ASSESSING THE CONDITIONS AND TRENDS OF GEOLOGIC RESOURCES IN THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

In 2000, the NPS entered a new era of science-based decision-making when it initiated a comprehensive inventory and monitoring program. This presentation will provide an overview of the NPS vital signs inventory and monitoring program, describe where geology fits into park monitoring efforts, and illustrate where geologic resources are being monitored to determine resource conditions and trends. Geology is an often misunderstood and under-appreciated resource in the National Park Service (NPS) as demonstrated by the paucity of geologic monitoring proposed in park units. To further the goal of protecting geologic resources in parks, the NPS Geologic Resources Division, in conjunction with technical experts in academia and federal agencies are developing a geologic monitoring manual that will provide insights into and guidance for monitoring aeolian, caves and karst, coastal, fluvial, geothermal, glacial, hillslope (geohazards), lacustrine, marine, paleontologic, permafrost, seismic activity, and volcanic resources. The manual will be published by the GSA for use by land management agencies and others interested in protecting geologic resources.