Denali National Parks and Reserve (AK)
Gates of the Arctic National Park (AK)
Glacier Bay National Park (AK)
Noatak National Preserve (AK)
Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (AZ)
Channell Islands National Park (CA)
Death Valley National Monument (CA)
Joshua Tree National Monument (CA)
Kings Canyon National Park (CA)
Redwood National Park (CA)
Sequoia National Park (CA)
Yosemite National Park (CA)
Mesa Verde National Park (CA)
Rocky Mountain National Park (CA)
Everglades National Park (FL)
Cumberland Island National Seashore (GA)
Haleakala National Park (HI)
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HI)
Mammoth Care National Park (KY)
Isle Royle National Park (MI)
Glacier National Park (MT)
Statue of Liberty National Monument (NY)
Cape Lookout National Seashore (NC)
Independence National Historical Park (PA)
San Juan National Historic Site (PR)
Congaree Swamp National Monument (SC)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN)
Big Bend National Park (TX)
Big Thicket National Preserve (TX)
Virgin Islands National Park (VI)
Olympic National Park (WA)
Yellowstone National Park (WY)
Questions
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1. How many parks are specifically designated as having international significance and in what states are the parks located in?
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2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of internationally designated parks?
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3. Select one of the international parks to research. Collect data on size, features, location, amenities, history, and other information that describes why the park has ‘special’ status.
III
Redwood, Everglade, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic and Yellowstone are U.S. National Parks that have both natural wonders and are of scientific importance. Read the following descriptive passages in order to gain insight to their special international status.
Yellowstone
“The preservation of wilderness of forests, geysers, mountains . . . and the game common to that region in as nearly the condition of those who shall come after us something of the original ‘wild west’ that shall stand while the rest of the world moves, affording the student of nature and the pleasure tourist a restful contrast to . . busy and progressive scenes”
Lucius Q. C. Kamar, Secretary of Interior 1886
Everglade
“What an exceedingly interesting educational exhibit this entire area would be if by absolute protection these birds would multiply and the now rare species come back into the picture for the enjoyment of future generations.”
U.S. Park Director Horace Albright 1932
Redwood
“The importance of protecting not only the particular scenic-scientific park features, in this case the unsurpassed stands of coast redwoods, but of bringing under some degree of control the surrounding, ecologically-related lands”
Russell D. Butcher, Environmentalist 1964
Great Smoky Mountain
“They are first in beauty of woods, in thrilling fairyland glens, and in the warmth of Mother Nature’s Welcome. The greatest portion of the lands involved in these two park projects are wilderness areas, and in the Smoky Mountains are found the greatest outstanding peaks east of the Rocky Mountains.”
Park Commissioner William C. Gregg 1925
Questions
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1. Identify the unique characteristic of each national park.
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2. What common features are apparent in all parks?
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3. From the above descriptions on parks with international designation, which one do you think has the most to offer and why?
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4. The passages are written by individuals who view parks from different perspectives. What impact does the individual’s position have on their interpretation of the park?
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5. Select a Kenyan Park to research. After collecting data, write a detailed description on the park and explain why it is of international significance.
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6. Design a brochure about one of the national parks listed above. Include a description of the park, artistic representation, map, available activities, and its international appeal.
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7. What is the significance of park names?
(figure available in print form)
Abbreviations
G.C.A.
|
Game Conservation Area
|
G.R.
|
Game Reserve
|
M.N.P.
|
Marine National Park
|
M.N.R.
|
Marine National Reserve
|
N.P.
|
National Park
|
N.R.
|
National Reserve
|