The goal of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of structures and programs of monitoring, reporting, and managing water resources in the First State National Historical Park to other national historical parks. Much attention has been given to water resource management, but there has been little to no scholarly literature focusing specifically on the approaches to water resources management within the national historical parks of the United States. This research identifies the condition, monitoring, reporting, and approaches to water resources management of national historical parks at First State (DE), Valley Forge (PA), Minute Man (MA), and Harpers Ferry (WV) (Figure 1.1). The research will identify the differences in water quality standards, the condition and status of water resources, and monitoring and reporting of water resources among these four national historical parks. Valley Forge, Minute Man, and Harpers Ferry were chosen based on their designation as a national historical park, size, and location. These three parks are similar in size to First State and are located in the Northeastern United States.
The focus area for this research is the First State National Historical Park (First State), geographically situated along the Brandywine River in Delaware and Pennsylvania. First State is Delaware’s first and only national historical park. First State was designated a national monument in 2013 and later designated a national historical park in 2015. Therefore, the historical park is very new and classified as a starter park. The main focus of the historical park is planning and progress, establishing a general management plan for the park, which will provide foresight for how to strategically manage the parks resources, engaging the community and youth, and building partnerships. As the First State is in its infancy, this research will hopefully provide meaningful information on monitoring, reporting and conveying complex information on water resources to the public to managers and employees of First State.
By: Briana Diacopoulos
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