Types of Studies

There are five types of Congressionally authorized studies to assess potential National Park Service designations, as well as preliminary evaluations known as reconnaissance surveys:

Special Resource Studies

Special resource studies (SRSs) for potential new units of the National Park System evaluate whether a study area: 

1. possesses nationally significant resources, 
2. would be a suitable addition to the system, 
3. would be a feasible addition to the system, and 
4. would require direct National Park Service management or administration instead of alternative protection by other agencies or the private sector. 

An SRS also evaluates different management options to aid in making this determination. For more information on the SRS criteria, see NPS Management Policies 2006, Chapter 1.  

Separately, boundary adjustment studies for existing national park units help identify and evaluate boundary changes that may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the park. Typically, these are not conducted through a Congressionally-authorized study because the National Park Service has the authority to initiate and evaluate boundary adjustments. For more information about boundary adjustments, see National Park Service Management Policies, 2006 (Section 3.5). 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Studies

Wild and Scenic River studies help determine if a river might be eligible and/or suitable for wild and scenic river designation, including: 

1. whether the river is eligible for designation based on its free-flowing condition and water quality, and the presence of one or more outstandingly remarkable values that are rare, unique, or exemplary, 
2. the appropriate classification - “wild,” “scenic,” or “recreational” - for the river, and 
3. whether the river is suitable for designation, based on the extent of public support, feasibility of managing the river to protect its values, and consistency with other public uses of the waterway. 

Find more information about the Wild and Scenic Rivers Program and Wild and Scenic River Study criteria.  

National Trail Feasibility Studies

National Trail feasibility studies evaluate the suitability of a trail being added to the National Trails System as a National Historic Trail or National Scenic Trail. Each trail designation type includes unique evaluation criteria established by The National Trail System Act.  

Find more information about the National Trails System and how a national trail is established. 

National Heritage Area Studies

National Heritage Areas require a feasibility study to assess the suitability and feasibility of each proposed area for designation as a National Heritage Area. National heritage area feasibility studies can be carried out by the National Park Service or by interested individuals or entities, if the National Park Service certifies that the completed study meets certain requirements.  

Find more information about feasibility studies for National Heritage Areas.   

Reconnaissance Surveys

Reconnaissance surveys are an initial evaluation that can be prepared before a full study of any type is authorized by Congress. Reconnaissance surveys provide a preliminary assessment of whether the area is likely to meet the study criteria to be eligible for designation and whether it is a good candidate for an in-depth study, as the next step toward considering a designation.  

These surveys are limited in scope and funding, do not provide a full analysis of the study criteria, and do not include a public process.  A survey report can be requested by a member of Congress, Secretary of the Interior, or National Park Service Director. 

Beyond Designation: Other Opportunities for National Park Service Support

In addition to managing over 430 national park units across the United States and its territories, the National Park Service administers numerous national and regional programs that are available to state, local, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and the general public. Many natural and cultural resources can benefit from these programs independent of the designations described above.

Visit the Directory of National Park Service Community Assistance Programs Community Assistance Programs to learn about programs that provide ongoing opportunities to engage in the National Park Service's mission.

Learn about the NPS System Plan

The National Park Service System Plan released in 2017 shares a vision for the National Park System, describes gaps in the System related to natural and cultural themes, and provides recommendations for evaluating and studying new park units. It has served as a recent guide for shaping the System while leaving room for flexibility.

Additional Resources