Decline of Rocky Mountain National Park’s wetlands is affecting biodiversity, according to scientists

Rocky Mountain National Park officials warn the park’s wetlands are in steep decline. “Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems in the park. They support highly biodiverse habitats, are critical to improving water quality, are popular recreation destinations and limit wildfire severity. Unfortunately, many of the wetlands are in decline due to the various pressures over the last two centuries,” Park Superintendent Jerry Ingram said at a Dec. 8 webinar on wetland loss. During the webinar, large mammal ecologist Will Deacey explained that wetlands, which make up about 4% of the park, are biodiversity hotspots. They host insects, birds and support many of the wildlife...