Park Purpose

Park purpose statements are based on national park legislation, legislative history, and National Park Service policies. The statements reaffirm the reasons for which the park was set aside as a unit of the national park system and they provide the foundation for national park management and use.

According to the Final General Management Plan Revision/Environmental Impact Statement (May 2004) the purpose of Petrified Forest National Park is to:

• preserve and protect Petrified Forest, its outstanding paleontologic sites and specimens, its associated ecosystems, cultural and historic resources, and scenic and wilderness values for present and future generations;
• provide opportunities to experience, understand, and enjoy the Petrified Forest and surrounding area in a manner that is compatible with the preservation of park resources and wilderness character;
• facilitate orderly, regulated, and continuing research; and
• promote understanding and stewardship of resources and park values by providing educational opportunities for students, scientific groups, and the public.

Park Significance Statements