Associated Sites:

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site

Tupelo National Battlefield

Foundation Document

Natchez Trace Parkway

Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee October 2014

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NPS / © Marc Muench
Foundation Document

Jackson

Natchez

TTuuppeelloo

Parkway

Information

Cabin

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

- follows the parkway

MISSISSIPPI

ALABAMA

TENNESSEE

ARKANSAS

LOUISIANA

MISSOURI KENTUCKY

FLORIDA

65

40

20

59

55

10

110

55

24

55

10

Jeff Busby

Mount Locust

Colbert Ferry

Meriwether Lewis

Parkway Visitor Center

and

Headquarters

Rocky Springs

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BBiirrmmiinngghhaamm

BBaattoonn RRoouuggee

MMeemmpphhiiss

NNaasshhvviillllee

Tupelo National Battlefield

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site

0 25 50 100 Miles

Legend

City

Point of Interest

Major Routes

State boundary

Water Bodies

Urban area

Park Boundary

Natchez Trace Parkway

Mississippi, Alabama,Tennessee

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior
Natchez Trace Parkway

Contents

Mission of the National Park Service 1

Introduction 2

Part 1: Core Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Brief Description of the Park 3

Natchez Trace Parkway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and

Tupelo National Battlefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Park Purpose 4

Park Significance 5

Fundamental Resources and Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Other Important Resources and Values 7

Interpretive Themes 8

Part 2: Dynamic Components 9

Special Mandates and Administrative Commitments 9

Special Mandates 9

Administrative Commitments 9

Assessment of Planning and Data Needs 9

Analysis of Fundamental Resources and Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Analysis of Other Important Resources and Values 24

Identification of Key Issues and Associated Planning and Data Needs 26

Planning and Data Needs 28

Part 3: Contributors 33

Natchez Trace Parkway 33

NPS Southeast Region 33

Other NPS Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Appendixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Appendix A: Enabling Legislation and Legislative Acts for 

Natchez Trace Parkway and associated sites 34

Appendix B: Inventory of Administrative Commitments . . . . . . . . . .37
Foundation Document

NPS / © Marc Muench
The arrowhead was authorized as the 

official National Park Service emblem 

by the Secretary of the Interior on 

July 20, 1951. The sequoia tree and 

bison represent vegetation and wildlife, 

the mountains and water represent 

scenic and recreational values, and the 

arrowhead represents historical and 

archeological values.

1

Natchez Trace Parkway

Mission of the National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and 

values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and 

future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits 

of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country 

and the world.

The NPS core values are a framework in which the National Park Service accomplishes its 

mission. They express the manner in which, both individually and collectively, the National 

Park Service pursues its mission. The NPS core values are:

· Shared stewardship: We share a commitment to resource stewardship with the global 

preservation community.

· Excellence: We strive continually to learn and improve so that we may achieve the 

highest ideals of public service.

· Integrity: We deal honestly and fairly with the public and one another.

· Tradition: We are proud of it; we learn from it; we are not bound by it.

· Respect: We embrace each other’s differences so that we may enrich the well-being 

of everyone. 

The National Park Service is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. While numerous 

national park system units were created prior to 1916, it was not until August 25, 1916, that 

President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act formally establishing 

the National Park Service.

The national park system continues to grow and comprises 401 park units covering more 

than 84 million acres in every state, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, 

Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These units include, but are not limited to, national 

parks, monuments, parkways, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, 

lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House. The 

variety and diversity of park units throughout the nation require a strong commitment to 

resource stewardship and management to ensure both the protection and enjoyment of these 

resources for future generations.
Foundation Document

2

Introduction

Every unit of the national park system will have a foundational document to provide 

basic guidance for planning and management decisions—a foundation for planning and 

management. The core components of a foundation document include a brief description 

of the park as well as the park’s purpose, significance, fundamental resources and values, 

other important resources and values, and interpretive themes. The foundation document 

also includes special mandates and administrative commitments, an assessment of planning 

and data needs that identifies planning issues, planning products to be developed, and the 

associated studies and data required for park planning. Along with the core components, the 

assessment provides a focus for park planning activities and establishes a baseline from which 

planning documents are developed.

A primary benefit of developing a foundation document is the opportunity to integrate and 

coordinate all kinds and levels of planning from a single, shared understanding of what is 

most important about the park. The process of developing a foundation document begins 

with gathering and integrating information about the park. Next, this information is refined 

and focused to determine what the most important attributes of the park are. The process 

of preparing a foundation document aids park managers, staff, and the public in identifying 

and clearly stating in one document the essential information that is necessary for park 

management to consider when determining future planning efforts, outlining key planning 

issues, and protecting resources and values that are integral to park purpose and identity.

