RMNP's Research Conference is free and open to the public to learn and discuss the future of one of America's great National Parks.

Rocky Mountain National Park Biennial Research Conference 

Release Date: March 19, 2008

Contact: Kyle Patterson, RMNP Spokesperson  at 970-586-1363

Rocky Mountain National Park’s 2008 Biennial Research Conference will be held on April 7, 8 and 9th in the Estes Park Town Board Room.   More than thirty-five scientists, social scientists, and historians are expected to attend this three-day meeting to discuss a variety of research projects.  Researchers will present for 20 minutes each. Talks are organized into sessions covering related subjects.  Monday afternoon will focus on Climate Change, including research on climate-induced changes in the Loch Vale Watershed and tree line shifts in Rocky Mountain National Park’s sister city, Tatra National Park in Slovakia.

Tuesday morning will focus on park history, including talks about trails, Native American connections to the park and why Beatrice Willard’s Alpine Tundra plots are one of a kind. The afternoon will feature studies of air and water, plants and animals.  Topics will include research on airborne contaminants, nature and timing of atmospheric deposition and assessing ozone injury on park vegetation. T uesday’s afternoon session will also cover aspen cavity nesting surveys, mountain lion ecology and evaluation of recent elk research.

                            Alpine Tundra ecosystem in the Boulderfield on Longs Peak, Colorado

Wednesday morning topics highlight additional research on plants and animals. Scientists will discuss elk impacts on willow, carnivore dynamics and boreal toads.  The afternoon will continue with air and water studies and researchers will present posters on a diverse assortment of topics including mercury deposition, hiking patterns and hummingbirds in an informal gathering from 2:30 to 3:00 pm.  The conference will conclude with fire research.

Although not specifically geared to the general public, the conference is free and open to all interested members of the community.  The conference begins on Monday, April 7 at 1:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. Sessions will end by 4:30 p.m. each day. A complete schedule is available at: www.nps.gov/romo/parkmgmt/research_conference.htm

The Town Board Room is in the Estes Park Municipal Building, 170 MacGregor Avenue. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park’s information office at (970) 586-1206.

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