The Resource Management Program at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve focuses on preserving both the natural ecosystems and cultural landscapes within the park. The primary goals are to maintain the ecological integrity of the area as it was when first discovered in 1874 and to protect the historical and ethnographic resources.
Our Objectives:
Preserve Natural Ecosystems: Ensure that the natural processes above and below the ground are functioning as they did when the caves were discovered.
Cultural Preservation: Protect cultural landscapes, ethnographic resources, and historical objects and structures that contribute to the park’s heritage.
Our Strategies:
Understanding Ecological Processes: Management decisions aim to maintain or restore natural processes. By understanding these systems, the park ensures that its actions support the ecosystems.
Monitoring Park Resources: Continuous monitoring of resource conditions, their natural fluctuations, and the impacts of human recreation is crucial. This also includes keeping track of external activities like grazing and logging, which could affect the park.
Data and Documentation: The Geographic Information System (GIS), park library, and species checklists are essential tools for documentation and resource tracking. Rare plant species and communities are systematically surveyed and monitored.
Exotic and Invasive Species Control: The program works actively to remove and control invasive plant speciesto protect native biodiversity.
Visitor Safety: Identifying potential hazards to visitors, such as unsound trees, poisonous plants, cave dangers, and wildlife, and addressing these issues in a manner that aligns with resource protection is a top priority.
Impact Reduction: Proper planning for proposed developments or facilities ensures that all possible impacts on the environment and historical structures are minimized.
Encouraging Research: The park supports research initiatives in cooperation with universities and scientists to better understand the park’s resources and how they interact dynamically with people.
This proactive management approach ensures that Oregon Caves remains a valuable and well-preserved resource for future generations.
