Natural resource condition assessment: Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

Tierney, Geraldine; Gibbs, James

This Natural Resource Condition Assessment evaluates current conditions and trends for a subset of natural resource indicators and identifies critical data gaps for Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. The indicators of condition included herein reflect the park’s resource setting, the status of resource stewardship planning and science, and the availability of data and expertise to assess current conditions for a variety of potential indicators. The goal of this report is to provide clear, credible, integrative reporting to assist and inform park managers, stake-holders and the public. This National Historic Site interprets the life and career of the eighth President of the United States, as well as the issues facing the nation in the turbulent decades leading up to the Civil War. The park also seeks to interpret historical and modern progressive farming, as practiced by Van Buren in the mid-nineteenth century, and by modern farmers working this land today. Located in Kinderhook, New York, the park preserves the Lindenwald mansion and outbuildings, an archival and museum collection, the cultural landscape, archeological sites, and impressive views to the west, across the agrarian landscape towards the distant Catskill Mountains. Natural resources lying within the authorized park boundary include prime agricultural soils, a segment of Kinderhook Creek, a vegetated escarpment, wetlands, six man-made ponds, and habitat for many species of conservation interest. Using the National Park Service Vital Signs Indicator Framework, 19 indicators of natural resource condition were selected for assessment and reporting herein. Assessment points were established to distinguish between acceptable or desired conditions (i.e., good condition) and those that warrant moderate concern or significant concern. These assessment points were derived from knowledge of ecological integrity, regulatory or program standards, park management goals, historical data or other sources. Key findings and recommendations are summarized by resource category in Table E-1.

Natural resource condition assessment: Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

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