GEOLOGY THROUGH GREEN AND GRAY LENSES: ACQUIRING AND PROVIDING GEOSCIENCE INFORMATION TO THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

The National Park Service was established in 1916 with a fundamental purpose “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life [within National Park Service areas] and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” The “scenery” being conserved includes iconic examples of America’s geologic heritage and is a major draw to the more than 330 million annual visitors to National Park Service areas. However, the National Park Service has limited “in-house” geoscience expertise—a few dozen geologists in an agency of more than 20,000 employees. Therefore, there is a critical need for not only fundamental geology research in parks but also having that information delivered to park staff in a practical manner to address the challenges associated with diverse geologic landscapes and past land use. This presentation will discuss the many ways the National Park Service strives to acquire and provide that information to rangers, resource managers, maintenance staff, and superintendents. Examples include: (1) direct technical and policy assistance, (2) coordination of geoscience internship programs, (3) establishment of a “park-to-park” network of geoscientists, (4) development of geologic maps and reports, and (5) development and expansion of web-based content. Audience members will view examples of actual park localities, resource management challenges, and potential next steps. Explore geologic heritage, energy and minerals, active processes, and geohazards in the National Park Service at https://go.nps.gov/geology. Get to know the National Park Service Geologic Resources Division at https://go.nps.gov/grd.