An Intact Ecosystem

Katmai's iconic bears are just a part of its rich ecosystem which includes many other fish, plants, mammals, and more.

NPS Photo

 

What is an intact ecosystem?

Ecosystems that exist without much human interference like highways, bridges, dams, housing and industrial development are considered intact. Much of Alaska is covered in ecosystems that remain undisturbed by human activity. This doesn’t mean that humans don’t exist on this land, just that humans didn’t alter the environment with development.

 

Salmon serve as a foundational part of Katmai's ecosystem.

NPS Photo / Russ Taylor

Picture this: A river that flows for hundreds of miles has no permanent structures, no dams that create reservoirs or alter river flow. This river has tens of thousands of salmon return every year. Humans have fished and hunted this river since time immemorial, and the river still runs exactly as it has since that time.

Now picture your local river. What does it have? Are there houses along the river? Businesses? Nature reserves? This is the difference between an intact ecosystem and one that has been fundamentally changed by humans that will never be able to return to its natural state.

Katmai boasts 4.2 million acres of intact ecosystems. The borders of Katmai National Park is not where this ecosystem ends. Multiple land management agencies, native corporations, and local villages work together to maintain a healthy ecosystem of which Katmai is a part.

Keeping this land undeveloped and unimpeded means that it will continue to provide for generations to come. Learning from the Sugpaiq, Yup’ik, and Dena’ina people helps agencies like the NPS to continue the stewardship of these lands.

 

Learn More about Katmai's Ecosystem

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  Mammals

  Many mammals call Katmai home -- learn about how these diverse species thrive as a part of the ecosystem.

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  Fish

  Fish make up an important part of Katmai's ecosystem and serve as a food source for many other species.

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  Birds

  Many avian species frequent Katmai National Park and Preserve, either as seasonal visitors or year-round residents.

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  Plants

  Vegetation is a critical part of the Katmai ecosystem.

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  Species List

  Find a comprehensive list of all the species within the Katmai ecosystem.