Science, technology, and innovation in national and state parks refer to the ways in which they are used to understand and manage the natural and cultural resources found within the parks. The National Park Service (NPS) and state park agencies have a mission to preserve, protect, and interpret these resources, and use science, technology, and innovation to achieve this goal.
Many national and state parks have active research programs that are used to understand and manage the natural and cultural resources found within the parks. This research can include studies of the park’s flora and fauna, geology, hydrology, and climate, as well as its cultural resources, such as historical structures and artifacts. Additionally, many parks use technology to manage and protect resources, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and monitor resources, or remote sensing technology to monitor wildlife populations.
The NPS and state park agencies also use innovation in the design and management of park facilities and infrastructure. For example, many national and state parks have implemented sustainable design principles in new construction and renovation projects, such as using green technologies, energy-efficient systems, and alternative energy sources, and in visitor use management, such as using virtual queuing systems for popular attractions to reduce crowding.
Overall, science, technology, and innovation play an important role in the mission of national and state parks. They provide the tools and knowledge necessary to understand and manage the natural and cultural resources found within the parks, and to ensure that these resources are protected and preserved for future generations. The NPS and state park agencies use science, technology, and innovation to achieve this goal, and also use innovation in the design and management of park facilities and infrastructure to reduce environmental impact and improve the visitor experience.