Klamath Network

Inventory and Monitoring Program

The Inventory and Monitoring Program is a major component of the National Park Service’s strategy to preserve park natural resources "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

The Klamath Network is one of 32 "Vital Signs" Networks developed to help complete the National Inventory and Monitoring Program's objectives. The Klamath Network is composed of six units managed by the National Park Service located throughout northern California and southern Oregon. These units include Crater Lake National Park (CRLA), Lassen Volcanic National Park (LAVO), Lava Beds National Monument (LABE), Oregon Caves National Monument (ORCA), Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP), and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (WHIS).

The Klamath Network spans a region of complex topography that can be divided into two distinct subregion, the Klamath-Siskiyou region and the Cascades-Modoc region. Combined, the six units compromise nearly 500,000 acres and range in size from 484 to 182,300 acres. The elevation varies from below sea level at the subtidal zone in Redwood National Park to Lassen Peak at 10,460 feet in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

The Goals of the I&M Program Are:

• Determine status and trends in selected indicators of the condition of park ecosystems to allow managers to make decisions based on the best available scientific information.
• Offer early warning of abnormal conditions and impairment of selected resources to help develop effective mitigation measures and reduce costs of management.
• Supply data to foster better understanding of the dynamic nature and condition of park ecosystems and to provide reference points for comparisons with other, altered environments.
• Provide data to meet legal and Congressional mandates related to natural resource protection and visitor enjoyment.
• Share accomplishments and information with others and form partnerships for reaching common goals and objectives.

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