Assessment of Natural Resources at Mesa Verde National Park with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Mesa Verde National Park, renowned for its Ancestral Puebloan dwellings, also hosts a rich diversity of natural resources, including over 600 plant species, 70 mammal species, 200 bird species, and approximately 1,000 insect and invertebrate species. A recent comprehensive assessment examined key ecological components of the park, highlighting the impacts of environmental stressors such as wildfires, invasive species, and climate change. This report underscores the importance of sustainable stewardship aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Scope of the Assessment

The assessment focused on six natural resources within Mesa Verde National Park:

1. Bird populations
2. Ungulate populations
3. Rare plant species
4. Springs and seeps
5. Upland vegetation
6. The Mancos River ecosystem

Data utilized in the study were collected over several decades by researchers from Conservation Science Partners and Western Colorado University, providing a longitudinal perspective on ecological trends.

Key Findings

Animal Populations Stability

• Birds: Of three raptor species studied, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) population appears stable. The presence of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) remains uncertain, and the Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida) has not been observed since 2009.
• Songbirds: Among 53 species surveyed, most populations are stable or increasing, including black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri) and broad-tailed hummingbirds (Selasphorus platycercus).
• Ungulates: Elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations have shown slight increases over the past 20 years.

Decline in Rare Plant Species

• Among 14 rare plant species of conservation concern, the Cliff Palace milkvetch (Astragalus deterior), a small purple-flowered plant, has experienced a dramatic decline: a 95% decrease in density in burned areas and 80% in unburned areas.
• This decline represents a significant conservation challenge and highlights the need for targeted protection efforts.

Vegetation and Water Resources

• Vegetation: Tree cover has decreased, while shrub cover has increased, with non-native plant species replacing pinyon-juniper habitats affected by wildfires two decades ago.
• Springs and Seeps: These aquatic habitats, critical for wildlife, remain largely undisturbed by human activity and livestock grazing.
• Mancos River: The approximately 5-mile stretch within the park shows mostly positive or fair conditions in water quality, native fish populations, and habitat health. However, macroinvertebrate species exhibit mixed to poor conditions, likely due to warming and drying trends.

Recommendations for Sustainable Stewardship

The report emphasizes the following stewardship actions, directly supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation):

• Protection and recovery efforts for the Cliff Palace milkvetch to prevent further population decline.
• Restoration of native plant species in pinyon-juniper woodlands affected by wildfires to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
• Ongoing monitoring and management to preserve the health of the Mancos River ecosystem, addressing challenges posed by climate change.

Collaborative Conservation Efforts

Effective conservation at Mesa Verde requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving:

• National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management agencies
• Local organizations such as the Montezuma Land Conservancy
• Private landowners and outdoor recreationists

This collaborative effort aligns with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), recognizing that sustainable management of natural resources depends on shared responsibility and coordinated action.

Conclusion

The Mesa Verde National Park natural resources assessment provides critical insights into the current ecological status and trends within the park. It highlights the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies to address declines in rare plant species and ecosystem changes driven by climate and anthropogenic factors. By integrating Sustainable Development Goals into stewardship practices, the park can enhance biodiversity conservation, promote ecosystem health, and contribute to global sustainability objectives.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses climate change impacts such as warming and drying of the Mancos River and increased wildfires affecting the park’s ecosystems.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The focus on biodiversity, including rare plants, birds, mammals, and vegetation, directly relates to protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity conservation.
   • Issues like invasive species, habitat loss, and conservation efforts for native plants and animals are highlighted.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article mentions the condition and protection of springs, seeps, and the Mancos River, emphasizing water quality and aquatic habitats.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights collaboration among agencies, private landowners, and community groups for conservation and monitoring efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters (addressing wildfire impacts and river drying).
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation and adaptation (implied through monitoring and stewardship recommendations).
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services (protection of rare plants, birds, ungulates, and vegetation).
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity (addressing invasive species and rare plant decline).
   • Target 15.4: Ensure the conservation of mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity (relevant to Mesa Verde’s upland vegetation and wildlife habitats).
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems (springs, seeps, and Mancos River).
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships (collaborative conservation efforts).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Population trends of species
   • Population stability or decline of birds (golden eagle, peregrine falcon, Mexican spotted owl, songbirds, hummingbirds).
   • Population trends of ungulates such as elk and mule deer.
   • Density changes in rare plants, specifically the Cliff Palace milkvetch (percentage decline in density in burned and unburned areas).
2. Vegetation cover changes
   • Changes in tree cover versus shrub cover.
   • Spread of non-native plant species replacing native pinyon-juniper habitats.
3. Water quality and aquatic species condition
   • Condition of springs and seeps (impact from livestock and human activity).
   • Water quality and habitat condition of the Mancos River.
   • Population trends of native fish and macroinvertebrate species in the river.
4. Monitoring and stewardship actions
   • Implementation of native plant restoration in fire-affected areas.
   • Protection measures for rare species.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: the-journal.com