While not included in this document, a park atlas is also part of a foundation project. The 

atlas is a series of maps compiled from available geographic information system (GIS) data 

on natural and cultural resources, visitor use patterns, facilities, and other topics. It serves as 

a GIS-based support tool for planning and park operations. The atlas is published as a (hard 

copy) paper product and as geospatial data for use in a web mapping environment. The park 

atlas for Natchez Trace Parkway can be accessed online at: http://insideparkatlas.nps.gov/.

NPS / © Marc Muench
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Natchez Trace Parkway

Part 1: Core Components

The core components of a foundation document include a brief description of the park, park 

purpose, significance statements, fundamental resources and values, other important resources 

and values, and interpretive themes. These components are core because they typically do 

not change over time. Core components are expected to be used in future planning and 

management efforts.

Brief Description of the Park

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway was created by Congress as a unit of the national park system 

in 1938 to commemorate the historic travel corridor known as the Natchez Trace (referred 

to in this document as the “Old Natchez Trace”). The Old Natchez Trace is one of the 

oldest transportation routes in North America; its human use dates back as far as 8000 BCE 

(before the Common Era). The modern Parkway stretches 444 miles and takes more than 10 

hours to drive from end to end through three states, 25 counties, and 20 communities. The 

combined residential population of the counties it traverses is nearly two million. In addition, 

there are more than 3,000 commercial and private landowners immediately adjacent to the 

Parkway boundary. 

The Old Natchez Trace has long been a transportation corridor, with centuries of American 

Indian use traversing the heart of the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Nations. By 1785, 

the Old Natchez Trace was used as a transportation route for boatmen who floated down the 

Mississippi River to sell their goods in Natchez and New Orleans. Future presidents, traveling 

preachers, settlers, and soldiers also traveled along the Old Natchez Trace. In 1801, President 

Thomas Jefferson designated it as a US postal route on the western frontier. It is also the death 

and burial site of Governor Meriwether Lewis, who died along the Old Natchez Trace in 1809. 

This site was originally commemorated as the Meriwether Lewis National Monument, but 

was added to the Natchez Trace Parkway by an act of Congress in 1961 (16 USC 60.1). General 

Andrew Jackson used the Old Natchez Trace as a major route for moving volunteer militia and 

regular army troops during the War of 1812. The Trail of Tears crosses the Parkway in four 

different locations. Furthermore, Civil War battles occurred in and around the Old Natchez 

Trace corridor in 1864.

The modern Parkway was completed in 2005 and now covers one of the largest geographic 

ranges of any unit in the national park system. The Parkway corridor, which spans five degrees 

of latitude, includes 52,000 acres of impressive scenic, natural, cultural, and historic resources 

representing a variety of traditional southern landscapes—forests, wetlands, prairies, rivers, 

pastures, and croplands. In 1996, the Natchez Trace Parkway was designated a National Scenic 

Byway and All-American Road for its significant historic, cultural, natural, and scenic qualities.

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

In 1983, Congress designated the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail as a separate unit of the 

National Park Service. The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail consists of several components 

of the Parkway corridor, including the 444-mile paved roadway and 66 miles of foot and 

horse trails, some of which follow segments of the Old Natchez Trace. These segments of the 

trail parallel Natchez Trace Parkway in five different areas, ranging from middle Tennessee to 

southern Mississippi.

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and Tupelo National Battlefield

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and Tupelo National Battlefield are legislated NPS 

units that commemorate two Civil War battles that occurred in northern Mississippi. These two 

battles were important in the eventual success of Union Major General William T. Sherman’s 

Atlanta Campaign. The two units were created by Congress in 1929 and are now managed by 

Natchez Trace Parkway staff.
Foundation Document

4

Park Purpose

The purpose statement identifies the specific reason(s) for establishment of a particular park. 

The purpose statement for Natchez Trace Parkway was drafted through a careful analysis of 

its enabling legislation and the legislative history that influenced its development. The Natchez 

Trace Parkway was established on May 18, 1938. Three other units—with their own enabling 

legislation—are located along or in proximity to the Parkway and are managed by Parkway 

staff. These units are the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (established March 28, 1983), 

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site (established February 21, 1929), and Tupelo 

National Battlefield (established February 21, 1929). These dates reflect when the enabling 

legislation adopted by Congress was signed into law (see appendix A for enabling legislation 

and subsequent amendments). The purpose statement lays the foundation for understanding 

what is most important about the park.

The Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates 10,000 years 

of travel along the Old Natchez Trace corridor and 

provides a 444-mile journey linking culture, nature, and 

history along one of the oldest transportation routes on the 

North American continent.

