Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

Collection of Baseline Population Data on Large Mammals in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Project ID: P12AC10221

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Fiscal Year: 2012

Initial Funding: $44,939

Total Funding: $59,759

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

Principal Investigator: White, Paul

Agreement Technical Representative: Moynahan, Brendan

Abstract: Large mammals play key roles in the function of the ecosystems of southeast Alaska, are important for wildlife viewing opportunities within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve (GLBA), and provide sport hunting opportunities in a portion of GLBA and lands surrounding the park. Moose, mountain goats, black bears, and brown bears are highly mobile species that move across federal and state boundaries and jurisdictions, necessitating interagency research collaboration as an efficient and effective means of developing and conducting monitoring protocols. This project is a collaborative effort between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to gather baseline population data needed to begin developing monitoring protocols for these four large mammalian species on portions of the park and adjacent lands for the mutual benefit of each agency and the public. The specific objectives include: 1) collection of field survey data to determine current population levels and distribution of moose and mountain goats in key areas of the park; and 2) conduct genetic analysis to determine the numbers of black and brown bears using the Gustavus forelands. ADF&G will gather relevant data, coordinate genetic analysis of black and brown bear hair samples, and participate in a scoping meeting for proposed future moose and mountain goat monitoring. NPS will be substantially involved in all aspects of the project, including study design, data collection, data analysis, and writing of reports. This project will benefit the public by providing critical data needed to manage wildlife species for consumptive and non-consumptive uses. Results from this study will be made available to the public in presentations, publications, and on the park website.

Deliverables: