A Report on the Sustainable Development of Yellowstone Park

Executive Summary

This report encapsulates the findings of an investigation into Yellowstone National Park’s sustainability. In the wake of growing climate change, parks such as Yellowstone are not exempt from the devastating impacts. This report addresses climate change at the park from the perspectives of climate, water, soil, topography, and human impacts. The finding reveals changing climatic patterns through temperatures and precipitation levels. These are largely attributable to human activities in and outside the park. To mitigate the devastation, the report recommends intensive campaigns to sensitize the surrounding and visiting population on effective conservation measures. The park’s management should also aggressively promote climate-smart agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation. If these efforts bear fruits, Yellowstone could be on the verge of becoming a sustainable national park.

Introduction

Yellowstone Park in Wyoming is one of the unique environmental wonders of the United States. The inland park enjoys a fair share of high mountain ranges that significantly affect the park’s climate. In most months of the year, Yellowstone is primarily cold, with the temperatures worsening at night. In all the seasons apart from summer, the overall temperatures of the area tend to be negative. Even in the summer, the area still has cold chills. In the colder months, the park experiences very high snowfalls, which, of course, leads to the rate of precipitation in the summer season. The area has a flood concern due to several lakes, waterfalls, streams, and other water sources, which means the runoff is higher than average hence the floods. However, Yellowstone continues to face the threat of climate change due to ongoing human activities within and outside the park. This is the time to consider ways to make the park more sustainable before becoming a forgotten landmark. Accordingly, this report transgresses the park’s natural and human aspects of climate change. The overall aim of the report is to explore ways through which Yellowstone can achieve sustainability.

Current Environmental Conditions

Climate

Yellowstone Park is centrally located in the larger Yellowstone area. Compared to the greater Yellowstone, the area is colder. The mountain ranges ensure that temperatures drop steeply during the night. Day temperatures also lean toward negative degrees in spring, winter, and autumn. The temperatures improve to an extent during summer (June to August 7-20 degrees) but start falling again from September (NPS d, 2023). Due to the mountains, the area receives a lot of snowfall during the colder months and precipitation during the summer, contributing to its low temperatures.

Table 1. Precipitation and Air Temperature in Yellowstone

The yearly water cycle in GYA is determined by snow accumulation in winter and its melting in summer. The summer thunderstorms augment the park’s soil moisture and increase stream flows. Hence, snow packs are important to water availability in the park’s ecosystem. The graphs below show a simulated model to establish snow changes in Greater Yellowstone. The maps show the maximum water equivalent (MWE) ratio to Total Cold Season across the time. The pie charts show the fraction of Greater Yellowstone affected.

Water balance simulation of snow patterns across the years. Source (Hostetler & Alder, 2023).

Hydrology

Yellowstone Park includes several lakes, streams, waterfalls, and wetlands (NPS a, 2023). These water bodies ensure a higher-than-average water runoff, as seen in the WIMP graphs. The presence of water bodies also makes flooding a significant concern, as one could see from the recent flood in 2022. The water balance currently appears fine. The area has more months of recharging the water table than discharge.

Figure: Yellowstone streams, lakes, and gauge stations (NPS.e., 2023).

Water flow measurements are critical for scientists in underscoring the hydrological cycle and heat production by volcanic activities in the park. As can be seen, the park is centrally located within major distributaries, which drain into the lake.

Other hydrological characteristics of Yellowstone are as follows.

Total APE: 379 mm

Total PREC: 708 mm

Total A.E.: 342 mm

Total DEF: 37 mm

Total Surplus: 366 mm

-DST= June, August, September

+DST= April, May, July, October

DEF= July, August, September

SURP = May, June

SST= Jan-May, Oct-Deb

SMT = April-June

Total SMT = 416 mm

Table 2: Water Balance Table (NPS, 2023)

A modeled simulation of the Greater Yellowstone Area shows increased precipitation in the 21^st century. However, increased evapotranspiration offsets the evapotranspiration and reduces the total runoff. Based on the table, the rate of precipitation and evapotranspiration directly influence the available runoff. The hydrographs below simulate the projected runoff in the parking area. The figures show the magnitudes of May runoff peaks and declines, respectively. There is an increase in runoff from January through April and a decrease in June through October.

Fig. Hydrograph comparisons between 1986 to 2005, 2021-2040, 2061-2080, and 2081-2099.

Source: (Hostetler & Alder, 2023)

Based on the Hydrologic Unit Code 6 (HUC6) watersheds under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and RCP8.5, simulations. MACAv2-METDATA generated the simulation.

Soil and Topography

Multiple types of soils exist within Yellowstone. Yellowstone’s four known classifications of soils include Entisols, Enceptisols, Alfisols, and Molisolls (Li, Speer, & Thapa, 2022). The majority of the soil within Yellowstone came from the sedimentation of ancient rocks or through volcanic activity. However, these soils remain under the newly created sedimentary deposits within the last century. While the slopes of Yellowstone remain covered in trees and shrubs, which reduce the danger of erosion, climate change has accelerated the natural erosion rate. Today, rocks in Yellowstone are in danger of erosion, which could lead to significant landslides (Li, Speer, & Thapa, 2022). The status of Yellowstone as a national park keeps it at a distance from urban danger, but the land topography remains threatened due to erosion and encroachment of people.

