National Park Service planning is guided by a complex set of legal and policy requirements. All National Park Service -administered lands and waters (units) must comply with Management Policies, Director’s Orders, and other relevant laws and policies specific to the type of unit, resource, or subject for which they are planning.
Director’s Order #2
NPS Management Policies Chapter 2: Park System Planning establishes the general principles and major elements of planning for National Park Service units. Director’s Order #2: Park Planning (DO-2) supplements and supersedes sections of Management Policies, Chapter 2 to:
- define the National Park Service planning framework and the planning portfolio;
- outline the types of planning documents available to meet National Park Service unit planning needs; and
- provide clarity and guidance about how a National Park Service unit’s planning portfolio meets the statutory requirements for general management plans (GMP) (54 U.S.C. 100502).
The planning framework includes multiple levels of plans that guide decision-making and ensure compliance with relevant laws and policies. This process flows from broad-scale comprehensive planning to more specific strategic planning, implementation planning, and annual performance planning and reporting, all of which are grounded in foundation documents.
Reference Manual 2
Reference Manual 2: Park Planning (RM-2) provides detailed guidance to National Park Service employees, partners, and other members of the public engaged in National Park Service planning. RM-2 serves as Level 3 guidance within the NPS Directives System, and includes relevant legislation, regulations, Management Policies, other instructions or requirements issued through DO-2.
The objectives of RM-2 are to:
- provide clear guidance on fulfilling mandates outlined in 54 U.S.C. 100502;
- clarify the minimum requirements for general management planning/
- align expectations and planning outcomes with National Park Service operational capacity; and
- codify standard operating procedures for planning policy reviews.
RM-2 is a dynamic, digital resource that is updated as needed, with new examples and supporting materials added over time. Users are encouraged to check this page for updates before beginning any planning effort and to consult with Regional Office Planning or Park Planning and Special Studies staff for guidance on interpretation or application of this guidance.
Find additional planning-related policies and guidance.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Background and Purpose
Chapter 2: The NPS Planning Framework
Chapter 3: Statutory Requirements for General Management Planning
Additional Resources
Foundation Documents
Each park has a foundation document which provides basic guidance for planning and management decisions.
Park Planning Portfolios
Portfolios consist of planning documents that currently guide decision making and satisfy law and policy at a park.
Areas of Planning
Park planning involves many topics and areas of expertise. Find more information about these topics, programs and tools.
Adding to the System
When adding new places or expanding current sites in the National Park System, there are first assessments.
Last updated: January 17, 2025