News Release

National Park Service Completes Special Resource Study for Rota

Date: October 5, 2023
Contact: [e-mail]

WASHINGTON – The National Park Service (NPS) today transmitted the Rota Special Resource Study to Congress. The study evaluated a variety of opportunities for preserving and interpreting the unique natural and cultural resources on the island of Rota in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) but concluded that the Rota study area likely does not have a need for NPS management.  

The purpose of the congressionally authorized study was to evaluate the prehistoric, historic, and limestone forest sites on Rota and to determine the national significance of the sites and feasibility of designating them as a national park unit. The study evaluated high-quality, intact areas of limestone forest and sites associated with the island’s Chamorro heritage and World War II history. The NPS appreciates the support provided by the Rota and CNMI governments, scholars, and the local community throughout the study process. 

A potential site is evaluated according to four congressionally established criteria: (1) national significance, (2) suitability, (3) feasibility and (4) the need for NPS management. All four criteria must have positive findings for the special resources study to identify a site as eligible for potential inclusion in the National Park System. Ultimately, units in the National Park System are designated by acts of Congress and/or through presidential proclamation. A special resource study serves as one of many reference sources for those interested in the potential designation of an area in the National Park System.  

The study finds that the prehistoric, historic, and limestone forest resources of Rota are nationally significant and that areas of the island are suitable for inclusion in the national park system. The study additionally finds that limestone forest and Chamorro archeological sites within the study area are conditionally feasible for inclusion in the national park system, dependent on support from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) government and the development of a management agreement, support from Rota and CNMI residents, and sufficient funding for park operations.  

However, analysis of existing management and several additional management frameworks does not demonstrate a clear need for direct NPS management at this time. The people of Rota have protected their resources for generations through cultural practices, local laws, federal financial assistance, and the dedicated efforts of CNMI agencies. The exceptional integrity of Rota’s cultural and natural resources is evidence of the community’s impressive and centuries-long tradition of stewardship. The CNMI government is continuing this tradition of resource stewardship while also providing visitor access and information about Rota’s significant sites. Because NPS management is not needed, the special resource study concludes that Rota does not meet all criteria necessary to be considered eligible for designation as a new unit of the national park system.  

To enhance technical support and/or federal funding assistance for resources within the study area, Rota and the CNMI may choose to explore grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Office of Insular Affairs, and the Historic Preservation Fund, and/or pursue world heritage site, national heritage area, or NPS affiliated area designation. 

The study report is posted on the study website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/rotastudy. 

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.