Natural resource conditions at Mesa Verde National Park: Findings and management considerations for selected resources

A comprehensive Natural Resource Condition Assessment (NRCA) at Mesa Verde National Park reveals critical stressors threatening its ecosystems, with climate change, increased fire incidence, and the spread of non-native plants identified as primary drivers. The study evaluated six focal resources—avifauna, deer & elk, rare plants, the Mancos River, upland vegetation, and seeps & springs—using condition assessments and gap analyses where data was limited. Key findings indicate deteriorating conditions for passerines, hummingbirds, rare plants, and riparian ecosystems, while also highlighting significant knowledge gaps in raptor populations, deer & elk dynamics, and upland vegetation outside piñon-juniper woodlands. Management recommendations are provided to address these challenges, offering actionable insights for preserving the park's biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Jones, A., McTague, S., Mozelewski, T., Crafford, R., Maguire, A., & Suraci, J. (2025). Natural resource conditions at Mesa Verde National Park: Findings and management considerations for selected resources (, Ed.). National Park Service. https://doi.org/10.36967/2311540