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The environmental assessment focused on the cumulative effects of management actions on eight valued components as identified by the management plan: cooperation, wildlife, vegetation and soils, aquatic ecosystems, coastal zone ecosystems, climate, visitors and cultural resources. Potential cumulative effects are identified which need to be addressed prior to implementation. For example, project level environmental assessments of day-use areas should address the impacts of increased aircraft access on wildlife and visitor’s wilderness experience. Day-use areas will also receive greater use on the ground, increasing impacts to vegetation and soil. The potential need for hardening the site should be addressed in environmental assessments prior to opening up day-use areas. Hiking trails should be monitored if visitor numbers warrant. Positive cumulative effects include greater knowledge of the ecosystems through research and monitoring, restored ecological integrity at the Sheep Creek Warden Station and improved visitor experiences. Monitoring protocols, a geographic information system, databases and results publication are critical ways the management plan protects ecological integrity. The information collected through research and monitoring will then be useful for future generations protecting the park.
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