Vegetation & Resources Management Branch

The Vegetation & Resources Management Branch inventory, monitor, manage, and research the vast array of plant communities in the park.

NPS

 

Vegetation communities found in Yellowstone National Park reflect underlying geology, climate conditions and disturbances created by fire, roads and developments, grazing/browsing, non-native species, and a changing climate. In addition to nearly 1,350 native vascular plant species, 217 non-native plant species have been documented in the park. The Vegetation and Resources Management staff inventory, monitor, manage and conduct research on the vast array of plant communities in Yellowstone. These include invasive, non-native plant inventory and control, wetland communities and rare plant survey and protection, vegetation monitoring and ecological restoration, hazard tree management, and aquatic invasive species prevention from establishment in park waters.

The Vegetation and Resources Management Branch includes the following programs:

• Vegetation Ecology Program
• Resource Management Operations Program
• Vegetation Compliance

 

Plants

Spring is a time for plant growth, fueling the return of many migratory species.

Restoring Native Plants

Park managers are restoring native vegetation to this area, following recommendations of arid land restoration specialists.

Invasive Plants

Invasive plants can displace native plant species, change vegetation communities, affect fire frequency, impact wildlife.

Herbarium

The herbarium specimens document the presence of plants in the park over time and the history of plant collecting in the park.

Native Fish Species

Native fish underpin natural food webs and have great local economic significance.

Clean, Drain & Dry

Prevent damaging aquatic invasive species from reaching Yellowstone.