An Excerpt from the Act of August 25, 1916, National Park Organic Act which establishes the National Park Service

Excerpt from the Act of August 25, 1916, National Park Service Organic Act which establishes the National Park Service.

The Service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as National Parks, Monuments, and Reservations. . . by such means and measures as to conform to the fundamental purpose of the said Parks, Monuments, and Reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historical objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

 

Excerpt from the Redwood Act Amendment (which provides additional guidance on national park system management).

Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the various areas of the National Park System shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by the first section of the Act of August 25, 1916, to the common benefit of all people of the United States. The authorization of activities shall be construed and the protection, management, and administration of these areas shall be conducted in the light of the high public value and integrity of the National Park System and shall not be exercised in derogation of the values and purposes for which these various areas have been established, except as may have been or shall be directly and specifically provided by Congress.