Learn about NRCAs
The Natural Resource Condition Assessment (NRCA) Program provides framework, funding, and publishing support to parks to aid in the synthesis and documentation of natural resource conditions. Condition assessment reports are a tool to describe selected park resources, and record a snapshot of their current condition, identify trends, and identify potential or current threats and stressors. Understanding the condition and trend of natural resources is key for parks and NPS planners to appropriately prioritize and allocate stewardship resources.

NPS Photo
Traditional NRCA Report: 2019
The Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Casa Grande Ruins National Monument was published in 2019, and coordinated by the National Park Service staff, Utah State University, and the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. The nine resource topics evaluated in this report are comprised of those deemed to have the greatest interest/concern by the park staff:
- Viewshed |
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- Night sky |
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- Soundscape |
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- Air quality |
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- Groundwater |
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- Upland vegetation and soils |
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- Soil crusts |
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- Birds |
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- Mammals |
Two resources (upland vegetation and soils, and soil crusts) were in good condition; four resources (night sky, soundscape, air quality, and birds) had conditions of moderate concern; two resources (viewshed and groundwater) had conditions of significant concern; and the condition of mammals could not be determined. Present day Casa Grande Ruins National Monument occupies a 2.6 km2 (1 mi2) area of land that has captured the human interest for thaousands of years and will likely continue to do so for several thousand more. The reality is that the area surrounding Casa Grande, which once supported an abundance of wildlife, plants, and aquatic life, has undergone significant changes. It is the continued dedication of monument and Sonoran Desert Inventory and Monitoring staff, along with numerous partners and friends, who research questions that further explore the mystery and complexity of this national park and its previous inhabitants.
For other reports and natural resource datasets visit the NPS Data Store.
Source: Data Store Collection 7765 (results presented are a subset). To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Last updated: June 24, 2022