Sierra Nevada Network

Field biologists collect a soil sample to characterize a park wetland. Vegetation, groundwater level, and invertebrates are monitored to track changes in wetland  condition.

To effectively manage, protect, and interpret park natural resources, National Park Service (NPS) managers must have access to reliable information about the condition of plant and animal populations and park ecosystems like wetlands, forests, lakes and streams. As part of the NPS effort to improve park management through greater reliance on scientific knowledge, a primary role of the Inventory and Monitoring Program is to collect, organize, and make available natural resource data and information.

To address information gaps and facilitate proactive natural resource management, the National Park Service established an Inventory and Monitoring Program, composed of 32 “networks” of parks grouped by proximity and ecological similarity.

The Sierra Nevada Network (SIEN) includes Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Yosemite National Park, and Devils Postpile National Monument. Network scientists work closely with the parks to plan and conduct inventory and monitoring projects.

 

Biological technician collects water quality data at State Lakes, Kings Canyon National Park.

Visit the Sierra Nevada Network website to learn more about on-going monitoring projects and download newsletters, resource briefs, or reports. Specific monitoring projects include:

• Birds
• Climate
• High-elevation forests
• Lakes
• Rivers
• Wetlands