Special Designations

Experimental Research Areas

Definition

Experimental Research Areas (ERAs) are specific tracts that are permanently or temporarily set aside and managed for approved manipulative research, which is defined as research in which conscious alteration of the existing landscape is part of the experiment. Cutting and burning are two examples.

Policy and Program Objectives

Historically, the NPS has set aside small tracts for various types of manipulative research on a case-by-case basis to generate information needed for park management decisions. Such discretionary use of small parts of the park landscape is expected to become increasingly necessary in the future. ERAs are to be established only when related to the long-term management requirements of a park as identified in the park resource management plan. These areas should be established in parts of park landscapes previously disturbed by human or natural causes, such as abandoned developments, road beds, farmland, dumps, logged areas, and storm impact areas; but if necessary they can occur in undisturbed habitat, (e.g., for studies related to impact of human use, fire ecology, pest management, or nonnative species). At the conclusion of the research, the tract can be allowed to naturally recover to undisturbed conditions over time and/or restoration may be enhanced through active measures.

Authorities

The NPS Organic Act of 1916 and the NPS Omnibus Management Act of 1998 provides the authority to conduct research in parks, including the designation of ERAs.

Relationship to Other Guidance

See NPS Management Policies, section 8, Use of the Parks.

Program Guidance 

Selection Criteria

Ideally, interdisciplinary study teams should be used to review potential sites and recommend those which have the highest potential for meeting the information needs identified in the park resource management plan. Where possible, existing areas used for experimental research should be designated as ERAs. Established areas should be as small as possible while still meeting the research purpose, should not affect other park resources, and should be interpretable to the public.

Same as for RNAs.

Relationship to NPS Planning

While normally located in areas managed for their natural resource values, ERAs may also be located in developed areas of the park or areas used for non-benign special uses. In each case, an ERA should be delineated within the park general management plan.

ERAs should not be located within a Wilderness Area except under certain well-constrained conditions where management of the wilderness requires information that can be obtained only through experimental research within the wilderness.

Research program and resource management considerations are the same as those for RNAs, except that manipulative research is permissible. Baseline inventory and long-term ecological observations should be emphasized in these areas, as their foremost purpose is to create an ecological/environmental benchmark over time. Information and data from the site should be available in the park or at an associated university for potential access by scientists. Temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent research structures or facilities are permitted if there is no practical alternative for achieving research goals, and where consistent with the NPS general management plan and other park documents.

Management of other uses is the same as for RNAs. Educational value can be considerable if interpretation is well supervised.

Roles and Responsibilities

Same as for RNAs.