Selection of Climate Change Monitoring Indicators for the National Parks of the Northern Bioregion

In response to the potential impacts of climate change on ecosystems within the Northern Bioregion, Parks Canada is considering a climate and climate change impacts monitoring program. In this study, feasible climate change indicators for the participating National Parks within the Northern Bioregion of Canada (i.e., Vuntut, Ivvavik, Aulavik, Tuktut Nogait, Nahanni, Ukkusiksalik, Wapusk, Auyuittuq, Sirmilik and Quttinirpaaq National Parks) were compiled and assessed in a process that involved seven steps: compilation of a draft indicator list, grouping of the indicators, collection of data for selected indicators, review of indicator list by Parks Canada, evaluation of indicators, determination of the final indicator list, and discussion of next steps. Indicators that were determined to be the most feasible for inclusion into monitoring programs were: air temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, UV radiation, soil temperature and permafrost, length of snow cover, snow pack, ice cover, decomposition rates, exotic species, primary productivity, water discharge, extent and cover of wetlands, frequency and type of extreme weather events, and extent of glaciers.