As part of its long designation process, the National Park Service requires a prospective National Park to fit within certain criteria defining a locations significance as a natural, cultural, or recreation resource. I am providing Senator Rockefeller with information about the National Park proposal, and I would like my briefing materials to include specific information as to how the proposed site fits into the Park Service’s list of examples. If it is possible, can the members of the Highlands Conservancy respond to the following list with information specific to the Blackwater Canyon area (for the purposes of my memo to the Senator please also include any information pertaining solely to the Blackwater Falls State Park).

I understand that some of the examples listed might be considered self-explanatory, and many of the examples and responses might be redundant. Please respond to each example that applies, as I would like to tailor the information I give the Senator as closely to the Park Service format as possible. Also, please keep in mind that I know the Canyon only because of what I have read and through pictures— your explanations will be much more to the point than any rhetoric I can produce.

If it is possible, I would like to hear back from the Highlands Conservancy by close of business Friday. I apologize for the short notice, and I thank you in advance for your help.

Natural Resource evaluation examples:

• an outstanding site that illustrates the characteristics of a landform or biotic area that is still widespread;
• a rare remnant natural landscape or biotic area of a type that was once widespread but is now vanishing due to human settlement and development;
• a landform or biotic area that has always been extremely uncommon in the region or Nation;
• a site that possesses exceptional diversity of ecological components (species, communities, or habitats)or geological features (landforms, observable manifestations of geologic processes);
• a site that contains biotic species or communities whose natural distribution at that location makes them unusual (for example, a relatively large population at the limit of its range or an isolated population);
• a site that harbors a concentrated population of a rare plant or animal specids, particularly one officially recognized as threatened or endangered;
• a critical refuge that is necessary for the continued survival of a species;
• a site that contains rare of unusually abundant fossil deposits;
• an area that has outstanding scenic qualities such as dramatic topographic features, unusual contrasts in landforms or vegetation, spectacular vistas, or other special landscape features;
• a site that is an invaluable ecological or geological benchmark due to an extensive and long-term record of research and scientific discovery.

Recreational Area examples:

• a natural or cultural feature that provides a special setting for a variety of recreational activities different from those available at the local or regional level;
• a spacious area that is located near a manor population center with the potential to provide exceptional recreational opportunities and to serve visitors from around the Nation rather than solely form the immediate vicinity;
• an area that protects a unique recreation resource that is scarce and disappearing in a multi-state region such as an outstanding recreational river, a unique maritime environment or coastline, or a unique scenic area;
• a resource that is a unique combination of natural, cultural, and recreation features that collectively offer outstanding opportunities for public use and enjoyment even though each feature might not individually be considered nationally significant.