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Jan 8, 2026:
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Wetland Restoration and Moose Management
Rocky Mountain National Park » Wetland Restoration and Moose Management
Rocky Mountain National Park is beginning a new planning effort to address the decline of wetlands and the growing impact of moose populations on these sensitive ecosystems. The National Park Service (NPS) invites your participation in shaping effective management strategies for wetlands and moose populations in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Wetlands make up only 4% of the parks area but support approximately 32% of its plant species, including 65% of its rare plants. These ecosystems also provide habitat for 45% of the parks bird species and 20% of its mammals. In addition to their ecological value, wetlands improve water quality, reduce flood risk, support recreational activities such as fishing and wildlife photography, and help buffer the effects of drought and wildfire.
Many of the parks wetlands are in decline. Historical land use changes, such as ditching and draining for agriculture and tourism, have altered hydrology and reduced habitat quality. The loss of beavers, overbrowsing by elk and other ungulates, and the spread of invasive species have further degraded these ecosystems. In particular, moose—now present throughout the park—consume large amounts of willow, a key wetland plant, and their impact is increasingly widespread.
To address these challenges, park staff are beginning a planning process to design a parkwide wetland restoration and moose management plan.
Click on Document List to learn more.
Click on Open for Comment to send us your thoughts.
To learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park and to plan for your next trip, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/romo, download the NPS App, or call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
Wetlands make up only 4% of the parks area but support approximately 32% of its plant species, including 65% of its rare plants. These ecosystems also provide habitat for 45% of the parks bird species and 20% of its mammals. In addition to their ecological value, wetlands improve water quality, reduce flood risk, support recreational activities such as fishing and wildlife photography, and help buffer the effects of drought and wildfire.
Many of the parks wetlands are in decline. Historical land use changes, such as ditching and draining for agriculture and tourism, have altered hydrology and reduced habitat quality. The loss of beavers, overbrowsing by elk and other ungulates, and the spread of invasive species have further degraded these ecosystems. In particular, moose—now present throughout the park—consume large amounts of willow, a key wetland plant, and their impact is increasingly widespread.
To address these challenges, park staff are beginning a planning process to design a parkwide wetland restoration and moose management plan.
Click on Document List to learn more.
Click on Open for Comment to send us your thoughts.
To learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park and to plan for your next trip, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/romo, download the NPS App, or call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.