Yellowstone Topography (Topographical Map, 2023).

As seen from the topographical map, the land rises to the East, which also acts as the source of the rivers.

The varying topography of Yellowstone has given rise to different types of vegetation. Most of the flora is typical of the Rocky Mountain range, of which Yellowstone is a part. Data indicates Yellowstone is home to more than a thousand species of plants, trees, and other flora. Of these species, three are endemic to Yellowstone and require special conditions in Yellowstone (lava beds, geysers, etc.) to thrive in the area. These species include; Ross’s bentgrass, Yellowstone Sand Verbena, and Yellowstone Sulfur wild buckwheat (NPS b, 2023. Nevertheless, endemic species face danger from invasive species spreading from developed land. Protecting the endemic species from environmental change and invasive species remains the primary concern.

Fig. Yellowstone Park Vegetation cover (NPS.b., 2023).

The vegetation cover changes with the topography and soil structure of the park.

Yellowstone fires continue to shape the vegetation cover of the area. While fires may destroy a particular specie of vegetation, other species thrive after fires. Most of the park fires are ignited by thunderstone, and they die naturally. However, some have been documented to consume acres of land and call for firefighters’ intervention (NPS c, 2023). Fires often affect the park ecosystem by reducing vegetation cover and killing or stressing animals.

Humans

Yellowstone Park continues to experience a yearly surge in visitors (Simmonds et al., 2018). While homes and other social centers characterize Greater Yellowstone, the park remains protected. The main infrastructures at Yellowstone include roads, parking lots, employee housing, bridges, and trails. Annually, the park has seen increased visits, making it a thriving hub of human activity. As a result, park authorities have implemented policies to reduce human and wild species’ close interactions to minimize animal stress. The park hosts tourist-related facilities, but the authorities strive to maintain a natural balance between nature and humans. However, the entry of humans into the park brings significant pollution in the form of discarded plastics and other non-recyclable waste, which can endanger local wildlife (Simmonds et al., 2018). The park’s survival depends on how effectively human interference is contained.

Projected Climate Change

Projected Changes for 2040

The temperature change values from IPPC AR6 for Wyoming were 1.4 degrees and a 1.8 percent increase in precipitation. For WIMP, the closest values were 1-degree annual change and 0% precipitation change. As reflected in the result, there is an increase in deficit and surplus. The decrease in months with SST and SMT also indicates this trend. The higher deficit is ties directly to increased temperatures. Table 3 below represents Yellowstone’s projected climate charges for 2040.

Table 3: Projected Changes for 2040

Projected Changes for 2100

The higher precipitation and temperature radically impact the water balance situation in Yellowstone National Park. For 2100, the temperatures increased by 3.1 degrees while precipitation increased by 6.1 %. The WIMP values were 3 degrees and a 5% increase in precipitation, respectively. The changes impact APE and PEC, with an increase in precipitation. Despite the increase in precipitation, the projections depict an increase in the deficit and a reduction in the surplus. The number of months with SST and SMT decreases, indicating the precipitation concentration in specific months. This could cause deficits in other months.

Table 4: Projected Changes for 2100

Figure 1: Graph showing the current Water Table in Yellowstone National Park

Figure 2: Graph Showing changes in Water Table in 2100 due to climate change

Impacts and Actions for Mitigation and Adaptation

Impacts on the Current Environment

Yellowstone is severely affected by climate change considering its geographical location and hydrothermal activities. Changes in snow precipitations characterize the park. Snow precipitations immensely impact the environment around the park. Snowpack reduction leads to water level reduction and river volumes. With this comes temperature, air, and pressure fluctuations in the water bodies, directly affecting aquatic life. Vegetation patterns in Yellowstone are also changing rapidly. Scientists have predicted that the increased temperatures in the area and the sudden and unfavorable changes in the timing and amount of precipitation being seen will affect the plants and the animals surviving in this park (The New York Times, 2022). In addition, climate change is likely to cause more forest fires in the park. The park could become unsuitable for the well-being of plants and animals if the fires continue unabated.

New Impacts

The human population around Yellowstone has been experiencing an increasing trend. Consequently, climate change impacts are likely to affect even more people than before. The increasing human population also comes with anthropogenic pressure effects, affecting the park ecosystem and increasing pollution levels (Hansen & Phillips, 2018). Under such developing circumstances, Yellowstone is poised for damaging levels of unsustainability. Urgent attention is needed to remedy the situation.

Timeframe of Expected Impacts

The climate change impacts within and around Yellowstone could be felt in the short and long term. As revealed in Table 3 above, water levels at Yellowstone Park could decline significantly over the current decade ending in 2040. Projections have also been made for climate changes within the park over the century ending in the year 2100. This is depicted in Table 4 and Figures 1 and 2 above, respectively.

