NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
for Natural Areas of the National Park System
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Part II
RESOURCE USE POLICY
DISCUSSION
Explicit in the several congressional enactments is
that national parks are established for the "benefit and enjoyment of
the people" of this and future generations. The mission of a national
park is achieved as it provides enjoyment, refreshment, and knowledge.
Implicit in these legislative mandates is the concept that use of a
park and its resources is to be of a special kind and quality.
Accordingly, it is clear that park forests, waters,
wildlife, and minerals are not available for consumptive, exploitative
use as a material resource. The features of a park are to be preserved
"from injury or spoliation * * * for the benefit and enjoyment of the
people" of this and future generations.
"Benefit and enjoyment" connote more than recreation.
The use of national parks for the advancement of scientific knowledge is
also explicit in basic legislation. National parks, preserved as
natural, comparatively self-contained ecosystems, have immense and
increasing value to civilization as laboratories for serious basic
research. Few areas remain in the world today where the process of
nature may be studied in a comparatively pure natural situation. Such
use of national parks and monuments is to be encouraged to the degree
that, in the process, the natural integrity is not itself unpaired.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Fishing
(See Fishing, p. 25, Fish and Wildlife
Management Policy section.)
Research
The public use, protection, development,
interpretation, and management of the natural and cultural resources of
a natural area shall be predicated on documented data obtained through
appropriate investigation and research. Moreover, the use of the
resources in natural areas for study or research purposes by recognized
educational and scientific institutions and accredited individuals shall
be encouraged. Pursuant to the achievement of these policies, the
collection of reasonable numbers of biological and geological specimens
and historic artifacts and objects may be permitted.
All research should be in consonance with the
purposes of the park and the policies of the Service. Procedures which
might result in damage or alteration to Class IV areas will not be
permitted. Care should be taken to avoid excessive disturbance or
destruction of plantlife, as well as excessive disturbance or harassment
of wildlife and aquatic life. In no case will harassment of rare and
endangered species be permitted, and undue disturbance thereof must be
avoided. (See also Research Program, p. 37, Research Station
Policy section; Preservation and Display of Natural and Cultural
Objects and Disposal of Resources, this page; and
Research, p. 56, Wilderness Use and Management Policy
section.)
Preservation and Display of Natural and Cultural Objects
Objects representative of the natural and cultural
resources of natural areas may be collected and preserved for study and
interpretive purposes. Where objects are not obtainable from the area or
additional objects are needed to supplement existing collections, such
may be acquired by gift, loan, exchange, purchase, etc., in conformance
with legal authorization and existing procedures.
Disposal of Resources
Natural products salvaged as a result of resource
management activities and physical development projects that are excess
to the management needs of a natural area shall be disposed of in
accordance with Federal laws and procedures. Also, natural products
salvaged from natural phenomena which adversely affect, or impair, the
management of a natural area and which are excess to the management
needs of the area, shall be disposed of in accordance with Federal laws
and procedures. (See also Act of August 25, 1916, 16 U.S.C. 3;
and Plant and Animal Resources, p. 17, Resource Management
Policy section.)
Archeological and historic objects and artifacts
shall not be disposed of or removed from the jurisdiction of the Service
except in connection with approved educational or research programs.
Arrangements for their transfer, loan, or other disposal shall be made
in accordance with Federal laws and established procedures. (See also
Sale of Native Handicraft and Artifacts, p. 51, Visitor Use
Policy section; and Act of June 8, 1906, 16 U.S.C. 431.)
Aircraft Operations
Where aircraft operations adversely affect the
environment of a natural area, the cooperation of agencies exerting
flight control over public aircraft will be sought to institute such
measures as will minimize or eliminate the disturbance. The use of
aircraft in natural areas is permissible in emergency situations
involving the saving of human life or protection of threatened park
resources, or when the use of aircraft offers significant advantages to
area management and such can be accomplished with minimum disturbance
to visitor enjoyment. Float-equipped or amphibious aircraft may land in
designated water-oriented parks to provide visitor access to selected
areas. Landings will be restricted to waters especially designated on
the park Master Plan for this use. (See also Fire Control and
Rescue and Other Emergency Operations, p. 56, and Motorized
Equipment, p. 58, Wilderness Use and Management Policy
section; and Airports, p. 60, Physical Developments
Policy section.)
