Renee Hauske reporting

On Friday, August 15^th, I will be heading up to Mount Rainier National Park to document the effects of nitrogen deposition, a type of air pollution, in subalpine meadows. Mount Rainier National Park is 235,625 acres. 97% of the park is designated wilderness for visitors to hike, cross-country ski, camp or simply admire breathtaking views.

View of Mount Rainier

I will be following Washington State University P.h.D candidate Justin Poinsatte to his research sites in the wildflower meadows of Paradise.  

Justin Poinsatte

Over the years, human activity has greatly increased the amount of nitrogen emitted to the atmosphere. Although small amounts of nitrogen are beneficial for plants, too much nitrogen can negatively affect the biodiversity of natural systems.

Nitrogen pollution could lead to the loss of recreational uses that have become of importance to visitors of the park. Another harmful factor of nitrogen pollution is the increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Poinsatte dedicates his time to researching such harmful effects on sub-alpine ecosystems.