ABSTRACT
The Appalachian Highlands Network contains three national parklands that are larger than 100 mi2: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM), Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BISO), and Blue Ridge Parkway (BLRI). It also contains one smaller parkland: Obed Wild and Scenic River (OBRI). Larger parks generally have more available data with which to evaluate air pollution sensitivities and effects. In addition, the larger parks generally contain more extensive resources in need of protection against the adverse impacts of air pollution. Since air pollutants can be widespread, reduction of pollution emissions affecting large parks will often result in the protection of smaller parks located nearby as well. Within the Appalachian Highlands Network, effects of air pollutants on air quality-related values have only been well studied in GRSM. Figure 4.1 shows the network boundary, the location of each park, and population centers having more than 10,000 people.
