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A plethora of ongoing scientific research abounds at Yosemite National Park, from declining animal species studies to invasive plant removal strategies to human carrying capacity issues.
Yosemite has expanded its resources management and science staff to more than 100 people. The park serves as a public meeting place for scientific symposiums--topics include fire science, hydroclimatology, archeology, and bird surveys--with scientific papers presented at the monthly Yosemite Forum. In addition, the park processes hundreds of research permits every year for its staff and outside interests. The park is proud to sponsor the first park-based social science branch, which serves as a model for ground-breaking work in visitor use and user capacity issues.
The park focuses its resources management and science functions within the Division of Resources Management and Science, which has an organizational structure that combines on-the-ground resource managers with scientists to create an environment where science is used directly in decision-making, thereby addressing the concerns of various groups that have criticized the National Park Service at times for arbitrary management decisions. The financial structure of the division builds on partnership funding and cooperative research. This structure allows park scientists to fund projects of interest rather than research being dictated by available funding.
Dr. Niki Nicholas oversees the Resources Management and Science division at Yosemite National Park. If you have questions, please contact her at 209/379-1060 or e-mail one of the six branch chiefs:
Learn more about Yosemite’s research through the following:
Fact Sheets: These topics-at-a-glance are typically created for a project, ongoing issue, or planning effort near its inception. A fact sheet is a one- or two-page document that provides an introduction, background, purpose and need, estimated schedule, and other associated details pertaining to the subject matter.
Ongoing Scientific Research: Research projects include the User Capacity Management Monitoring Program, the Half Dome Cables Trail Study, and the High-Elevation Aquatic Resources Management Plan. Find topics sprinkled throughout the Yosemite web site.
Nationwide GIS Data Online: Geography is both a natural and a cultural science. View national GIS data sets, including from Yosemite National Park, on an NPS Data and Information online clearinghouse. View Yosemite's GIS data sets, covering topics from geology to fire to soils, or California-specific GIS data.
Planning Documents: Yosemite’s staff researches and presents many of its projects for public review. Read through suggested documents as a great way to start getting involved in park projects, such as the Merced River Plan and the Tuolumne River Plan. Understand what is going on and the next steps for your involvement.
Visitor Use: Social scientists study how humans interact with the landscape. View comprehensive reports on summer and winter visitor use. Or, get quick answers to some of the most common questions regarding park statistics. How many visitors come to Yosemite each year? How many miles of trails exist in the park? What is the park's budget? Also, check out our natural resource statistics, including the name of the park's tallest peak and just how tall Yosemite Falls is.
Permit for Scientific Research: Yosemite’s pristine environment provides a scientific laboratory for many critical issues studied by top scientists around the world. Learn what you need to do to propose a research study in the park and obtain a permit.
View the park's History & Culture section to learn about people, places, stories, collections, and preservation.
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