Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park’s Thermal Basins
Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week's contribution is from Stanley Mordensky, geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. View of the vibrant, multicolored extremophilic bacteria in the outflow from Grand Prismatic Spring at the Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Elizabeth Mordensky, May 12, 2024. When considering life in Yellowstone’s thermal basins, extremophiles—organisms that thrive in, if not require, extreme temperature or acidic conditions—come immediately to mind. Some of these extremophiles vibrantly display colorful bacterial mats characteristic of some thermal features (like the extremophilic bacteria of
Overflight of National Parks
In May, National Park Service (NPS) Rangers noticed a tour helicopter flying dangerously low and close to the Montezuma Castle cliff dwelling. In doing so, the pilot was risking serious damage to the site’s ancient architecture. To help protect Montezuma Castle-and other noise sensitive areas, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises pilots maintain a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above National Park units (FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, AIM 7-4-6) . While this is a request, damage to archeological sites caused by low flying aircraft can also result in civil and criminal penalties. Many companies offer packages that allow tourists to
Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks
Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks A variety of aircraft, including NPS-operated, military, commercial, and general aviation, fly in the airspace over National Parks. Although there are many legitimate aviation uses, overflights can adversely affect the safety of emergency aviation operations (Fire, Search and Rescue), negatively impact park resources and values and interfere with visitor enjoyment. Regulations Regarding Flights Over Charted National Park Service Areas to include Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks The landing of aircraft is prohibited on lands or waters administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or U.S. Forest Service