Learn about NRCAs
The Natural Resource Condition Assessment (NRCA) Program provides framework, funding, and publishing support to parks to aid in the synthesis and documentation of natural resource conditions. Condition assessment reports are a tool to describe selected park resources, and record a snapshot of their current condition, identify trends, and identify potential or current threats and stressors. Understanding the condition and trend of natural resources is key for parks and NPS planners to appropriately prioritize and allocate stewardship resources.

NPS/Autumn Cook.
Traditional NRCA Report: 2013
In an effort to better understand the natural resources and processes present in this park, a Natural Resource Condition Assessment was conducted and published in 2013. National Park Service representatives and the University of Maryland collaborated to determine park needs and available data. This team chose four resource topics, and their related indicators, to evaluate:
- Air quality |
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- Water resources |
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- Biological integrity |
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- Landscape dynamics |
Overall, the assessment showed that the resources in Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park were in degraded conditions. Water resources and landscape dynamics were considered to be in conditions of moderate concern, while air quality and biological integrity were considered to be in conditions of significant concern. This park faces threats from overpopulation of deer, surrounding land development, and poor regional air quality. In addition, a warming climate is expected to present more challenges in the coming years, including increasing ozone, increasing water temperature, and affects on exotic pest species and diseases.
For other reports and natural resource datasets visit the NPS Data Store.
Source: Data Store Collection 7765 (results presented are a subset). To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
Last updated: February 25, 2022