Just What are National Parks, Anyway?

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National parks are wonderful resources. In this era of constant deforestation and construction, national parks offer a bit of a respite. These federally protected areas are good for the environment and good for us, as they give us a place to get out of the hustle and bustle of urban life. Many people do not fully understand the purpose and need for national parks, and in this article, we will address some of the most frequent questions about them.

What are national parks?

National parks can be defined as land reserves that are federally protected against most human activity and encroachment. National parks are not unique to the United States and specific laws regarding what activities are permissible in a national park may vary from country to country. In the United States, national parks are often confused with state parks, national forests and other similar protected areas.

In the United States, what activities are forbidden in national parks?

The exact rules vary by park, but in general, any activity that disturbs the natural environment is prohibited. This includes building campfires outside of designated fire rings, cutting trees whether alive or dead, gathering firewood, hunting, littering, throwing coins into fountains or pools, or any other activity that may be damaging to the environment.

What are some examples of national parks?

National parks are not just open areas of land. Types of national parks include battlefields, volcanoes, geysers, historic settlements, and many others. In order to become a national park, an area must fall into one of three categories: natural, cultural and/or recreational. National parks are considered treasures of the American people.

Who is in charge of the national parks?

The National Park Service, founded in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, is responsible for overseeing and caring for the national parks. The National Park Service is a branch of the Department of the Interior. The first national park was Yellowstone, designated in 1872 by President Ulysses S. Grant.

What is there to do at national parks?

The answer to this question depends on which specific park you are visiting. There is usually a landmark or natural feature to tour, which is considered the park's big draw. There may also be one or more smaller museums or exhibits on the grounds. Outdoor recreational activities are usually available at national parks and may include camping, fishing, hiking, boating and swimming.

What is the value of national parks?

National parks exist to preserve our history. Without the national parks, many historically and environmentally important landmarks would be subject to destruction and decay. The national parks also provide a place for us to visit to escape from the mundane world. The cultural and recreational significance of national parks is tremendous.

Does it cost money to visit the national parks?

The national parks do charge a nominal entrance fee as well as additional fees for expanded activities such as camping. Fees vary by park, so please contact the park you wish to visit in advance. A variety of passes is also available.

What National Park passes are available?

The new pass system that debuted in 2007 includes not only national parks but also parks managed by other federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, National Forest Service and others. The Army Corps of Engineers parks do not accept the Annual Pass. An Annual Pass is currently priced at $80 and is available to anyone. The pass covers the entrance fee of the pass holder and up to three adults (age 16 or over) at parks that charge a per-person fee. For sites that charge a per-vehicle entrance fee, the pass covers everyone who is traveling in the same vehicle. There is no charge for children under age 16. The Annual Pass does not give a discount on expanded use fees such as campsite fees.

If you are age 62 or over, you qualify for the Senior Pass. This pass is available for $10 to any US citizen or permanent resident who meets the age requirement, and is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder. The Senior Pass is valid for entrance to the same parks as the Annual Pass plus Army Corps of Engineers parks and Tennessee Valley Authority parks. The Senior Pass provides a 50% discount on many expanded use fees for the pass holder only, although the discount on campsite fees applies to the entire campsite even if others are present. Otherwise, the Senior Pass works much the same as the Annual Pass.

The Access Pass is offered free of charge to anyone of any age who has a documented permanent disability. If a child holds the Access Pass, a caregiver automatically receives the same benefits. This pass provides the same benefits and is honored at the same locations as the Senior Pass.

How many national parks are there?

There are nearly 400 national parks currently operating across the United States. The national parks cover more than 84 million acres and are located in virtually every state and the District of Columbia as well as American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Is the National Park Service involved in any research or preservation activities?

The National Park Service is affiliated with a wide variety of scientists from many different fields who are performing innovative research into environmental preservation. The NPS recognizes that the hands-off management style employed throughout most of the 20th century is not sufficient, and now seeks to take a much more proactive role in preservation, not only at the parks but globally.

How can I get involved?

The National Park Service offers a variety of ways for citizens to become involved. One of the most common ways to help is to become a National Park Service volunteer. Volunteers in Fiscal Year 2005 contributed a total of 5.2 million hours. Volunteers are needed in a surprising array of positions from campground host to gardener to historical re-enactor. Visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov for details on current opportunities. Volunteers may be compensated in some way such as a free campsite, although compensation varies by park. If you log 500 hours within a year, you will receive a Volunteer Pass that works similarly to an Annual Pass for federal parks.

Youth programs for Americans aged 5 to 24 are managed in partnership with many agencies from the Scouts to Job Corps. The youth programs are designed to give children and young adults the opportunity to become more familiar with the national parks through a combination of education and work experience. It is believed that the early experience with the national parks will build a lifelong respect and concern for the parks specifically as well as preservation as a whole.

Internships are available to students in a variety of majors. An internship provides hands on experience in the student's field of study. Please visit the NPS website at www.nps.gov for information on applying for an internship.

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