1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN

2. Location Western United States Colorado Idaho Montana Nevada Utah
Wyoming
Alaska
Western Canada
Yukon
Alberta
British Colombia
Northwest Territories

3. Weather/Climate Highland Climate Changes with increasing altitude
Mild, dry summers
Cold winters
Average precipitation of 14 inches a year
Winter- 1.4”
Spring- 4.2”
Summer- 5.9”
Fall-2.6”

4. Landforms Rocks are the foundation of everything
Animals make homes in rocks and plants
Plants take advantage of the landforms
Very hilly

5. Waterways Many rivers Colorado River The Gunnison Rio Grande
Arkansas River
The Big Thompson
La Poudre River
Waterfalls
Alberta Falls
Calypso Cascades
Ouzel Falls
Fern Falls
Bridal Veil Falls

6. Vegetation Vegetation of Rocky Mountains Forest Pine trees Fir trees
Spruce trees
Plants cling to rock and hard soil
Very sturdy and not easily pulled out of ground

7. Animals Animals of the Rocky Mountains Fox Moose Pika Marmot Elk Deer
Bison
Bighorn Sheep
Migrate to lower and warmer elevations during winter
Some shed brown fir and replace it with white to blend in with snow
Surefooted and sturdy

8. Environmental Issues Many things cause harm to the Rocky Mountains
Timber harvesting
Grazing
Oil exploration
Causes slope erosion
Mining operations
Great quantities of harmful metals have been releases into streams and groundwater
Reservoir operations

9. History/Culture History of the Rocky Mountains Ancient trails
Game drives
Cattle ranches
Old lodges
Much was saved and still exists
After WWII the NPS implemented mission 66
Nationwide development and improvement program

10. Preservation Efforts 1960s
Congress passed environmental laws to protect Rockies
More natural resources found every year
Precautions on trails
Limited snowmobiling
More thought out environmental rules
Use of vehicles and bicycles is prohibited
Skiing in Hidden Valley stopped
Restoration of creek and vegetation began
Protection of Rockies ecosystem
Help of local organizations
Doesn’t stop at park boundaries