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Name: Olympic National Park
Country: United States of America - Washington
Location: Lies on the Olympic Peninsula, in the northwestern corner of the United States bordering Canada. 47_29'-48_16'N, 123_07'-124_43'W
Area: Comprises 369,659.8ha in two units: 352,335ha in the Olympic Mountains and 17,324.8ha in the Pacific Coastal Area.
Altitude: Ranges from sea-level to 2,428m
Date of establishment: Declared a national park on 29 June 1938. Pacific Coastal Area added on 6 January 1953. Accepted as a biosphere reserve in June 1976, and inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981.
Physical features: The park has two parts: the large mountainous region in the middle of the Olympic peninsula, and a coastal strip that stretches for 90 km on the Pacific coast. The mountains all sit on a dome 95 km in diameter, but are not very high in comparison with the Rockies, because of them being so down near sea level. 11 major rivers and about 60 glaciers are in the park.
Climate: Temperatures often stay in the range of -7°C to 27°C. Rain varies according to location, from 300 mm in the northeast to 5000 mm on Mount Olympus.
Cultural Heritage: There are several designated historical sites in lowland valleys, and many Native American tribes have reservations by or along park lands.
Conservation Value: The park combines coastline, mountains, and offsore islands; is home to part of the North American temperate rain forest; and the native land of the Roosevelt elk. Currently about 96% is designated a wilderness area, with the other 4% a natural area.
Staff: There are 126 permanent and 154 seasonal employees.
Budget: US$7,600,00 as of 1995. |
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