Near Moab in Grand County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Casualties of Change

Photographed by James Hulse, March 31, 2025

1. Casualties of Change Marker

Inscription. Data show that we have already changed our climate. Temperatures over the last 150 years have dramatically increased here, as in much of the southwestern United States. Precipitation patterns are also changing; some places are wetter or drier now and rains come at different times of year than they used to.

Native species cannot adapt quickly enough to these changes. Some are weakening and succumbing to drought, like this pinyon tree. Other species may die out here entirely.

Changing the human activities causing this climate disruption could prevent further impacts. What behavior would you be willing to change to protect native species here or where you live?

Captions
(Photo #1) Climate Change, 1895-2016
(Photo #2) Some native grasses, like Indian ricegrass, may not adapt quickly enough to survive higher average temperatures.
(Photo #3) Observed Precipitation Changes.
(Photo #4) Milder winters let pine bark beetles thrive. Drought-stressed trees can't fight them off, so they die.

Erected by Arches National Park, National Park Service Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is

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listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 38° 45.528′ N, 109° 35.011′ W. Marker is near Moab, Utah, in Grand County. It is on Arches Scenic Drive 16 miles north of U.S. 191, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located at Arches National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Moab UT 84532, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Home Sweet Desert (approx. 3.8 miles away); Stories on Stone (approx. 3.8 miles away); Gone but Not Forgotten (approx. 4.1 miles away); Balanced Rock (approx. 4.1 miles away); An Enduring Icon (approx. 4.8 miles away); Double Arch (approx. 5.4

The view of the Casualties of Change Marker along the road image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 31, 2025

2. The view of the Casualties of Change Marker along the road

miles away); How Arches Are Formed (approx. 5.6 miles away); Ancient Sand Dunes (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Moab.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Wolfe Ranch (was approx. 3.8 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.