Acadia National Park AQRV's
Some lakes and streams in the park have low buffering capacity and are susceptible to acidification due to atmospheric deposition. These lakes and streams are sometimes episodically acidified during snowmelt and runoff. Therefore, aquatic resources, e.g., surface water chemistry and aquatic biota, are sensitive AQRVs in Acadia NP.
Fauna/Wildlife
Elevated mercury concentrations have been detected in some fish species collected in the park, and preliminary work indicates
loons and tree swallows are also at risk from mercury exposure. Bald eagle nestlings from Acadia NP have higher
levels of organochlorine contaminants than would be expected given the small number of industrial sources
around the park. Therefore, warm-water fish and other wildlife are sensitive AQRVs in Acadia NP
Night Skies
Dark night skies are considered an important air quality related value at Acadia NP, possessing
value as a cultural, scenic, natural, and scientific resource. Air pollution and poor quality outdoor lighting
degrade night skies, lessening a viewer's ability to see stars and other astronomical objects, and altering
the nocturnal scene. Use of high quality lighting that produces very little scattered light can greatly improve
the night sky. Reduction of haze from air pollution can also improve the night sky.
Soils
Soils in some watersheds in the park have limited ability to buffer atmospheric deposition.
Therefore, some soils in Acadia NP are sensitive AQRVs.
Vegetation
Field surveys and fumigation studies have documented ozone injury on a number of plant species
in Acadia NP. In addition, physiology effects have been noted in the fumigation studies. The affected plant species are sensitive AQRV's.
- Ozone Sensitive Plant Species Listed by Park
- Ozone Sensitive Plant Species on NPS and U.S. FWS Lands
- Ozone Bioindicators on NPS and U.S. FWS Lands
Visibility
Visibility is a sensitive AQRV at Acadia NP.