Natural Resource Research

• Collecting samples from a captured wolf.

• Gathering data for a sagebrush study.

• Monitoring stream characteristics.

 

Natural Resource Research Reports
Numerous research projects are done using the natural and cultural laboratory of Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Researchers are required to obtain a permit and report the results of their investigations to the park annually. It may take several years to complete the study. Some of the recently completed cultural resource studies can be found here. Some of the recently completed natural resource studies are:

2017
Leigh and String Lakes Visitor Use Study at Grand Teton National Park, 2017 Data Collection Summary; Authors: Ashley D'Antonio, Derrick Taff, Christopher Monz, Peter Newman, Jenna Baker, Will Rice, Zach Miller. March 2018.

2016
Deglaciation and postglacial environmental changes in the Teton Mountain Range recorded at Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, WY; Authors: D. Larsen, M. Finkenbinder, M. Abbott, A. Ofstun, Quaternary Science Reviews 138, 2016.

National Parks Respond to Climate Change; Author: K. Pope, Western Confluence, Feb. 2016.

2015
Potential for American Bullfrog Spread in Grand Teton National Park; Author: A. Sepulveda, 2015.

Introduced American Bullfrog Consumption Patterns in Grand Teton National Park; A. Sepulveda, L. Flyn, 2015.

2014
Seasonal Habitat Selection and Impacts of Backcountry Recreation on a Formerly Migratory Bighorn Sheep Population in Northwest Wyoming; Author: A.B. Courtemanch, 2014.

2013
Beaver Impacts and Characteristics on Stream Hydrology & Vegetation in the Snake River Drainage System; Author: W.J. Gribb, 2013.

GrandTRENDS: the Grand Tetons reactive nitrogen deposition study; Principal Investigators: J. Collett, S. Kreidenweis, 2013.

Spatial Ecology and Life-history Diversity of Snake River Finespotted Cutthroat Trout in the Upper Snake River, WY; Author: K.M. Homel, 2013.

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Monitoring in Spread Creek, Wyoming; Authors: R. Al-Chokhachy, J. Kershner, P. Uthe, 2013.

Whitebark Pine Monitoring in Grand Teton National Park 2007-2013; Authors: N.K. Bockino, E. Janssen, K. McCloskey, 2013.

Wolverine Ecology and Conservation in the Western United States; Author: R.M. Inman, 2013.

2012
Recent glacier fluctuations In Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Author: H. Reynolds, 2012.

2011
Effects of pathways within Grand Teton National Park on avian diversity, abundance, distribution, nesting productivity, and breeding behaviors; Principal Investigator: A. Chalfoun, 2011.

Evaluation of the "Be Bear Aware" message to visitors in Grand Teton National Park; Authors: N.M. Nelson, P.A. Taylor, T. Hopkins, A. Rieser, 2011.

Grand Teton National Park Pathway Elk Study; Authors: H. Sawyer, R. Nielson, F. Hornsby, L. McManus, 2011.

Impacts of a multi-use pathway on American Black Bears in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Authors: C.M. Costello, S.L. Cain, R.M. Nielson, C. Shervheen, C.C. Schwartz, 2011.

Ungulate responses to multi-use pathway construction and use in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Authors: A.R. Hardy, K.R. Crooks, 2011.

2010
Glacial change in Grand Teton National Park; Authors: G. Tootle, G. Kerr, J. Edmunds, 2010.

2008
Habitat selection, condition, and survival of Shiras moose in northwest Wyoming; Author: S.A. Becker, 2008.

Search for Investigator Annual Reports of other research topics at the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System.

 

Vital Signs Report
Each year, national park resource staff discover new findings about the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the park and parkway through short-term or long-term inventory, monitoring, and research projects. The findings are summarized and compiled in the Natural and Cultural Resources Vital Signs report.

 

Prospective Researchers
Researchers from near and far submit proposals to conduct studies in the park. These projects are reviewed for their suitability to a national park. Apply to conduct research through the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System.

 

Boyd Evison Graduate Research Fellowship

This graduate research fellowship honors Boyd Evison, one of the National Park Service's greatest leaders in support of expanding scientific knowledge to help shape management decisions and maintain uncompromised native resources. The Evison Fellowship encourages scientific and conservation-related research in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, providing up to $10,000 in support for work leading to completion of a master's or PhD degree in the biosciences, geosciences, or social sciences. Learn more about the Evison Fellowship, past projects, and how to apply.