Overview

Glaciers are intricately related to climate and are indicators of regional climate change. The scientific community, the public and park visitors are becoming more aware and concerned about how regional and global climate change will impact the natural resources of parks all across the nation. Glaciers are a key component of the naturally functioning terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network (SWAN) parks. Together, these interrelated natural resources create the wilderness scenic beauty and quality that is the SWAN. About 50% of Kenai Fjords National Park, 20% of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve and 6% of Katmai National Park and Preserve is covered by glaciers. For these reasons, the Southwest Alaska Inventory and Monitoring Network identified Glacier Extent as a vital sign. This document presents the protocol for mapping and monitoring glacier extent in the SWAN.