Berry Picking
Individuals may gather berries, fruits, mushrooms, and similar edibles
for consumption in the area, but not for sale or distribution to
others.
Official Records
In conformance with legal authorization and existing procedures, the
Service shall make available, upon request, those official records
affecting the public. (See also Part 2 of Title 43, Code of Federal
Regulations, issued pursuant to the Public Information Act of June
5, 1967 (P.L. 90-23).)
VISITOR USE POLICY
DISCUSSION
The Congress, in the act of August 25, 1916,
establishing the National Park Service, charged the Service to "promote
and regulate" the use of the parks. Moreover, the Convention on Nature
Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere Between
the United States of America and Other American Republics and Annex (see
Treaty Series 981, Appendix C) provides, among other things,
that: "The Contracting Governments further agree to provide facilities
for public recreation and education in national parks consistent with
the purposes of this Convention." Secretary Franklin Lane, in his May
13, 1918, letter to Director Stephen T. Mather, included the following
comment on interpretation and conservation education in his administrative
policy statement:
The educational, as well as the recreational, use of
the national parks should be encouraged in every practicable way.
University and high school classes in sciences will find special
facilities for their vacation-period studies. Museums containing
specimens of wild flowers, shrubs, and trees, and mounted animals,
birds, and fish native to the parks, and other exhibits of this
character will be established as authorized.
Director Mather implemented Secretary Lane's policy with the following
words:
Like other quests for knowledge, an intelligent study of nature is
greatly assisted by direction. Many persons who visit the parks are
thoroughly responsive to their influences, but they lack the incentive
born of knowledge to delve into a real understanding of things.
The quality of park use depends upon a creative
understanding of the park and its resources by the visitor. An
imaginative and meaningful information and interpretive program which
provides this understanding is essential to park management.
A variety of interpretive and informational
activities and facilities is needed, including visitor centers, museums,
publications, wayside exhibits, overlooks, and trails.
Appropriate visitor use includes both interpretation
and wholesome recreation in an outdoor, natural setting. This does not
mean, however, that national parks may accommodate all varieties or
unlimited volume of recreational use. Outdoor recreation involves a
broad spectrum of activities ranging from participation in outdoor
sports to moments of quiet meditation in a solitary walk among the big
trees.
A national park is not a scenic location for a golf
course, amusement park, or a spectator sports event. Such recreational
events have their own "built-in" values and rewards, and need not be
enjoyed within a national park.
This is the testis the activity inspired by,
and do its rewards derive from, the natural character and features of
the park?
Appropriate park use falls dominantly in the
esthetic, cultural, and educational end of the recreational spectrum.
Park use should lean heavily upon individual participation and response.
Individuals engage as individuals, respond as individuals, even when in
a crowd viewing an eruption of Old Faithful.
The goal of interpretive programs should be to create
greater awareness and understanding of the natural park environment. In
general, interpretation of natural features is more effective in an
outdoor, onsite setting.
To "promote and regulate" appropriate park use in
accordance with the mandate of the Congress, as set forth in the 1916
Act, requires in most parks a variety of related services which satisfy
the health, safety, subsistence, and accommodation of the public. Some
of these services are provided by other agents, such as concessioners
and other Federal agencies. The important considerations in these
matters are:
That appropriate use of the park requires the
service.
That geographic or other factors require that the
service be provided within the park, rather than outside its boundaries.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Visitor Centers
For the purpose of providing orientation and interpretation for
visitors, and for other management purposes, visitor center facilities
may be developed at appropriate locations. Audiovisual programs,
publications, manned and self-help information desks, maps,
and museums may be included, as appropriate, among the interpretive
activities provided in visitor centers.
Amphitheaters and Wayside Exhibits
Interpretive facilities for outdoor interpretive
programs, such as amphitheaters and wayside exhibits, should be
provided where visitor-use patterns, particularly evening use, develop a
need. All seats will have backrests.
Education
A broad program to promote environmental education
should be a part of the interpretive program; and cooperation with
schools, colleges, publishers, and other organizations is encouraged for
the purpose of communicating an environmental consciousness both within
and beyond the park. (See also Camping and Campgrounds Policy
section, p. 39.)
