades Challenger

The 2006 Challenger is produced and published cooperatively by the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (USDI) and the Mt. Baker Ranger District of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (USDA). Printing is funded by the Northwest Interpretive Association.

Writing and Editing:
Cindy Bjorklund, Tim Manns(NPS) & Debra Paul (USFS)

Photography:
NPS, USFS and others as credited.

Maps:
Anne Braaten (NPS), Cathie Mehler (USFS) & Chuck Kitterman (Kulshan Cartographics)

Page 12-13 drawing:
Jamie Anderson(Volunteer)

Web Edition:
RD Payne (Volunteer)

Special thanks to Joyce Brown & Jessica McAloon, visitor information staff.

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Home page http://www.nps.gov/noca/challenger/ch15.htm
Date: 1-May-2006