Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a conceptual framework of protected areas (PAs) to bridge the gap in a terminological sense and to facilitate the comparative studies. It also provides a theoretical framework and has three objectives. The book reviews the current legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the management of national parks and other types of public land designations in the US. It discusses how the management policies issued by the National Park Service (NPS) interpret the purpose statement of the Organic Act and restate the non-impairment standard prescribed therein. The book also discusses how statutes and agency policies adjudicate conflicts between conservation and recreation and the degree to which a solution is achieved. It analyzes how the courts interpret congressional statutes, evaluate agencies' interpretations of these statutes, and choose the deference standard in reviewing agencies' management decisions.