Nature

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The national park system was established to keep areas of natural and cultural significance "unimpaired for future generations." Author Wendy Hart Beckman explores the subjects that have historically concerned the parks, from the building of dams to the control of wildlife. And she outlines the issues facing the parks today: How can pollution be controlled? What are the interests of different cultural groups? How can visitors enjoy the parks without spoiling the experience—for today's visitors and the visitors of tomorrow?

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Enslow Publishers, Inc.

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? At one time, the managers of many national parks were. For example, early in the history of the National Park Service, hunters were encouraged to kill wolves in some parks. Some people thought the wolves were wiping out other animal populations. Now, wolves are seen as wildlife that must be protected. In fact, the National Park Service is reintroducing wolves to parks to restore them to their natural state. Wolves represent just one of many dilemmas facing national parks. Many of the issues in the national parks today reflect issues in our society in general: pollution, protection of cultural resources, and learning what is of value to us.
What Makes a National Park
National parks protect our natural and cultural resources and processes. Special parks are designated as “wilderness areas.” In these areas, the character and resources of wilderness are preserved as if no human had ever touched them. Here, people have to be able to accept the wilderness for what it has to offer without changing it.

From National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues
Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2004
Copyright Wendy Hart Beckman 2004