Restore

A vehicle is in a western river, potentially causing damage to a resource.

NPS Photo

The NPS Resource Protection Branch of the Environmental Quality Division is responsible for managing the NPS Damage Assessment and Restoration program.

The goal of a "damage assessment" is to identify and quantify injuries to wildlife, habitat and other NPS resources, as well as the lost use of those resources (including recreational use), and then to determine how to best restore the resources and compensate for the losses.

Once a resolution of damages has been achieved, the process proceeds to restoration planning and implementation. At this point, the program will work closely with park staff on a project team to review restoration requirements and perform restoration measures.

Key Restoration Planning Activities:

• Ensure environmental compliance

• Provide for public participation if required

• Establish roles and responsibilities

• Check consistency with other park plans

• Form a trustee council if required

• Establish success criteria

Contact the Resource Protection Branch to learn more about the damage assessment and/or restoration planning process.