The National Park Service (NPS) planning framework centers on each unit using a park planning portfolio to guide management and decision-making and satisfy law and policy requirements. As outlined in the core National Park Service planning policy document, Director's Order #2: Park Planning, a park's planning portfolio is a crucial collection of planning documents currently in use at a park. The portfolio approach fosters the creation of targeted, cost-effective planning to address a wide range of park issues and needs.
Director’s Order #2: Park Planning
The National Park Service recently updated Director's Order #2: Park Planning to enhance planning efficiency and effectiveness. This revision:
- Defines the NPS planning framework and the park planning portfolio.
- Clarifies how the planning portfolio approach aligns with the statutory requirements for general management plans (54 USC 100502).
- Describes roles and responsibilities.
Director's Order #2 supplements and supersedes NPS Management Policies (2006), chapter 2, "Park System Planning."
An accompanying reference manual, Reference Manual 2 (RM-2), is in development and will be posted on our website when available. Reference Manual 2 will be a “living document”, regularly updated as new resources and guidance emerge.
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: June 28, 2024