Wildlife Observation
Opportunities should be provided for visitors to view
park wildlife. Park roads with associated parking overlooks, wildlife
trails, improved information techniques, and special publications are
encouraged. Those activities which harass wildlife and misuse wildlife
habitat should be avoided.
Interpretive Trails
A variety of interpretive trailsnature and
history, self-guiding and motor trailsare desirable. The concept
of one-way motor nature trails, with ample turnouts, small overlooks,
and short (usually one-quarter of a mile) self-guiding walks shall be
encouraged. The use of existing administrative roads for this purpose,
either on a self-guiding basis or by personally conducted motor
caravans, should be permitted where appropriate. Trailheads, from which
trail use can begin, should be provided. (See also Off-road Use of
Motorized Equipment, p. 18, Resource Management Policy
section; Motorized Equipment, p. 58, Wilderness Use and
Management Policy section; and Road and Trail Policy section,
p. 63.)
Recreation Activities
In natural areas, outdoor recreation activities, such
as hiking, mountain climbing, bicycling, horseback riding, sightseeing,
water-oriented activities, winter-use activities, nature observation,
photography, camping, picnicking, and similar activities that can be
accommodated without material alteration or disturbance of environmental
characteristics or the introduction of undue artificiality into a
natural environment are to be encouraged, and provision shall be made to
facilitate public participation in them. Water-oriented recreation
activities shall be governed by applicable Federal, State, and local
laws and regulations. Vessels that are to be used as
residential facilities may not be placed on waters under the
jurisdiction of the Service in natural areas. (See also Boating,
p. 57, Wilderness Use and Management Policy section; and
Residential Facilities, p. 61, Physical Developments
Policy section.)
Special Events
The use of lands or facilities of natural areas for
organized athletic events or competitive recreational events
characterized as public spectator attractions should not be permitted.
Pageants, anniversary observances, and the like, may be permitted when
there is a meaningful association between the area and the event, and
its observance contributes significantly to visitor under standing and
enjoyment and when it can be staged without undue impact on the area's
resources. (See also Public Assembly, p. 52, this section.)
Concessions and Concessioners
Concession and other business operations in natural
areas are authorized under the act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535), as
amended. The congressionally approved concession policies (P.L.
89249, 89th Cong.) are set forth in Appendix F. The standard
contract language approved by the Secretary is incorporated in the
Service's "Concessions Management Handbook." Administrative policies
dealing with subjects in addition to those in the congressionally
approved policies are as follows:
1. Site Selection and Construction of Concession
Facilities. (See Concession Facilities, p. 61, Physical
Developments Policy section.)
2. Government Development of Concession
Facilities. When there is no response from a prospectus, and the
facilities are necessary for the accommodation of park visitors, such
facilities may be provided by the Government with appropriated funds
and made available to responsible private parties for operation. Except
in emergency situations, the Government should not engage in the direct
operation of concession facilities.
3. Maintenance of Government-owned Facilities.
Concessioners should be required to maintain all government-owned
facilities used in concession operations. To this end, annual
maintenance programs shall be required during the term of the contract.
Concessioners should not be granted possessory interest in capital
improvements made to Government-owned facilities. Where capital
improvements, as distinguished from maintenance, are necessary, they may
be made by the Government, if adequate funds are available, or, if made
by the concessioner, should be amortized to avoid dual ownership
interests.
4. Insurance. Concessioners should carry such
insurance against losses by fire, or other casualty of Government-owned
facilities, public liability, employee liability, and other hazards as
is customary among prudent operators of similar businesses under
comparable circumstances.
5. Employees. Concessioners should have
affirmative action programs to assure equal employment opportunities and adhere to
the Department's labor standards and to applicable Federal and State
labor laws.
6. Nondiscrimination in Service. Concessioners
and their employees may not discriminate against any individual because
of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin.
7. Advertising of Facilities and Services.
Advertising of facilities and services should be descriptive, accurate,
and in good taste. Billboard advertising is discouraged. (See also
Advertising, p. 51, this section.)
8. Merchandise. The merchandise sold in
natural areas is to be limited to those items and services appropriate
and necessary for public use and enjoyment of the areas. All souvenirs
and other merchandise offered for sale to visitors must be in good
taste. (See also Sale of Native Handicraft and Artifacts, p.
