Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve AQRV's

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Fauna/Wildlife
While there have been no systematic studies, there is currently no information indicating that wildlife in Great Sand Dunes NP&P are being affected by air pollutants.

Night Skies
Dark night skies are considered an important air quality related value at Great Sand Dunes NP&P, 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.

• Natural Lightscapes

Soils
Soils in Great Sand Dunes NP&P may be sensitive to atmospheric deposition of nitrogen compounds. In some areas of the country, elevated nitrogen deposition has been shown to alter soil nutrient cycling.

Vegetation
everal plant species that occur in Great Sand Dunes NP&P are known to be sensitive to ozone, including Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine), Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen), and Rhus trilobata (skunkbush).

Vegetation in Great Sand Dunes NP&P may also be sensitive to nitrogen deposition. In some parts of the country, excess nitrogen deposition has resulted in changes in species composition and abundance. For example, tundra plant communities in Rocky Mountain National Park are experiencing subtle changes because of nitrogen deposition; similar communities in Great Sand Dunes NP&P may also be vulnerable to such changes.

• 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 Great Sand Dunes NP&P.

• Great Sand Dunes NP&P Visibility Photos
• Natural Background Estimates