• What is the problem?

Nitrogen compounds carried in the air and deposited in nature can act as a fertilizer that favors some plants and leaves others at a disadvantage. Nitrogen compounds also can turn soil and water more acidic, threatening fish and trees.

• Where do nitrogen compounds come from?

Power Plants, cars and anything burning fossil fuels emit nitrogen oxides. Fertilizers on farm fields and livestock manure gnerate ammonia, which includes nitrogen.

• Why is Rocky Mountain National Park at risk?

The high elevation, combined with the granite bedrock and shallow soils, make the region more chemically sensitive to nitrogen fallout. Plants in this region evolved under very low nitrogen conditions and are more adapted to a lack of nitrogen than a glut.