51, this section.)
9. Alcoholic Beverages. The sale of alcoholic
beverages may be permitted in natural areas, subject to applicable
Service regulations and State laws.
10. Conventions. The use of concession
facilities for conventions, group meetings, and the like, during seasons
of heavy vacation travel, should be discouraged.
11. Overnight Accommodations. The
concessioners shall maintain a reasonable proportion of their
accommodations as low-priced accommodations.
12. Establishment of Concessions. Concession
services and facilities are authorized within the natural areas only
when necessary and appropriate for the public use and enjoyment of the
area, consistent with their preservation and conservation. Where
adequate facilities and services exist or can be developed by private
enterprise outside such areas, such shall not be provided within the
natural areas.
13. Quality of Service. Services offered to
the public by concessioners must be satisfactory as judged by recognized
standards and the rates for such services must be reasonable as judged
by statutory criteria.
Safety and Public Health
The recommended standards for safety and public
health prescribed by Federal, State, or local authorities having
jurisdiction shall be observed in providing for the health, safety, and
well-being of visitors and those employed in natural areas. (See also
Recreation Advisory Council Circular No. 3, Policy Governing the Water
Pollution and Public Health Aspects of Outdoor Recreation, Appendix
G.)
Safety equipment such as fire hydrants and standpipes
should be carefully planned and located to prevent impairment of the
scenic and scientific values of natural areas. Facilities such as
viewing platforms, outdoor stairs, trails, and railings, if they are
essential, should be as unobtrusive as possible so as to minimize or
eliminate the adverse effect of such installations on the integrity and
interpretation of the area. Moreover, visitor aids such as handrails and
paint strips will be avoided in historic structures unless they are part
of the historical architecture or furnishings.
Sale of Native Handicraft and Artifacts
The sale of appropriate handicraft articles
associated with or interpretive of an area is encouraged. Such articles
shall be clearly labeled as to origin and displayed separately
from commercially or mechanically produced souvenirs. Archeological
specimens or objects of American Indian origin, such as pottery or
arrowheads more than 100 years old, may not be sold regardless of their
place of origin. (See also Concession and Concessioners, p. 49,
this section.)
Motion Pictures and Still Photography
The making of still and motion pictures involving the
use of professional casts, settings, and crews may be permitted under
conditions which protect and perpetuate the integrity of the area in the
end product and minimize the impact on the resources and the public's
normal use of the area. (See also Departmental Regulations, Part 5, Title
43, Code of Federal Regulations.)
Advertising
The Service and its concessioners may participate in
signing and other public information programs to the extent necessary to
acquaint the public with means of access to the areas it administers and
with the facilities and services available in them. (See also
Concessions and Concessioners, p. 49, this section.)
Religious Services
Where facilities for organized worship are not
readily available in nearby communities, the Service will cooperate with
established groups and organizations by permitting the use of
Government-owned facilities for worship services, when it does not
interfere with needful use of such facilities for their primary purpose.
Concessioners may be permitted to cooperate with such groups in similar
circumstances. (See also Concessions and Concessioners, p. 49,
this section.)
Cooperating Associations
Formation and operation of cooperating associations or
agencies of existing associations to facilitate the conservation
education and interpretive programs of an area as authorized under
Public Law 633, August 7, 1946, shall be encouraged where they
contribute to the management of the area.
Fishing
(See Fishing, p. 25, Fish and Wildlife
Management Policy section; and Boating, p. 57,
Wilderness Use and Management Policy section.)
Public Assembly
The use of natural areas for public gatherings, meetings, and other
forms of expressing viewpoints on social, economic, and political
questions is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.
Solicitor Frank J. Barry expressed this guarantee of expression as
follows in a memorandum of March 23, 1965 (see Appendix K for
full text of memorandum):
The First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States expressly
forbids legislation by Congress "abridging the freedom of speech, or of
the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for redress of grievances."
Any authority the Secretary of the Interior has to promulgate
Regulations is by delegation from Congress. Any limitations on the power
of the Congress to legislate would follow such delegation and limit the
power of the Executive Branch.
