Science and the National Parks (1992) / Chapter Skim
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1 INTRODUCTION
1 INTRODUCTION
Pages 15-22
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From page 15... ...
, the federal agency charged with primary responsibility for conserving the physical, biological, and cultural resources of the parks.) The NPS is responsible not only for conserving geographic sites that range from extensive wilderness ecosystems to urban recreational areas and historic places, but also for protecting rare geologic features, managing diverse plant and animal populations, and preserving 1The term "park" as used in this report refers to all units of the national park system- national parks, monuments, seashores, historic parks, and other units managed by the NPS.
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From page 16... ...
Air pollution, often from distant and diffuse sources, already has compromised aesthetic values within several of the largest national parks, especially Grand Canyon, Yosemite, SequoiaKings Canyon, Shenandoah, and Great Smoky Mountains national parks. Actions outside park boundaries are producing critical changes in ground and surface water, accelerating pest introduction, increasing stream sedimentation, and threatening wildlife populations.
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From page 17... ...
CREDIT: David Policansky, National Research Council. Colorado River upstream of Grand Canyon National Park has caused significant damage to riparian ecosystems (NRC, 1987b)
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From page 18... ...
The NPS's original management strategy generally assumed that its mission could be achieved through passive management, simply by keeping direct human encroachment to a minimum and by maintaining the "natural" status quo for recreational enjoyment. The 1916 mandate emphasized
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From page 19... ...
In the infancy of the agency, with the best of intentions but contrary to the directive to leave resources unimpaired, the NPS carried out massive interventions in the national parks which by today's standards would be appalling. Wolves, cougars, coyotes, and grizzly bears were killed; deer and elk were fed artificially; natural fires were suppressed aggressively; parks were Togged; introductions of exotic fish radically changed native river and lake ecosystems; exotic plants were introduced to convert mead
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From page 20... ...
Fort Jefferson National Monument, at the southern tip of Florida, preserves a fort built in 1846. At the same time, the monument protects a coral reef ecosystem that supports a diversity of marine life, including the sea turtles that were once more abundant in these warm waters.
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From page 21... ...
Members of the committee were appointed for their expertise in botany, forestry, ecology, geology, hydrology, wildlife management, air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, sociology, landscape architecture, scientific research program management, and park system management. Under the supervision of the NRC's Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology and its Commission on Geosciences, Environment, and Resources, the committee received the following charges: · Review the evolution of NPS scientific studies and research programs, their coordination and integration with other NPS programs, and the results of earlier evaluations of the NPS science program.
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From page 22... ...
· Produce a report of the committee's findings and recommenclations, including options for enhancing the quality, productivity, efficiency, anct relevance to planning and management of NPS scientific research activities. This report is about the role of science in park management and the ways by which the parks can contribute to the natural and social sciences.
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