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An established process exists for identifying and authorizing studies of potential national park units. In accordance with 54 USC 100507 and NPS Management Policies 2006, a study area must meet all four of the following criteria to be recommended as an addition to the national park system:
1. Contain nationally significant natural and/or cultural resources
2. Represent a natural or cultural resource that is not already adequately represented in the national park system or is not comparably represented and protected for public enjoyment by another land-managing entity
3. Be of sufficient size and appropriate configuration to ensure long-term protection of the resources and visitor enjoyment and capable of efficient administration by the National Park Service at a reasonable cost; important feasibility factors include landownership, acquisition costs, life cycle maintenance costs, access, threats to the resource, and staff or development requirements
4. Require direct NPS management that is clearly superior to other management approaches
If the study area does not meet all four of these required criteria, the study will conclude with a negative finding. If one or more sites are found to meet all four of the criteria, then the National Park Service will analyze potential alternatives for managing the recommended sites.
The National Park Service will prepare the study on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. The NPS Director will share the findings of the study with the Secretary, who will, in turn, transmit the report and management recommendations, if any, to Congress. A special resource study is informational for Congress's use at its discretion.
Only Congress, through legislated action, or the President, through the use of the Antiquities Act, have the authority to establish a new unit of the national park system.
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Information Gathering and Civic Engagement * *
Step 2. Special Resource Study Criteria Analysis
Step 3. Prepare Study Document
Step 4. Submit Study Document to Secretary of the Interior
Step 5. Secretary of Interior Transmits Study to Congress
1. Contain nationally significant natural and/or cultural resources
2. Represent a natural or cultural resource that is not already adequately represented in the national park system or is not comparably represented and protected for public enjoyment by another land-managing entity
3. Be of sufficient size and appropriate configuration to ensure long-term protection of the resources and visitor enjoyment and capable of efficient administration by the National Park Service at a reasonable cost; important feasibility factors include landownership, acquisition costs, life cycle maintenance costs, access, threats to the resource, and staff or development requirements
4. Require direct NPS management that is clearly superior to other management approaches
If the study area does not meet all four of these required criteria, the study will conclude with a negative finding. If one or more sites are found to meet all four of the criteria, then the National Park Service will analyze potential alternatives for managing the recommended sites.
The National Park Service will prepare the study on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. The NPS Director will share the findings of the study with the Secretary, who will, in turn, transmit the report and management recommendations, if any, to Congress. A special resource study is informational for Congress's use at its discretion.
Only Congress, through legislated action, or the President, through the use of the Antiquities Act, have the authority to establish a new unit of the national park system.
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Information Gathering and Civic Engagement * *
Step 2. Special Resource Study Criteria Analysis
Step 3. Prepare Study Document
Step 4. Submit Study Document to Secretary of the Interior
Step 5. Secretary of Interior Transmits Study to Congress