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Home > The
Special Resource Study > Criteria
Criteria for Special Resource Studies, New Units,
and Heritage Areas
How are the national parks created? What qualities
make an area eligible to be a national monument, a historic site,
a recreation area, or other unit of the national
park system? These questions are frequently asked by people
throughout the country. Some people think a scenic part of their
community deserves to be a national park. Others want national recognition
for their favorite historic house or geological formation. These
sites may deserve to be protected, but how do we decide if action
should be taken at the state or local level instead of by the federal
government? The National Park Service has established criteria (for
national significance, suitability,
feasibility, and management alternatives)
that help answer these questions.
Units of the national park system are managed
under mandates differing from those guiding many other federal,
state, and local agencies. The National Park Service is responsible
for managing areas to provide for public enjoyment in such a way
that will leave resources "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future
generations." Since 1872 the national park system has grown to include
more than 385 areas. However, other areas outside the national park
system are part of a broad system for protecting important places.
Addition to the national park system is one of several alternatives,
and the National Park Service also operates several programs that
help others preserve natural, cultural, and recreational areas outside
of the system.
The system continues to evolve, reflecting the
progression of history, new understandings of natural systems, and
changes in patterns of recreation. Proposals for additions to the
national park system may come from the public, state, and local
officials, Indian tribes, members of Congress, or the National Park
Service. To be eligible for favorable consideration as a unit of
the national park system, an area must be evaluated according to
several criteria:
Learn what these criteria mean and what national
heritage areas require.
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