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The Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) Air Quality Initiative was formed in 2004 to study and recommend strategies related to air quality. The main focus has been atmospheric nitrogen deposition, which impacts park ecosystems. Other major air quality issues are ozone and regional haze.Participating agencies include the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 8, and the National Park Service (NPS).
Two-thirds of the park is near or above treeline, creating fragile high-elevation ecosystems that park managers are responsible for protecting. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition has become better understood over time, and scientific research and monitoring have documented changes to ecosystems in the park. The park’s unique resources are at risk from nitrogen deposition.
Using a collaborative approach, the participating agencies developed and are implementing the Nitrogen Deposition Reduction Plan that focuses on voluntary approaches to protect the park's unique resources.
Two-thirds of the park is near or above treeline, creating fragile high-elevation ecosystems that park managers are responsible for protecting. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition has become better understood over time, and scientific research and monitoring have documented changes to ecosystems in the park. The park’s unique resources are at risk from nitrogen deposition.
Using a collaborative approach, the participating agencies developed and are implementing the Nitrogen Deposition Reduction Plan that focuses on voluntary approaches to protect the park's unique resources.
Rocky Mountain National Park Initiative documents and links for the past three years are provided below:
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Milestone reports
- 2017 Milestone Report.
- 2012 Milestone Report.
- 2017 & 2012 Milestone Report Documents (Public Comments, Errata Sheet, Stakeholder and AQCC Presentations)
Emission reduction strategies
- Ammonia Reduction.
- Nitrogen Oxide Reduction
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Additional resources
- National Atmospheric Deposition Program.
- National air emissions monitoring study.
- EPA agriculture sector information.
- USDA Air Quality Strategic Vision.
- Ozone Designation Mapping Tool.
- National Park Service air quality at Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Rocky Mountain National Park petition by Environmental Defense Fund and Colorado Trout Unlimited, September 1, 2004.
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All Rocky Mountain National Park Initiative documents are archived and can be shared. Please contact Megan McCarthy for access to any archived material.
Contact
For questions, requests for presentations or for documents prior to 2007, contact:
Megan McCarthy
303-692-3135