National Capital Region Network Resource Values and Stressors
Priority Vital Signs for Biodiversity
• Deer overgrazing degrades forest condition (CATO)
• Potomac Gorge is a unique natural heritage site (GWMP)
• Natural and anthropogenic disturbances threaten historic resources (HAFE)
• Landscape habitat diversity supports an important bird refuge (MANA)
• Parks serve as species refugia and migratory corridors (NACE)
Urban pressures impact natural resources (ROCR)
Amphibians are threatened in some parks. Photo: NPS
Priority vital signs for Ecosystem Pattern and Process
• Park management maintains diverse land uses (ANTI)
• Forest edges are both highly valuable and vulnerable (CHOH)
• Park units connect in a fragmented landscape (GWMP)
• Roads divide park and fragment habitat (MANA)
• Urban development is encroaching on park boundaries (MONO)
• Large intact forest provides valuable indicators of ecosystem processes (PRWI)
• Natural settings provide suburban green space (WOTR)
Roadways often bisect an urban park. Photo: NPS