Statistical Review of Wilderness Character Monitoring (WCM) for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Higgs MD. 2021. Statistical Review of Wilderness Character Monitoring (WCM) for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. National Park Service. Alaska Region
The National Park Service (NPS) in Alaska is in the process of developing Wilderness Character Monitoring Plans (WCMPs) for its parks and this biometric review was solicited as part of that process, with an emphasis on Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (GAAR). This review evaluates components of the WCM process from a statistical perspective. It is not a thorough review of the entire process. The scope covers two main goals: (1) provide feedback regarding recommendations in the Draft Technical Guide that rely heavily on statistical concepts and methods, and (2) assist GAAR in the process of selecting and justifying a measure and associated threshold for change for the Natural Quality Plants indicator. The first goal applies broadly to any park planning to rely on the Draft Technical Guide (note that many recommendations in the Draft Technical Guide come from KIW2). The second goal highlights challenges GAAR and other Alaska parks may face in developing and implementing WCMPs using national guidance. This Review Summary provides an overview of conclusions and recommendations based on the review, with supporting details provided in the text of the report.
- Type
- Generic Document
- Authors
- Higgs, Megan
- Date of Issue
- 2021-03-01
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GAAR
- Keywords
- GAAR, Gates of the Arctic, National Park Service, wilderness, wilderness character
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Human Use | Visitor and Recreation Use | Visitor Use