Rocky Times In Rocky Mountain National Park: An Unnatural History

Rocky Times in Rocky Mountain National Park: An Unnatural History

Rocky Mountain National Park is the sixth most visited park in the United States. Established in 1915, this gem of the central Rockies is facing increasingly complex environmental pressures, both from within and beyond the parks boundaries. In Rocky Times in Rocky Mountain National Park, ecologist and former park consultant Karl Hess examines these problems and presents a stirring and powerful argument for drastic changes in how the park should be managed. Drawing from his years of biological research within and adjacent to the park and from files and reports of the parks own biologists, Hess addresses a wide range of issues, including the impacts to the parks ecosystem from a growing elk heard; the consequences of generations of fire suppression, and the effects of increasing numbers of park visitors and development surrounding the park. Hess argues that the National Park Service has faltered in its mission of preservation. His book is a call for sweeping changes to make park managers more accountable to the parks ecological health and to end what he calls "predatory politics" within the National Park Service. Rocky Times in Rocky Mountain National Park is a compelling yet disquieting account of the condition of one of Americas premier parks. It will undoubtedly spark debate among scientists, park managers, policymakers, environmentalists, and others concerned about the future of Rocky Mountain National Park and the nations entire park system.