Recommendations for Adaptation and Mitigation

Yellowstone Park needs to take action toward reducing carbon emissions to adapt to these climate change impacts. The consequences of global climate change mentioned above may be mitigated by lowering your carbon footprint. In their article, Yellowstone National Park has recognized “Yellowstone Forever” as having the potential to lessen environmental impacts while boosting tourist and visitor experiences. The campaign will also improve employment and living circumstances. If people live better, they can embrace standards that lower carbon emissions. For instance, households could recycle more waste, consume environmentally friendly products, and become more environmentally conscious.

Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation is also a crucial adaptation strategy for Yellowstone. The surrounding communities should conserve more water by harvesting rainwater instead of exhausting rivers flowing through the park. The community should also plant water-friendly trees and crops to reduce the levels of water consumption through vegetation. A larger tree cover within the park’s surroundings could retain the desired cooler climatic conditions than aggressive deforestation practices.

Above all, park management should embrace corporate social accountability (CSA) measures. In their article on Archaeology and Adaptation to Climate Change in Yellowstone, managers noted that the value of cultural and natural assets may be more threatened than ever by the consequences of climate change in Yellowstone National Park (Peterson, n.d.). Park managers should assess possible dangers using the greatest available knowledge to protect and preserve these resources. They must also act in the bigger public interest. For instance, park management should ensure the surrounding community has access to water through wells sunk strategically to meet water needs for people and domestic animals. The park management should also ensure peaceful animal-human coexistence to avoid people killing the animal species in the park. The park management could also help locals recycle their wastes to avoid air and water pollution (U.S. National Park Service, 2010).

Conclusion

Yellowstone National Park is a significant natural asset for the U.S. Like many other parks around the country and worldwide, Yellowstone experiences serious threats to its ecosystem and sustainability. The growing human population around the park creates pressure on natural resources, which could affect biodiversity in the park. This report has revealed the extent to which human activities contribute to the park’s changing climate patterns. Water levels are projected to decline significantly over the next decade and century. Without sustainable strategies, Yellowstone could be the next landmark to disappear unless the situation is mitigated.

The impacts of climate change at Yellowstone Park require urgent attention to avoid further deterioration of the environment. Even when the situation gets extreme, there are always ways to make things right. Steps can be taken to promote the mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change in the area as the government seeks more preventive methods. The par’s administration could maintain the “Yellowstone Forever,” sensitizing local communities and tourists to embrace practices that conserve the park. Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation could equally achieve a sustainable Yellowstone. Moreover, the park’s administration should embrace CSA initiatives to ensure local communities understand its value and live within the right means to avoid its destruction.

References

Hansen, A. & Phillips, L. (2018). Trends in vital signs for Greater Yellowstone: application of a Wildland Health Index. Ecosphere. 9. E02380. 10.1002/ecs2.2380(include URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2380).

Hostetler, S. & Alder, J. (2023). Future water projections for the GYA. https://www.gyclimate.org/ch7

NPS.a (2023). Yellowstone Lake Geology. National Parks Service. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/yellowstone-lake-geology.htm

NPS.b. (2023). Plants. National Parks Service. Retrieved March 19, 2023, from https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/plants.htm

NPS.c. (2023). Fire. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/fire.htm

NPS.d. (2023). Weather. National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/weather.htm

NPS. e. (2023) Water Quality and Flow Monitoring in the Yellowstone, Lamar, and Madison Rivers. https://www.nps.gov/articles/river-monitoring-yell.htm

Li, H., Speer, J. H., & Thapa, I. (2022). Analyzing Resilience in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem after the 1988 Wildfire in the Western U.S. Using Remote Sensing and Soil Database. Land, 11(8), 1172.

Rammer, W., Braziunas, K. H., Hansen, W. D., Ratajczak, Z., Westerling, A. L., Turner, M. G., & Seidl, R. (2021). Widespread regeneration failure in forests of Greater Yellowstone under scenarios of future climate and Fire. Global Change Biology, 27(18), 4339–4351. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15726

Romme, W. H., Boyce, M. S., Gresswell, R., Merrill, E. H., Minshall, G. W., Whitlock, C., & Turner, M. G. (2011). Twenty years after the 1988 Yellowstone fires: Lessons about disturbance and ecosystems. Ecosystems, 14(7), 1196–1215. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10021-011-9470-6

Simmonds, C., McGivney, A., Reilly, P., Maffly, B., Wilkinson, T., Canon, G., … & Whaley, M. (2018). Crisis in our national parks: How tourists are loving nature to death. The Guardian, 20.

Topographical Map. (2023). Yellowstone National Park topography map. https://en-ca.topographic-map.com/map-mpgkl/Yellowstone-National-Park/?center=44.55232%2C-110.42174&zoom=10

The New York Times. (2022, July 2). Yellowstone to weigh climate change risks when rebuilding from flood. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/25/us/yellowstone-flood-rebuild-climate-change.

U.S. National Park Service (2010). Archaeology & Adaptation to Climate Change in Yellowstone (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/articles/archeology-adaptation-to-climate-change.html

Yellowstone Forever. (2022, August 6). Sustainability in Yellowstone. Yellowstone Forever. Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://www.yellowstone.org/sustainable-yellowstone/