“Unhealthy air “and”hazy skies”aren’t precisely what enter your mind when you think about America’s lovely national forests. Regrettably, a brand-new report from the NPCA (National Parks Conservation Association) suggests that many U.S. national forests come to grips with “worrying levels of haze contamination, obscuring the scenic views and landmarks that draw millions of visitors each year.”
Air pollution and “haze” are more than simply a disappointment for visitors; they can put humans at threat of breathing illnesses. Air contamination can likewise mean trouble for the natural environments and delicate species that call these national forests home.
In truth, NPCA states 96% of U.S. national parks consist of species and habitats that are damaged by sulfur and nitrogen deposition and ozone contamination.
Graphic by National Parks Preservation Association So, which parks made the list
- of many polluted national parks in the 2024 report? The leading 10 worst offenders in
- the unhealthy air classification are: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
- Joshua Tree National Forest (California)
- Mojave National Preserve (California)Yosemite National Park(California)Carlsbad Caverns National Forest (New Mexico)
- Death Valley National Forest (California)Indiana Dunes National Forest(Indiana)Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)
- Rocky Mountain National Forest (Colorado)
- White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
Graphic by National Parks Conservation Association Especially, the top
four most polluted national parks (and half of the top 10) are in the state of California. The report likewise notes the worst national forests for hazy skies. The top 5 consist of California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Missouri’s Entrance Arch, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cavern, and New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns.
Graphic by National Parks Preservation Association
The NPCA report highlights the ongoing difficulties U.S. national parks face and aims to raise awareness and prompt services.
Have you discovered unhealthy air quality or hazy skies at your favorite national forest?
“Hazy skies” aren’t supposed to come to mind when you think about America’s national forests. Here are the leading 10 most contaminated national forests.