Transcript Slide 1
Location • Western United States – Colorado – Idaho – Montana – Nevada – Utah – Wyoming – Alaska • Western Canada – Yukon – Alberta – British Colombia – Northwest Territories Weather/Climate • Highland Climate – Changes with increasing altitude – Mild, dry summers – Cold winters – Average precipitation of 14 inches a year • Winter- 1.4” • Spring- 4.2” • Summer- 5.9” • Fall-2.6” Landforms • Rocks are the foundation of everything • Animals make homes in rocks and plants • Plants take advantage of the landforms • Very hilly Waterways • Many rivers – Colorado River – The Gunnison – Rio Grande – Arkansas River – The Big Thompson – La Poudre River • Waterfalls – Alberta Falls – Calypso Cascades – Ouzel Falls – Fern Falls – Bridal Veil Falls Vegetation • Vegetation of Rocky Mountains – Forest • Pine trees • Fir trees • Spruce trees – Plants cling to rock and hard soil – Very sturdy and not easily pulled out of ground Animals • Animals of the Rocky Mountains – Fox – Moose – Pika – Marmot – Elk – Deer – Bison – Bighorn Sheep • Migrate to lower and warmer elevations during winter • Some shed brown fir and replace it with white to blend in with snow • Surefooted and sturdy Environmental Issues • Many things cause harm to the Rocky Mountains – Timber harvesting – Grazing – Oil exploration • Causes slope erosion – Mining operations • Great quantities of harmful metals have been releases into streams and groundwater – Reservoir operations History/Culture • History of the Rocky Mountains – Ancient trails – Game drives – Cattle ranches – Old lodges – Much was saved and still exists • After WWII the NPS implemented mission 66 – Nationwide development and improvement program Preservation Efforts • 1960s – Congress passed environmental laws to protect Rockies • More natural resources found every year • Precautions on trails – Limited snowmobiling • More thought out environmental rules – Use of vehicles and bicycles is prohibited • Skiing in Hidden Valley stopped – Restoration of creek and vegetation began • Protection of Rockies ecosystem – Help of local organizations – Doesn’t stop at park boundaries