What is the total area of Kenai Fjords National Park in acres?

What is Kenai Fjords National Park?

Kenai Fjords National Park is a protected area located on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska. The park covers an area of rugged coastline, glaciers, fjords, and icefields that are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. Kenai Fjords National Park was established in 1980 and has become a popular destination for visitors who come to explore the natural wonders of Alaska.

The Importance of Measuring National Park Areas

Measuring the area of national parks is important for several reasons. Firstly, it allows park managers to accurately monitor the size of the park and its boundaries, ensuring that it is protected and managed in accordance with its designated purpose. Secondly, by measuring the area of national parks, scientists can better understand the ecological processes that occur within them, including the movements of wildlife, the distribution of plants, and the impacts of climate change. Finally, measuring the area of national parks is important for planning and management purposes, such as determining the availability of resources, assessing the impacts of human activities, and developing conservation strategies.

How is the Area of Kenai Fjords National Park Defined?

The area of Kenai Fjords National Park is defined as the total land and water area within the park’s designated boundaries. The park’s boundary is determined by a combination of legal descriptions, maps, and surveys, and includes all of the land and water that is owned or managed by the National Park Service. The park’s area is subject to change over time, as a result of natural processes or changes in management policies.

Surveying the Landscape: How is the Total Area Calculated?

The total area of Kenai Fjords National Park is calculated using a combination of aerial photography, ground-based surveys, and geographic information systems (GIS) technology. Aerial photography is used to create high-resolution maps of the park’s boundaries, while ground-based surveys are conducted to verify the accuracy of these maps. GIS technology is then used to compile all of the information gathered into a comprehensive database, which is used to calculate the park’s total area.

What is the Current Total Area of Kenai Fjords National Park?

According to the National Park Service, the current total area of Kenai Fjords National Park is 669,984 acres (271,723 hectares). This includes approximately 585,409 acres of land and 84,575 acres of water. The park’s boundary encompasses the Harding Icefield, which is the largest icefield in the United States outside of Alaska’s Interior region, and is home to over 40 glaciers.

How Does Kenai Fjords National Park Compare to Other National Parks?

In terms of area, Kenai Fjords National Park is relatively small compared to other national parks in the United States. It ranks 32nd out of 63 national parks in terms of total area, with the largest national park being Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska, which covers over 13 million acres. However, despite its relatively small size, Kenai Fjords National Park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and wildlife, making it an important area for conservation.

Factors Affecting the Total Area of Kenai Fjords National Park

Several factors can affect the total area of Kenai Fjords National Park over time. These include natural processes such as glacier retreat, erosion, and sea level rise, as well as changes in management policies or land ownership. In addition, human activities such as development, tourism, and resource extraction can also impact the park’s total area and ecological integrity.

How Has the Total Area of Kenai Fjords National Park Changed Over Time?

The total area of Kenai Fjords National Park has remained relatively stable since its establishment in 1980. However, changes in the park’s glaciers and coastline have resulted in some minor shifts in its boundaries. For example, some glaciers have receded, causing the park’s coastline to move inland, while other glaciers have advanced, extending the park’s boundaries further out to sea.

The Significance of Kenai Fjords National Park’s Area for Conservation

The area of Kenai Fjords National Park is significant for conservation purposes due to the diversity and complexity of its ecosystems. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including seabirds, marine mammals, and fish, many of which are threatened or endangered. The park’s glaciers and icefields also play an important role in regulating the regional climate and providing habitat for cold-adapted species.

Understanding the Total Area of Kenai Fjords National Park through Maps

Maps are an important tool for understanding the total area of Kenai Fjords National Park and its ecological features. Maps provide a visual representation of the park’s boundaries and its diverse ecosystems, and can be used to identify areas of high ecological value or potential threats to the park’s integrity. Maps can also be used to plan and manage human activities within the park, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

Conclusion: Why Knowing the Total Area of National Parks is Important

Measuring the total area of national parks is an important aspect of conservation and management. Knowing the exact boundaries of a park allows land managers to develop effective strategies for protecting its ecological features and biological diversity. Accurate area measurements also help scientists to study the ecological processes that occur within national parks, and to assess the impacts of human activities and natural processes on these ecosystems. Finally, understanding the total area of national parks is important for planning and management purposes, such as determining the availability of resources, assessing the impacts of climate change, and developing conservation strategies.

References: Sources for Total Area Data on Kenai Fjords National Park

National Park Service. "Kenai Fjords National Park." https://www.nps.gov/kefj/index.htm
U.S. Geological Survey. "Glaciers and Climate in Kenai Fjords National Park." https://www.usgs.gov/centers/alaska-science-center/science/glaciers-and-climate-kenai-fjords-national-park?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects