Yellowstone Center for Resources

 

The Yellowstone Center for Resources (YCR) was created in March 1993 to centralize the park's science and resource management functions. The goals of the YCR are to:

• gather, manage, and analyze data in order to better conserve the park's natural and cultural resources
• understand and mitigate the environmental and historic consequences of park management
• preserve and curate rare, sensitive, and valuable natural and cultural resources
• work with park partners to meet resource management goals
• promote transfer of knowledge to other park staff, partners, and the public

Wildlife and Aquatic Resources Branch

This branch is responsible for conserving and restoring native species and the habitats and ecosystem processes that sustain them. Biologists are working to restore viable populations of common loons, golden eagles, and native fish, while monitoring for nonnative diseases and invasive aquatic species. They are evaluating changes in food webs, vegetation, and biodiversity with a recovered large-predator community. They are investigating how grazing by large groups of bison engineers the landscape to support continued growth of new grass through summer and, also, restoring bison to tribal lands for conservation and cultural purposes. In addition, biologists are working to reduce human disturbances and deaths of wildlife by preventing animals from obtaining human foods and maintaining safe separation distances.

Vegetation & Resource Management, Physical Resources, & Science Communications Branch

The staff in this branch complete a wide range of duties including monitoring, research, and management of the Yellowstone caldera and its geothermal features, analyzing spatial data using GIS, conducting research on climate change, and monitoring air and water quality and natural soundscapes. Staff also monitor, manage, and conduct research on vegetation communities as well as inventory and control invasive plants, protect rare plants and wetland communities, and conduct vegetation restoration. Staff also monitor park waters for and prevent introduction of aquatic invasive species. Finally, staff collaborate across programs within and beyond YCR to communicate the results and importance of the parks' resource monitoring, research, and management activities to managers and the public. All of these activities support Yellowstone's Priorities of Strengthening the Yellowstone Ecosystem & Heritage Resources, Building Coalitions & Partnerships, and Delivering a World-Class Visitor Experience.

Cultural Resources Branch

The specialists in this branch document, monitor, and protect a suite of cultural resources including archeological sites, historic structures, cultural landscapes, museum collections, archives, and library collections. They also conduct government-to-government consultations with Native American nations that have a traditional association with the park and its resources.

Environmental Compliance and Science Coordination Branch

This branch oversees federally-regulated environmental review of all park projects, from road improvements to fisheries restoration plans. In addition, they are responsible for the administration of independent research studies occurring in the park, the production of publications communicating information about the park's resources and scientific research, and the management of social science studies.