Monitoring air quality in national parks

A photo from a National Park Service air quality monitoring system showcases the affect of air pollution on scenic views within the national park system. The left side photo was taken on a day with good visibility. The right side photo was taken on a day when visibility was reduced due to air pollution. Credit/NPS

The National Park Service (NPS) Geographic Information System (GIS) provides technological data used for the agency coordinate satellite imagery and other cartography data critical in monitoring the natural resources in various park units. Its use began in 1995.

Over 250 NPS units utilize GIS technologies. Natural resource managers use GIS studies to understand the effects visitors have on national parks GIS data at NPS is managed by the GIS Coordinator of the Natural Resource Information Division.

Bingham. Credit/ESA File Photo

During the most recent Ecologist Goes to Washington podcast, 2014 Graduate Student Policy Award winner Andrew Bingham discussed his GIS work with the NPS Air Resources Division, which works to prevent air pollution from damaging park resources and ecosystem services. Key air quality indicators monitored by the Air Resources Division include visibility, ozone and sulfur, nitrogen and mercury deposition.

Tracking these indicators is important for promoting the sustainability of park ecosystems and providing a safe and quality experience for park visitors. Unfortunately, NPS reports that “a large proportion of parks warrant significant concern for visibility, ozone, and deposition. Very few parks have air quality that is considered to be in good condition for these indicators.”

Nonetheless, a recent report from the Air Resources Division was conditionally optimistic about the future of national park air quality. The report found that “air quality in parks is expected to improve as states and tribes implement programs to improve visibility in national parks and wilderness areas.” Findings in the report stress that further monitoring is needed to assess impacts on parks from oil and gas development and non-regulated sources, such as agriculture.