National Capital Region Network Resource Values and Stressors
Priority Vital Signs for Air Quality and Climate
• Air quality impacts scenic vistas (HAFE)
Inspiring park vistas can be obscured by degraded air quality, Harpers Ferry. Photo: Greg Goodman (http://photography.universalexports.net)
Priority vital signs for Water Quality and Hydrology
• Upstream and surrounding land uses impact water quality (ANTI)
• Protected headwaters promote pristine water resources (CATO)
• Dynamic river conditions influence canal environments (CHOH)
• Water quality is impacted by agriculture adjacent and within park (MONO)
• Restoring wetland habitat along a troubled river (NACE)
• Continuous forest habitat protects watershed (PRWI)
• Impervious surfaces surround park (ROCR)
Post-Hurricane Isabel flood stage of the Potomac River, September 2003. Photo: NPS