AN EXAMPLE OF A MULTIPURPOSE GEOLOGIC MAP FOR THE PARKS—COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT

Geologic maps of National Parks can be designed to serve many roles for a broad spectrum of audiences that include the visiting public, the scientific community, and the National Park Service (NPS). Thoughtful planning enlists scientists already working in the park, integrates the needs of the specific park and its natural history association, promotes the goals of the NPS Geologic Resources Division, and results in highly advantageous partnerships and cooperation. During the USGS planning stage for the Colorado National Monument map, geologists from Mesa State College and Grand Junction offered their detailed knowledge of the Monument, the NPS identified map and report needs for their Geologic Resources Inventory at a scoping meeting, and the Colorado National Monument Association contributed matching funds for map production. The poster-like layout exhibits the traditional geologic map, cross sections, and explanation integrated with artwork, descriptions, and photographs of the park's prehistoric to historic human story and its animal and plant life. This format requires considerable artistic and editorial effort, but has the advantage of attracting public, scientific, and resource management attention. An accompanying pamphlet includes a detailed description of map units and sections on geologic character, hazards, and resources, all designed to provide land-use planning and geologic inventory information for the NPS and surrounding communities. We designed the text also to serve park visitors as well as students and to help rangers with geologic interpretation. The first part of each map unit description briefly characterizes each unit, its depositional environment, and where the unit can be easily viewed. The following part of each description provides more typical geologic information. A detailed glossary keyed to the text defines geologic terms unfamiliar to non-geologists. It takes concerted teamwork to create a map that meets the needs of many different users.