What projects are taking place at Crater Lake this summer that specifically address climate change?
Laura: Most of our projects incorporate a long-term monitoring component that will help quantify the effects of climate change through trend analysis. Our projects include monitoring (and controlling) weed invasions throughout the park, including the lake shoreline and Wizard Island; monitoring of blister rust (a non-native fungus) and mountain pine beetle infestations of whitebark pine communities; inventory and monitoring of high-elevation American pika populations; surveys for eastern barred owls moving into northern spotted owl territory; monitoring recently burned areas to check for increased tree mortality, weed invasions, and insect infestations; and monitoring of two rare plants Crater Lake rockcress and pumice moonwort). Q: Sounds like a lot of work. Despite the challenges you face, what do you like most about your job? Laura: Location, location, location! Crater Lake is a beautiful office.