The Supreme Court has recognized that governments must have police power
to prevent violence and to protect the safety of persons, property, and
other important public and private interests. Such police power,
however, cannot justify denial to anyone of the rights guaranteed by the
First Amendment merely because such denial tends to prevent the
disorders feared. To hold that all speech or any speech can be
suppressed or that all gatherings or any gatherings can be forbidden
because speech and public gatherings might start arguments or disrupt
traffic, all of which might result in someone being inconvenienced or
being made uncomfortable would make the guarantees of the Bill of Rights
empty phrases without force.
Consistent with this legal interpretation of constitutionally guaranteed
rights, the Service observes the following administrative policy
concerning demonstrations and other forms of peaceable assembly and
freedom of speech:
1. Demonstrations in the exercise of rights guaranteed by the First
Amendment of the Constitution to peaceably assemble and to speak on
social, economic, and political matters will be permitted in areas
administered by the Department that are open to the public.
2. Demonstrations may include, but need not be limited to, rallies,
parades, marches, speeches, or picketing with or without signs.
3. Personnel administering areas shall cooperate with the apparent
leadership of demonstrating groups regarding their use of the area. An
effort may be made to get the groups to voluntarily agree to limit the
number of persons involved, in the interest of minimizing public
inconvenience, and to limit the duration of the demonstration.
4. Although law enforcement personnel should be available to maintain
law and order, representatives of the Department or its agencies should
not initiate any action against demonstrators prior to a breach of the
peace, such as overt physical violence against persons or property.
5. Areas shall not be closed during the hours they are normally
scheduled to be open, solely to avoid an expected demonstration in the
area or to attempt to restrict a demonstration in progress.
Demonstrators will not be forcibly removed in the absence of any breach of the
peace committed by them, except after consultation with and approval of
the Director.
6. Permits for the use of areas for demonstrations
shall be granted on a "first come, first served" basis. Use of a permit
system will allow those administering an area to be prepared to
accommodate the group which may appear. The issuance of a permit would
also serve to avoid possible conflict in the desire of more than one
group to use a given area at the same time. Permits will not be denied
upon the presumption that speeches or public gatherings would result in
a breach of the peace, or would interfere with the comfort, convenience,
and interest of the general public, or would disrupt the normal use of
the area. Generally, the foregoing will provide every individual or
group an opportunity to obtain a permit for a demonstration or assembly.
Failure to obtain a permit will not in itself be cause for action
leading to prosecution, except after consultation with, and approval of,
the Director.
In implementing these policy guidelines,
superintendents and their key personnel will develop and maintain close
and consistent working relationships with other nearby Federal, State,
and local officials and the leadership of local human relations
councils in the communities in which they exist. Meetings with law enforcement
and other civic officials should be directed to cooperative
efforts with them(a) to exchange information
concerning anticipated demonstrations or meetings; (b) to develop
arrangements with the leadership of any group planning to demonstrate; (c) to
provide for the protection of the rights of participants; and (d) to assure
that the demonstration will be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. Such
contacts will provide an opportunity to explain to community leaders
and other officials our policies with respect to demonstrations and
meetings.
The Service will be constantly mindful of the
responsibility to protect the rights of all visitors and equally alert
to provide for the safety of all persons as well as public and private
property, in implementing the assurance of the right of peaceable
assembly and free speech. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as
preventing the arrest by any peace officer of any individual committing
or attempting to commit a criminal act. By the same token,
Service personnel on duty at an area in which a demonstration is
conducted should not in any way associate themselves either with those
conducting the demonstration or with those who may oppose it. (See also
Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations; and Special Events, p. 49,
and Conventions, p. 50, this section.)
WILDERNESS USE AND MANAGEMENT POLICY
DISCUSSION
From the time that Yellowstone National Park was
established in 1872, wilderness preservation has undergirded the
management of our National Park System. The national park movement has
been a focal point and fountainhead for an evolving wilderness
philosophy within our country for almost a century.
It is a fundamental tenet of national park
management, moreover, that where other uses have impaired past
wilderness values, the national parks and monuments are managed to
restore the wilderness character of these areas by the removal of
adverse uses.
For example, about 70 years ago the famous wilderness
of Sequoia National Park was perilously close to permanent destruction.
