Date: March 18, 2008
Contact: Kyle Patterson, 970-586-1363
Saturday, March 22, 7:00 p.m.
Modeling Permafrost Distribution
There are many questions about permafrost, or ground that remains below 0 degrees Celsius for two consecutive years, and its extent along the Colorado Front Range Mountains. Permafrost has been investigated using various field techniques. Join Jason Janke from Metropolitan State College of Denver, as he sheds light on what the loss of permafrost could mean to ecosystems and to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Saturday, March 29, 7:00 p.m.
Protecting Our National Park Forest Heritage from the Invasive Species Threat
Dramatic changes are occurring in our cherished landscapes. Forest ecosystems, urban and historic trees on National Park lands that provide life, beauty, habitat, shade and connections to the past are being destroyed by forest insects and diseases foreign to American landscapes. Join National Park Service employee Linda Drees, who is Chief of Invasive Species Branch of the Natural Resource Program Center, as she describes the threats to our forests and identifies what we can do as individuals, agencies and organizations to protect our forest heritage.
Saturday, April 5, 7:00 p.m.
The Endangered Species Act Today: A Rocky Route for Purists
The Endangered Species Act has been called the most far-reaching piece of conservation legislation ever enacted in our country. While its stated goal was to preserve ecosystems intact, the application of the Act has focused on species, subspecies and distinct populations. What we learn in the lab about some populations of trout, elk and wolves can pose problems for managers. Join Dr. Peter Dratch, from the National Park Service Biological Resources Management Division, as he illustrates how the resolution to those tough calls goes beyond the technical, to an understanding of what we are trying to save.
The park’s 2008 Lyceum theme is “Learning Lessons: Management Decisions of the Past and Future.” As Rocky Mountain National Park's centennial approaches, it is a good time to explore decisions made in the past, face the issues of today, and look forward to the future. How do real people make real decisions about real problems in the entire Rocky Mountain Region, as well as in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Lyceum schedule runs through May 17, 2008. Financial support for the lyceum series is provided by the park’s nonprofit partner, the Rocky Mountain Nature Association. Programs are held at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and are free and open to the public.
For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call (970) 586-1206.
