Application of Natural Resource Condition Assessments to Two Small National Parks

摘要: ABSTRACT: Using a scorecard approach, we assessed the condition of natural resources within major habitats in Mount Rushmore National Memorial (MORU), South Dakota, and Niobrara Scenic River (NIOB), Nebraska, as part “pilot” effort to determine Park Service (NPS) system-wide approach Natural Resource Condition Assessments (NRCA). Both parks are considered small — MORU because size (517 ha) NIOB NPS does not own land boundary park. Small often contain that well-known they lack research, monitoring, staff expertise. However, found adequate information assess condition, sometimes trend, 12 15 biodiversity process indicators at 17 22 NIOB, although most data used establish reference conditions came from sources outside parks. We believe forested poor deteriorating primarily due suppression fi...