National Parks/Lands

Discussion: National Parks/Lands

National Parks and Other Natural Land Areas

For this discussion forum you will be researching a United States, federally owned park, refuge, marine sanctuary, forest, or other applicable federally owned land/water area. Chapter 17 information can help you further distinguish and determine what are federally owned lands, that belong to us all, and are managed by a number of various federal agencies. A stipulation is that you may not use Everglades National Park (you have already learned much about ENP). Additionally, I encourage you to broaden your horizons and complete your discussion on a federal land area outside of Florida, although I am just specifying you cannot do your report on ENP.

A. Answer the following for the federally owned natural land area you choose:

1) Where is the natural land area located and what agency of the United States government manages it (be as specific as possible)? For instance, the Department of the Interior (DOI) oversees many of the United States natural areas, but there are many agencies, divisions, or services of the DOI that actually oversee the direct management. Note: this assignment corresponds to Chapter 17 of you text which you may consult for further information on the structure and configuration of most the nations natural areas.

2) What date was it dedicated/formed and briefly describe the circumstances behind its formation?

3) What are the primary plant and animal life (be specific as possible) found within the natural land area, specifically including any endangered species? What other organisms, other than plants and animals, may be important for the ecology of this natural land area?

4) What biomes/ecosystems (terrestrial and aquatic/marine) are found within the natural land area?

5) Describe the physical attributes and geological features of the natural land area?

6) Describe what makes this natural land area unique to be preserved/conserved by the federal government for us?

7) Describe the visitor services available for this natural land area. That is, if you were to/have already visited this area, how are visitors accommodated, if at all? What is there for visitors to do?

8) Briefly describe three (3) threats/dangers that are harming or potentially harming the natural land area and what could be done to alleviate those dangers?

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