So thoroughly had sheep done their work that once lush alpine meadows
and grasslands were dusty flats. Eroded gullies were everywhere. Much of
the climax vegetation was gone, and the High Sierra was virtually
impassable to stock parties due to scarcity of feed. In 1893, the acting
superintendent of Sequoia National Park recommended that cavalry be
replaced by infantry. No natural forage was available for horses!
Today, under National Park Service management,
Sequoia National Park contains wilderness comparable to any other
national park. And, in spite of increasing public use, these areas are
in a less damaged condition today than they were more than 70 years ago. (See also
Resource Management, p. 15.)
To become a unit of the National Wilderness
Preservation System, each national park or monument wilderness must be
designated by the Congress. In order to be so designated, each proposed
wilderness unit must be clearly identified so that its boundaries may be
legally described in the legislation. Thus, the Wilderness Act requires
that the Service, hereafter, clearly identify and appropriately describe
the boundaries of those lands that are to be recommended to the
Congress for wilderness designation, rather than following past Service
practice of referring to all undeveloped lands in a park as "wilderness"
or "back country." Importantly, however, the Wilderness Act of
1964 does not establish any new standards or criteria for national park
wilderness use and management to replace the old and time-tested
concepts enunciated by the Congress for the natural areas of the
National Park System and implanted by the Service. For example, the
Wilderness Act specifically provides that:
Nothing in this Act shall modify the statutory
authority under which units of the National Park System are created.
The Wilderness Act of 1964 recognizes, moreover, that
all lands which may be included in the National Wilderness
Preservation System are not to be managed alike. For example, the
Wilderness Act provides for certain multiple uses in wilderness areas
of the national forests designated by the act, such as existing grazing;
mineral prospecting until 1984 and mining (with authority to construct
transmission lines, waterlines, telephone lines, and utilize timber for
such activities); and water conservation and power projects as
authorized by the President.
No such lowering of park values is contemplated by
the Wilderness Act for national park wilderness, since that act
provides, in part, that:
* * * the designation of any area of any park
* * * as a wilderness area pursuant to this Act shall in no
manner lower the standards evolved for the use and preservation of such
park * * * in accordance with the Act of August 25, 1916, [and]
the statutory authority under which the area was created * * *
Moreover, the status of those national parklands not
included by the Congress in the National Wilderness Preservation
System remains unique pursuant to previously existing National Park
Service legislation, for the Wilderness Act does not contemplate the
lowering of park values of these remaining parklands not designated
legislatively as "wilderness," nor does
management of such lands compete with any other
resource use.
Of course, when Congress designates wilderness areas
within the national parks and monuments for inclusion in the National
Wilderness Preservation System, it may prescribe such standards and
criteria for their use and management as it deems advisable.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Management Facilities, Practices, and Uses
Only those structures, management practices, and uses
necessary for management and preservation of the wilderness qualities
of an area will be permitted. These would include, but need not be
limited to, patrol cabins and limited facilities associated with saddle
and pack stock control. (See also Physical Developments Policy
section, p. 59, and Road and Trail Policy section, p. 63.)
Fire Control
Wildfire will be controlled as necessary to prevent
unacceptable loss of wilderness values, loss of life, damage to
property, and the spread of wildfire to lands outside the wilderness.
Use of fire lookout towers, fire roads, tool caches, aircraft,
motorboats, and motorized fire-fighting equipment would be permitted for
such control.
Insect and Disease Control
(See Forest Insect and Disease Control, p.
20, Resource Management Policy section.)
Rescue and Other Emergency Operations
In emergency situations involving the health and
safety of persons and to meet recognized management needs, use of
aircraft, motorboats, or other motorized or mechanical equipment will be
permitted. (See Aircraft Operations, p. 45, Resource Use
Policy section.)
Regulation of Excess Wildlife Population
Population control through natural predation will be
encouraged. Trapping and transplanting of excess animals will be
practiced by park personnel as necessary. If these prove insufficient,
direct reduction by park personnel would be instituted. (See also
Wildlife Management Program, p. 25, Fish and Wildlife
Management Policy section.)
Non-native Plants and Animals
Non-native species of plants and animals will be
eliminated where it is possible to do so by approved methods which will
preserve wilderness qualities.
Research
The Service, recognizing the scientific value of
wilderness areas as natural outdoor laboratories, would encourage those
kinds of research and data gathering which require such areas for their
accomplishment. The Service may establish reasonable limitations to
control the size of the area which may be used for varying types of
research projects within national park wilderness, and projects exceeding those limitations
would be subject to approval by the Director. (See also Research
Station Policy section, p. 36.)
