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Earthquake Swarm, Wildlife Counts, and Decline in Whitebark Pine Infestation Detailed in Annual Report on Yellowstone's Ecological Health
In 2010, Yellowstone National Park experienced more than 3,200 earthquakes, the grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem reached 602, and 7 percent of Yellowstone's 281,700 acres of whitebark pine were infested with beetles, down from 15 percent in 2009, according to the 2011 Yellowstone National Park Natural Resource Vital Signs report, released by the Yellowstone Center for Resources last month. The report details influences in and outside the park that affect its overall ecological and environmental stability.
The report outlines the current and historical status of 25 Yellowstone vital signs. They fall into four categories: ecosystem drivers, such as climate, fire, and geothermal activity; environmental quality, including air and water quality; native species, including bald eagles, wolves, grizzlies, bison, elk, western cutthroat and Yellowstone cutthroat trout, and amphibians; and stressors, including nonnative plants and animals, disease, park visitation, and land use.
The report noted that the 2010 growing season was 118 days, up from an average of 88 days from 1985 to 1996; half the park's bison population approached park boundaries during last winter's heavy snow, with 800 being fenced and hundreds more allowed outside the park until spring; the northern range elk count was 4,635 in early 2011, the lowest since the 1960s, attributed to wolf and bear predation and possible drought-related effects; the park wolf population dropped to 97 but numbers increased beyond the park; reproduction of westslope cutthroat trout was documented in High Lake; and the invasive lake trout population in Yellowstone Lake likely has increased faster than the fish are being removed, though new efforts continue to change that.
The Yellowstone Center for Resources will re-examine these signs, and include cultural resource indicators, in the next year. Read the complete report here...
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It's a six-night winter vacation for the Bucket List: Winter in Wonderland. Look for elk, bison, wolves, and bighorn sheep against a snow-covered landscape. Visit steamy geyser basins and the frozen Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Snowshoe, cross-country ski, and tour with an expert Institute guide. Packages are offered in partnership with Xanterra Parks and Resorts and include four nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, two at Old Faithful Snow Lodge, in-park transportation, most meals, and ski and snowshoe rental. Rates begin at $1,309 per person and are offered throughout the winter season.
Give a gift from Yellowstone this holiday season. You can feel good about shopping with the Association because proceeds directly support research and education in Yellowstone. Choose from Association hats, shirts, jackets, and mugs, as well as a wide variety of educational books, maps, DVD's, and guides. Through December 31, members receive 25 percent off online orders. Order by December 16 to get your purchases in time for holiday giving. 
