PROJECT ABSTRACT
Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
(Cooperative Agreement # H1200-09-0005)
Park: Mesa Verde National Park
Project Title: Rehab Interpretation and Information at Morefield Campground (PMIS# 116723)
Funding Amount: $7,250
CPCESU Partner Institution Northern Arizona University (NAU) – Colorado Plateau (CPCESU)
Principal Investigator:
Joelle Clark
Professional Development Coordinator, NAU
PO box 152000
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
928-523-8797 Phone
928-523-9135 Fax
joelle.clark@nau.edu
NPS Key Official:
Rosemarie Salazar
Supervisory Park Ranger
PO Box 8
Mesa Verde NP, CO 81330
970-529-4629 (phone)
970-529-5031 (fax)
rosemarie_salazar@nps.gov
Start Date:
September 21, 2010
End Date:
April 30, 2012
Abstract:
Project Description:
This project is to create static displays that share standard safety messages to place in the new
bulletin board cases recently installed throughout the Morefield Campground. These safety
messages include: bear and mountain lion awareness, fire protocols, proper food storage, and
feeding wildlife alerts. Current displayed media lacks the content necessary for visitors to make
personal connections with the resource. This lack of stewardship message is a missed
opportunity.
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Justifications
Information and interpretation on not feeding animals, wildlife encounters and leave no trace
camping are critical here. Since the campground is managed by ARAMARK, there is very little
NPS presence. However, park resources are being damaged by visitors who are not aware of
regulations or knowledge of how to camp in a national park.
Measurable Results
This project will help meet NPS standards and legal requirements, and enhance visitor
experiences. Visitors will be reminded that they are in a national park and can become informed
resource stewards.
Keywords:
Animals
Mammals
Cultural Resources
Management
Anthropogenic Issues
Land Use
Fire
Risks / Hazards
Lightening / Ignition Sources
Fire History
Fire Ecology
Ecology/Ecosystems
Threats
Social and Economic Issues
Resilience and Stability
Safety (although not listed in “keywords”)
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