Mountain goats and recreation—effects on an alpine sky island

Jeanne C. Chambers; Barb Smith; Scott Baggett

Treesearch

Mountain goats and recreation—effects on an alpine sky island

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Jeanne C. Chambers, Barb Smith, Scott Baggett

Year:

2023

Type:

Science Bulletins and Newsletters

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), November 2023. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.

Download (PDF 1.84 MB)

Download (PDF 1.84 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/67011.pdf

Abstract

The La Sal Mountains are an isolated sky island in southeast Utah. These high-altitude ecosystems are especially vulnerable to climate change and human-caused disturbances. In 2013 and 2014, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) introduced nonnative mountain goats to the La Sals to enhance hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. Recreation has increased in the area since then. Mountain goats and increased recreation are affecting plant species of conservation concern, suggesting that an adaptive management approach may be needed to maintain the ecosystem and the sensitive species it supports.

Keywords

mountain goats, recreation, cryptobiotic soil, La Sal Mountains

Citation

Chambers, Jeanne; Smith, Barb; Baggett, L. Scott. 2023. Mountain goats and recreation—effects on an alpine sky island. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), November 2023. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.