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How are the Klamath Network Parks
Conserving Biodiversity?
One of the most important roles that National Parks have is to foster a deeper connection between humans and the natural world. This connection can initially come from reading books, looking at pictures, or exploring in your backyard, but a deeper connection with nature comes from a 
personal experience. Touching the bright green needles of a pine tree, or feeling the cold, crisp water in a mountain river can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of other living things. The National Parks are trying to preserve these intact ecosystems for current and future generations to enjoy. In order to address the need of conservation, the National Park Service has implemented an Inventory and Monitoring Program to study the species that are found at the parks in the Klamath region. Once park staff have a good understanding of the presence and abundance of the species in their parks, they will be better equipped to protect the habitats these species live in. Continued monitoring for changes in species numbers and distributions in the parks allow scientists to conserve the rich biodiversity of the region.
In order to start the process of conserving biodiversity there are a few questions that must be answered. First, “what should we conserve?” The answer to that questions is obvious, EVERYTHING, but where do we start? Scientists have identified important species groups and habitats in most need of conservation within the national parks. These areas will be closely monitored to see what they can tell 
us about changing environmental conditions. Second, “where do these areas/species occur?” In some cases little is known about the habitat and behavior of a species or the inner workings of an ecosystem. Extensive monitoring is needed to determine where a species occurs and to find out some basic information about how they interact with their environment. Third, “how can we conserve it?” That is the hard question, but park staff are using multiple methods to maintain biodiversity within the region. Removal of dams, restoration of streams, and protection of rare species, are just a few ways to ensure that biodiversity is conserved and everyone experiences the wonder the Klamath Region has to offer.
Learn more about current Inventory and Monitoring research on the following pages:
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Crater Lake NP | Oregon Caves NM | Redwood NP | Lassen Volcanic NP
Whiskeytown NRA | Lava Beds NM | NPS Klamath Network | SOU Home
An Outreach and Education Project made possible by the National Park Service, Klamath Network Inventory and Monitoring and Southern Oregon University
