Resource Protection: a Model For National Parks

As development of lands around national parks increases it will be important for land use controls to be in place to protect park resources. This study resulted in the development of a model that can be used to refine a protection plan for park resources using a geographic information system. This model considers existing land use regulations, public perception, and the unique physical characteristics of a national park. Cartographic modeling is used to apply unique park variables to create an individualized resource protection plan. Wilson\u27s Creek National Battlefield in Southwest Missouri and the adjacent area is used to test the effectiveness of this model. One of the important resources at this park are scenic vistas from three viewpoints within the park. This study resulted in a set of policy recommendations to preserve the viewshed of these three points. Additionally, guidelines were developed that other national park managers can use when constructing a resource protection plan designed specifically to protect their park\u27s unique resources