Nez Perce National Historical Park - Environmental Factors

Since the arrival of man, the vegetation communities of the Plateau have experienced change. The Nimiipuu had their impact with the use of horses. The western expansion of the Nation brought agriculture. Today activities such as fire management and recreation continue to impact vegetation. These impacts have not only altered small vegetative communities, but in some cases, entire landscapes. In addition, the replacement of native species by exotic species is of major concern and continues to cause change. Impacts of this nature have reduced species diversity, caused the loss of habitat for a variety of species, and significantly altered both cultural and natural landscapes within the park.