Fishing
Fishing is an appropriate use and will be permitted
under applicable rules and regulations. (See also Boating, this page;
and Fishing, p. 25, Fish and Wildlife Management Policy section.)
Visitor Use Structures and Facilities
Primitive trails for foot and horse travel are
acceptable. Narrow trails which blend into the landscape will be allowed
in wilderness, with foot bridges and horsebridges where they are
essential to visitor safety. Stockholding corrals or discreetly placed
drift fences will be permissible if needed in the interest of protection
of wilderness values. No improvements will be permitted that are
primarily for the comfort and convenience of visitors, such as developed
campgrounds and picnic facilities. However, trailside shelters may be
permitted where they are needed for the protection of wilderness
values.
Boating
Boating, except with motorboats and airboats, is an
acceptable use of park wilderness. (See also Recreation
Activities, p. 48, Visitor Use Policy section, and
Navigation Aids, p. 60, Physical Developments Policy
section.)
Commercial Services
Saddle and pack stock and guided boat trips in water
areas are acceptable uses, but the number, nature, and extent of these
services will be carefully controlled through regulations and permits so
as to protect the wilderness values. (See also Concessions and
Concessioners, p. 49, Visitor Use Policy section.)
Mining and Prospecting
These uses will not be permitted in national park
wilderness. Where these activities are expressly authorized by statute,
the area in question will be recommended for wilderness only with
provisos that such activities be discontinued and the authorization be
revoked. Actively operated claims, based on valid existing rights, will
be excluded from the proposed wilderness. It will be the policy to
phase out existing active mining claims and acquire the lands involved.
When this is accomplished, such lands will be proposed for designation
as wilderness if they otherwise meet the criteria for such areas. (See
also Mineral Exploration, Mineral Leasing, and Mining, p. 20,
Resource Management Policy section.)
Inholdings
Unless acquisition by the United States is assured,
inholdings will be excluded from the area classified as wilderness. It
will be the policy to acquire such inholdings as rapidly as possible,
and as they are acquired, the lands will
be proposed for designation as wilderness if they
otherwise meet the criteria for such area. (See also Land and Water
Rights Acquisition Policy section, p. 27.)
Water Development Projects
Such projects, whether for improvement of navigation,
flood control, irrigation, power, or other multiple purposes, are not
acceptable in wilderness. Where these activities are authorized by
statute, the area in question will be recommended for wilderness only
with the proviso that such authorization be discontinued. (See also
Recreation Activities, p. 48, Visitor Use Policy
section.)
Grazing
Grazing is not an acceptable use in national park
wilderness. Except where grazing is conducted under permits which may be
expected to expire at a fixed or determinable date in advance of
legislative action on a wilderness proposal, lands utilized for that
purpose will not be proposed for wilderness designation. It will be the
policy to phase out such operations as rapidly as possible, and as this
is done, the lands will be proposed for designation as wilderness if
they otherwise meet the criteria for such areas. (See also
Grazing and Agricultural Uses, p. 18, Resource
Management Policy section; and Land Classification, p.
32, Master Plan Policy section.)
Timber Harvesting
This will not be permitted in national park
wilderness.
Hunting
Public hunting will not be permitted in national park
wilderness. (See also Fish and Wildlife Management Policy
section, p. 22.)
Motorized Equipment
The use of aircraft for airdrops or for other
purposes, and the use of motorized trail vehicles, generators, and
similar devices will not be permitted in national park wilderness,
except as otherwise provided herein to meet the needs of management.
(See also Fire Control and Rescue and Other Emergency
Operations, p. 56, this section; Off-road Use of Motorized
Equipment, p. 18, Resource Management Policy section;
Wildlife Observation and Interpretive Trails, p. 48,
Visitor Use Policy section and Trail Use, p. 66, Road
and Trail Policy section.)
Roads and Utilities
Public use roads and utility line rights-of-way are
not permitted. (See also Nonpark Uses and Developments and
Utilities, p. 62, Physical Developments Policy section.)
admin_policies/policy2-part2.htm
Last Updated: 05-Jun-2007
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