Natural resource condition assessment: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

Bates, Peter; Miller, Jerry; Styers, Diane; Burda, Carey; Davis, Ron; Martin, Thomas; Kloeppel, Brian

This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the state of natural resources at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site (CARL). The primary goals of the NRCA were to: 1) document the current conditions and trends for important park natural resources, 2) list important data and knowledge gaps, and 3) identify some of the factors that are influencing park natural resource conditions. The information delivered in this NRCA can be used to communicate current resource condition status to park stakeholders. It will also be used by park staff to support the implementation of their integrated approach to the management of park resources. We followed the NPS framework approach and grouped resources into five general categories: air and climate, geologic resources, water, biological integrity, and landscapes. Each of these general categories, referred to as level-one, is further subdivided into level-two and level-three categories. Biological integrity, a level-one category for example, is divided into 4 level-two categories: invasive species, infestations and disease, focal species or communities, and at-risk biota. Infestations and diseases, in turn, include 2 level-three categories: insect pests and plant diseases. As the categories move from level-one to level-three, the resolution of the data involved also increases. These proposed metrics reflect the input obtained during scoping meetings and site visits as well as data availability. To the extent possible, each assessment metric was evaluated quantitatively with a final condition level determined by: 1) the amount of deviation from established reference conditions, 2) overall trends, and 3) comparison with other parks or other regional conditions. This NRCA conducted assessments of 27 Level 3 resources. Since the primary purpose of the NRCA is to provide a snapshot of current conditions we focused largely on the most recent data available. However, temporal trends are important when assessing current conditions for most metrics, such as, LULC changes, climate, air, and water quality, thus trends were evaluated where possible. Where relevant inventory and monitoring data were available, these were applied directly to the assessment of resource condition. Where such data are lacking, we relied upon synthesis from existing assessment reports and, in some cases, geospatial analyses (i.e., in assessing adjacent land-cover changes). Reference conditions are based upon both state and federal standards (where available) or target conditions identified by NPS staff. Where reference or target conditions have not yet been established, values may be determined specifically for this NRCA or this effort can provide baseline information for future planning. As a unit of the National Park System, CARL is responsible for the management and conservation of its natural resources as mandated by the National Park Service Organic Act of 1916. As a National Historic Site within the National Park Service, the Carl Sandburg Home is fundamentally a cultural park under the Historic Sites Act of 1935 (16 U.S.C sec. 461-467). CARL faces a number of resource related issues, many of which are related to surrounding population growth and land use. The park lies within the Flat Rock, NC municipality and is located approximately 4.8 km (3 mi) from Hendersonville, NC. Increased development reduces wildlife habitat availability in areas outside of the park and further encourages invasive exotic species encroachment inside the park boundaries. Furthermore, as the surrounding population continues to grow, visitor rates to the park will increase, placing added stress on the park’s natural resources. This NRCA identified 3 areas where management and monitoring will be particularly important to achieve its mission of conserving the park’s natural resources. Recognizing that there is some overlap between them.

Natural resource condition assessment: Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site

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