or the larger region of which parks are a part as necessary to form the basis of sound park management.



To establish cooperative study units to conduct multi-disciplinary research and develop integrated information products on the resources of the National Park System, or the larger region of which parks are a part.

The establishment of a comprehensive network of such college and university based cooperative study units as will provide full geographic
and topical coverage for research on the resources contained in units of the National Park System and their larger regions.

(16 USC 5933).

To more effectively achieve the mission of the National Park Service; to enhance
management and protection of national park resources by providing clear authority and direction for the conduct of scientific study in the National Park System and to use the information gathered for management purposes; to ensure appropriate documentation of resource conditions in the National Park System; to encourage others to use the National Park System for study to the benefit of park management as well as broader scientific value; to encourage the publication and dissemination of information derived from studies in the National Park System.

The objectives of the units (cooperative ecosystem study units) are to:
• Provide resource managers with high-quality scientific research, technical assistance, and education;
• Provide resource managers with solid natural resource information;
• Deliver research and technical assistance that is timely, relevant to resource managers, and needed to develop and implement sound adaptive management approaches;
• Ensure the independence and objectivity of research;
• Create and maintain effective partnerships among federal agencies and universities to share resources and expertise;
• Take full advantage of university resources while benefiting faculty and students;
• Provide research, technical assistance, and educational functions within the context of cultural, social, biological, and physical sciences;
• Enhance the ability of Federal natural and cultural resource managers to generate, acquire, synthesize, act upon, and articulate to the public sound research and scientific information;
• Encourage professional development of federal scientists and enhance their ability to manage federal science resources efficiently.