A Natural Area is an area within a state park of unique scenic, geologic or ecological value which
will be maintained in a natural condition by allowing physical and biological processes to operate,
usually without direct human intervention. These areas are set aside to provide locations for
scientific observation of natural systems, to protect examples of typical and unique plant and animal
communities and to protect outstanding examples of natural interest and beauty.
The idea to form state parks natural areas came from State Parks 2000, the Bureau's strategic
plan. The policy creating the program says that these sensitive areas need to be protected for
scientific study, environmental educational opportunities and for future generations.
The Natural Areas program for state parks complements the Bureau of Forestry's Natural and
Wild Area program. In order to ensure that nature will take its due course in these designated areas,
human activity is severely limited; no human habitation will be allowed, no research will be
conducted in the areas without express written permission of the director, buildings and other
on-site improvements will be restricted to a minimum safety standard and the only timber cutting and
insect and disease control allowed will be for public safety or when activities or events threaten the
natural values of the area.
With the designation of the first nine outstanding natural areas in 1993, the program was off to a fine start. Thirteen additional areas have since been added to the program. In an ongoing selection process, other areas will be reviewed, evaluated and set aside for the education and enjoyment of future generations.
Of the 22 state park natural areas, seven are National Natural Landmarks. A National Natural Landmark is a nationally significant natural area that has been designated by the Secretary of the Interior. To be nationally significant, an area has to be one of the best examples of a type of biological community or geological feature in a physiographic province.
The goals of the National Natural Landmark program:
- To encourage the preservation of sites illustrating the geological and ecological character of the United States.
- To enhance the scientific and educational value of sites thus reserved.
- To strengthen public appreciation of natural history.
- Foster a greater concern for the conservation of the nation's natural heritage.
The national designation, although highlighting the significance of the site, does not provide specific guidelines for management. By designating areas under its own program, the Bureau of State Parks has guaranteed protection of these sites with a set of management guidelines and restrictions.
For more information, visit the National Natural Landmark Web site.
National Natural Landmarks
Boulder Field - Hickory Run State Park
Ferncliff Peninsula - Ohiopyle State Park
Forest Cathedral - Cook Forest State Park
Glens Natural Area - Ricketts Glen State Park
Gull Point - Presque Isle State Park
Pine Creek Gorge - Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks
Slippery Rock Gorge - McConnells Mill State Park
