Non-native Rocky Mountain goats that roamed into Dinosaur National Monument in northwest Colorado and northeast Utah could pose a problem to the monument's ecology, and so the National Park Service is drawing up a management plan to address the goats.
According to the agency, the first documented mountain goat sighting in Dinosaur was in June 2014 at the end of Harpers Corner Road near the Colorado-Utah line. It was spotted on several more occasions in this general area during the summer of 2014 and then again in June 2015.
The mountain goat is believed to have originated from Utah's Leidy Peak herd, approximately 50 miles west of the monument, the park said.
While native to the Northern Rockies, mountain goats were purposefully introduced into previously unoccupied mountain ranges for hunting and general recreation and enjoyment by both Colorado and Utah state wildlife agencies. Mountain goats are considered by NPS policy to be a non-native species and require proactive management action to protect sensitive and/or endemic plant and animal communities. The purpose of this process is to establish how Dinosaur National Monument will address mountain goats that are found within the monument boundary.
Dinosaur National Monument does not have alpine tundra or subalpine environments and there is no continuous corridor of terrain suitable for mountain goats to move into the monument from outside current herd locations, the agency said. However, mountain goats do wander, particularly mountain goats from transplanted herds. Although the risk may be small, mountain goats have the potential to transmit disease, such as pneumonia and Johne's disease, to other native species such as native bighorn sheep, deer, pronghorn and elk.
Mountain goat dispersal and range expansion already have created concerns for the National Park Service at Olympic, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain national parks, where the goats have traveled from introduced populations. Mountain goats are considered non-native/exotic at these parks also.
In consultation with Utah and Colorado state wildlife agencies, the National Park Service has developed procedures to remove mountain goats that include both live capture and lethal removal methods. Methods selected will depend on variables including the goat's location, visitor and staff safety, risk of escape before capture, availability of a relocation site, and staff availability.
Comments on the draft plan can be submitted online at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website, or you may submit written comments by mail to:
Natural Resource Specialist,
Dinosaur NM,
4545 E. Highway 40,
Dinosaur, CO 81610.
Please provide all comments by March 9, 2016. Thank you in advance for your comments and we look forward to hearing from you.
Stories about:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
