What is Park Planning?

Planning in the National Park Service (NPS) helps parks to develop strong foundations for decision-making to effectively achieve their purpose. Planning helps define the set of resource conditions, visitor experiences, and management actions that, coupled with funding and staffing realities, will best achieve the mandate to preserve resources unimpaired for the enjoyment of present and future generations. This work is accomplished through collaboration with National Park Service technical experts as well as external communities and stakeholders. 

National Park Service planning staff also support the study of potential additions to the National Park System.