Geologic Resources Management

Policy and Program Objectives

NPS Management Policies

The following policy statements are excerpted from Chapter 4 of the NPS Management Policies (2001).

4.8 Geologic Resource Management

The Park Service will preserve and protect geologic resources as integral components of park natural systems. As used here, the term "geologic resources" includes both geologic features and geologic processes. The Service will (1) assess the impacts of natural processes and human-related events on geologic resources, (2) maintain and restore the integrity of existing geologic resources, (3) integrate geologic resource management into Service operations and planning, and (4) interpret geologic resources for park visitors.

4.8.1 Protection of Geologic Processes

The Service will allow natural geologic processes to proceed unimpeded…. Geologic processes will be addressed during planning and other management activities in an effort to reduce hazards that can threaten the safety of park visitors and staff and the long-term viability of park infrastructure.

Intervention in natural geologic processes will be permitted only when:

• Directed by Congress;
• Necessary in emergencies that threaten human life and property;
• There is no other feasible way to protect natural resources, park facilities, or historic properties; or
• Intervention is necessary to restore impacted conditions and processes, such as restoring habitat for threatened or endangered species.

4.8.2 Management of Geologic Features

The Service will protect geologic features from the adverse effects of human activity, while allowing natural processes to continue.

Program Objectives

There are nine major program objectives that the NPS should seek to achieve in order to protect geologic resources.

1. Preserve geologic resources and their interaction with other park resources.
2. Systematically inventory and monitor geologic resources and manage geologic databases.
3. Integrate geologic resource management into the planning process.
4. Mitigate or restore geologic resources disturbed by human activity.
5. Coordinate scientific research and collecting.
6. Enhance geologic education and interpretation.
7. Improve understanding of geologic hazards.
8. Prevent degradation due to unauthorized recreational collecting.
9. Manage mineral (including oil and gas) exploration and development in accordance with park protection authorities.