CONSERVATION IN U.S. NATIONAL

PARKSVisitor Center Presentation

WHAT IS CONSERVATION?

Dictionary definitions of conservation1. the act of conserving; prevention of injury, decay, waste, or loss; preservation: conservation of wildlife; conservation of human rights.

2. official supervision of rivers, forests, and other natural resources in order to preserve and protect them through prudent management.

4. the careful utilization of a natural resource in order to prevent depletion.

These definitions show that it can have a variety of meanings, from “prudent management” to “careful utilization”.Terms such as preservation and protection are sometimes used as synonyms for conservation, but sometimes are given separate meanings.

WHY IS CONSERVATION IMPORTANT?National Parks, as well as other monuments, memorials, and protected areas, embody better than any other locations the beauty, history, and culture of our nation.

Many parks were created to prevent them from being destroyed by human intrusion/development.

Just being designated as protected isn’t enough to prevent the degradation of the parks, as the visitor count continues to rise and the budget continues to fall it is up to the visitors to become caretakers.

EXAMPLES OF CONSERVATION IN ACTIONRe-introducing a native species, seen in Yellowstone between 1995 and 1997 when 41 wild wolves were released into the park.

Long term studies, seen in the research done on the isolated wolf and moose populations on Isle Royale since 1958, the longest ever running predator-prey study.

Constructing or renovating structures to benefit visitors while not interfering with the park. Examples include the skywalk at the Grand Canyon and boardwalks near volcanic areas at Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

There are many ways to assist in conservation efforts, they range from making a donation to volunteering or interning at a park or organization and even making a career out of it.

Nearly all National Parks as well as many monuments and memorials take volunteers and student interns

The National Park Conservation Association (NCPA) is a large interest and advocacy group founded only 3 years after the National Park Service itself.

The National Park Foundation is an officially recognized charitable partner of the NPS and supports them financially on many projects.

The National Park Service lists easy things everyone can do to keep the parks clean. Read about them here.