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“The Secretary is authorized and directed
to assure that management of units of the National Park system
is enhanced by the availability and utilization of a broad program
of the highest quality science and information.”
--National Parks Omnimbus Act of 1998
The National Park Omnibus Act is causing a quiet
revolution in national parks. For the first time in its history
the National Park Service has a congressional mandate to use science
information to improve decision making.
The Research Learning Center
Concept
National Park Research Learning Centers combine the elements of
field stations, partnerships, active encouragement of research,
and an information transfer program to fulfill the 1998 science
mandate. As of 2005 thirteen centers have been funded by Congress.
Each has two full-time employees to coordinate projects and learning
opportunities.
Bunks for Researchers
More bunk beds may seem like an odd way to instigate government
reform, but beds for visiting researchers are one of the keys to
ensuring that researchers are willing and able to come to parks
to do research. Most visiting researchers can not afford the high
temporary housing costs found near today’s premier parks.
And camping in a tent for several weeks may sound romantic but has
limitations when field work involves long hours, bad weather, and
strenuous physical activity. A room with shared kitchen facilities
allows a researcher to have a dry place in which to write up their
notes, eat, and get a good night’s sleep before going out
and doing it all over again. The rustic “field station”
environment also fosters information exchange with other scientists
and park staff.
Partnerships to Enhance Learning and Stretch
Research Dollars
Partnerships are another ingredient of the NPS Science Revolution
is the use of partnerships. The type of science needed to address
park needs is often sophisticated and multi-disciplinary. Fifty
years ago a study of bighorn sheep might have involved a ranger
on horseback. Today’s wildlife study teams include veterinarians,
population modelers, GIS specialists, geneticists, and more. It
would be financially impractical for a park to try to duplicate
this type of professional expertise. Partnerships with universities
and government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey allow
parks to tap into research “dream teams” from other
organizations.
Science Education
Partnerships with schools allow for project-based learning, using
real-life situations as the basis of classroom activities. Educational
research has shown that this type of learning is especially effective
for students who may not excel in normal course work. Science comes
alive when students interact with researchers and, in some cases,
assist with data collection.
Citizen Science
Park volunteers supervised by qualified researchers can often accomplish
projects that parks cannot otherwise afford. These efforts have
given rise to the term “citizen science”. This national
movement allows volunteers to gain first-hand understanding of the
complexities of park science issues. Sometimes the volunteers are
themselves scientists donating their time and expertise.
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