Climate change policy challenges in the National Park Service
Johnson S and Mow J. 2011. Climate change policy challenges in the National Park Service. Park Science. 28(1):22–25
We examine and provide a brief overview of the applicability of NPS management policies to climate change in parks. Climate change impacts to park resources should not be considered “impairment” for purposes of management action; rather managers should focus on preventing impairment from in-park activities and engage in cooperative conservation to address impacts from external sources. To maintain resources in a “natural” condition remains a broad management goal, but it is not possible for managers to shield or protect park resources from climate change impacts. We identify some broad policy questions, and stress the importance of consistency in policy interpretations within the context of climate change and the need for a deliberate approach to stewardship action. Policy interpretations and potential changes, as well as stewardship approaches to address climate change, continue to evolve.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Johnson, Susan; Mow, Jeff
- Units
- CHIS , NRSS , SHEN
- Keywords
- Channel Islands NP, Climate Change, Impairment, National Park Service, natural condition, Policy, Shenandoah NP