NPS Policies for Mount Rainier National Park
MPG V2.8, January 2013
As a National Park, Mount Rainier National Park (NP) is under the operation and management of the National Park Service (NPS), Department of the Interior. That said, it is the jurisdiction of Congress to pass the laws, signed by the President, which defines the appropriations (funds) and legal matters for the NP, which are translated into policies and regulations by the NPS for Mt. Rainier NP.
Types of Laws
There are many Management Policies which governs the National Park Service's management, operation and planning of Mt. Rainier NP. These govern a wide range of areas and subjects, such as personnel, financial management and so on, along with those directly involving the NP associated with environmental assessment and planning.
These last policies are often the ones most visible to visitors because they're seen in the results of land managment and planning, NP facilities, bike trails, roads, etc., and visitor safety and experiences. These are outlined in the Carbon River Environmental Assessment, available here, pages 31-32. These are also summarized below. This list will be updated as more are found to be appropriate for inclusion.
National Park Service Management Policies (2006)
These are the section which applied to the NP when they had to develop a plan for the problems associated with flooding in the Carbon River valley which caused extensive damage to the road, trails and facilities in the valley.
Section 4.3.4 National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
"...No management actions may be taken that could adversely affect the values that qualify a river for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System."
Section 4.6.4 Floodplains
"In managing floodplains on park lands, the National Park Service will (1) manage for the preservation of floodplain values; (2) minimize potentially hazardous conditions associated with flooding ; and (3) comply with the NPS Organic Act and all other federal laws related to the management of activities in flood-prone areas..."
"When it is not practicable to locate or relocate development or inappropriate human activities in a site outside and not affecting the floodplain, the Service will...", meaning assure the minimization of damage to facilities or protection of human life, and assure all facilities are in compliance with floodplain laws.
Section 4.8.1.3 Geologic Hazards
"Naturally occurring geologic processes, which the Park Service is charged to preserve unimpaired,
can be hazardous to humans and park infrastructure. These include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
mudflows, landslides, floods, shoreline processes, tsunamis, and avalanches...
The Service will work closely with specialists at the U. S. Geological Survey and elsewhere, and with
local, state, tribal, and federal disaster management officials, to devise effective geologic hazard
identification and management strategies..."
Section 9.2.1.1 Park Roads
"Park roads will be well constructed, sensitive to natural and cultural resources, reflect the highest principles of park design and enhance the visitor experience . . . For most parks, a road system is already in place... Park road designs are subject to NPS Park Road Standards, which are adaptable to each park’s unique haracter and resource limitations."
Section 9.1.1.5 Siting Facilities to Avoid Natural Hazards
"The Service will strive to site facilities where they will not be damaged or destroyed by natural physical processes... Park development that is damaged or destroyed by a hazardous or catastrophic natural event will be thoroughly evaluated for relocation or replacement by new construction in a different location."
Section 9.2.2.5 Bicycle Trails
"Bicycle routes may be considered as an alternative to motor vehicle access. Bicycle travel may be integrated with park roads when determined to be safe and feasible..."
Natural Resources Management Guideline (NPS-77)
"This comprehensive guideline directs the actions of park managers in natural resources protection so that natural resources activities planned and initiated within the national park system comply with federal law, regulations, and the Department of the Interior and NPS policies."
Cultural Resources Management Guideline (NPS-28)
"This guideline identifies the authorities for cultural resources management as derived from federal laws, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation that guide the implementation of cultural resources management in the national park system."
Personal Notes
As described in the policies, there are extensive laws, regulations and policies which apply to Mt. Rainier NP. Readers should understand the laws are the responsibility of Congress and signed by the President and the policies are developed by the NPS as required by laws to manage the resources of the NP.
This means tne NPS has the complicated work of ensuring they operate and manage the NP in compliance with the applicable laws with regulations and policies for the best current and future use and protection of the resources of the NP for all of us.
Below are sources with the full text and some with summary information of the historical or current laws governing the National Park Service's operation and management of Mount Rainier National Park.
- Full Text Websites
- Summary Websites
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