NPS / © Marc Muench
5

Natchez Trace Parkway

Park Significance

Significance statements express why a park’s resources and values are important enough to 

merit designation as a unit of the national park system. These statements are linked to the 

purpose of Natchez Trace Parkway, and are supported by data, research, and consensus. 

Statements of significance describe the distinctive nature of the park and why an area is 

important within a global, national, regional, and systemwide context. They focus on the most 

important resources and values that will assist in park planning and management.

The following significance statements have been identified for Natchez Trace Parkway. (Please 

note that the sequence of the statements do not reflect the level of significance.)

· As one of the oldest transportation routes, the Old Natchez Trace travel corridor has 

been an avenue of travel, trade, change, conflict, and communication for more than 

10,000 years. It is now honored as a designed landscape, making the Natchez Trace the 

only parkway to commemorate an ancient travel route. 

· Many native peoples, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez, created vibrant 

cultures that thrived for thousands of years along what is now the Natchez Trace 

Parkway. Today, the Parkway links more than 350 archeological sites and 22 burial and 

ceremonial mounds, including Emerald Mound, the second-largest ceremonial mound 

in the United States. 

· The Parkway’s uninterrupted corridor traverses 

approximately five degrees of latitude, includes 

seven major ecoregions, protects more than 2,600 

species (some rare, threatened, and endangered), 

and preserves and restores historic landscape 

vegetation.

· The Old Natchez Trace played an important role in 

the development of the nation by providing a route 

to facilitate trade, settlement, and transportation 

throughout the Old Southwest. Notably, parts of 

the route were widened by the military in the early 

1800s and then used by General Andrew Jackson to 

move volunteer militia and regular army troops to 

and from the Battle of New Orleans.

The following significance statement has been identified 

for Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and Tupelo 

National Battlefield.

· Brices Cross Roads and Tupelo were two battles 

late in the American Civil War critical to the 

protection of the single-track railroad that 

provided supplies to the Union Army during 

Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign.

NPS / © Marc Muench
Foundation Document

6

Fundamental Resources and Values

Fundamental resources and values (FRVs) are those features, systems, processes, experiences, 

stories, scenes, sounds, smells, or other attributes determined to warrant primary consideration 

during planning and management processes because they are essential to achieving the purpose 

of the park and maintaining its significance. Fundamental resources and values are closely 

related to a park’s legislative purpose and are more specific than significance statements.

Fundamental resources and values help focus planning and management efforts on what is 

truly significant about the park. One of the most important responsibilities of NPS managers 

is to ensure the conservation and public enjoyment of those qualities that are essential 

(fundamental) to achieving the purpose of the park and maintaining its significance. If 

fundamental resources and values are allowed to deteriorate, the park purpose and/or 

significance could be jeopardized.

The following fundamental resources and values have been identified for 

Natchez Trace Parkway:

· The Old Natchez Trace. Today, 180 segments of the original travel corridor still exist. 

The Trace began as a series of animal trails allowing the migration of herd animals. It 

evolved into a route frequently used by humans because it followed high ground and 

easily passable topography. Human use of the Old Natchez Trace corridor dates to 

8000 BCE. Today, the trail is easily recognized in some places because foot, horse, and 

wagon traffic along the trail—when combined with erodible Loess soils—created a 

sunken profile. 

· American Indian History and Culture. The Old Natchez Trace passed through the 

pre-European contact homelands of American Indian tribes, including the Choctaw, 

Chickasaw, and Natchez. More than 20 American Indian tribes have an ancestral 

connection to the Trace. Notably, the associated tribes maintain a spiritual connection 

to mound sites as sacred ancestral ground. 

· Early American History and Culture. There are numerous places along the Parkway 

that are important in telling the history and development of the new nation. Some 

of the prominent places include sites associated with early exploration of the Old 

Southwest, stands (inns), the War of 1812, Meriwether Lewis’ death and burial, treaties, 

and the Civil War, such as Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and Tupelo 

National Battlefield.

NPS / © Marc Muench
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Natchez Trace Parkway

· Designed Landscape and Scenic Integrity. The Parkway was conceived and 

developed as a designed landscape that integrates a traditional rural, agrarian, southern 

landscape experience; facilitates leisurely and scenic travel; and links scenic, cultural, 

and natural features of interest. Other prominent features of the designed landscape 

include curvilinear road alignments, scenic overlooks, stonework on bridges and 

culverts, and specimen trees. Parkway construction spanned decades and reflects a 

significant national investment of both human labor and federal funding.

· Diversity of Natural Resources. The Parkway corridor preserves portions of the 

seven ecoregions through which it passes and serves as an important migration corridor 

for wildlife. Rare plant communities, such as blackland prairie and a bald cypress/water 

tupelo swamp, fire-dependent ecosystems, and rare soil types, including Black Belt and 

Loess, are protected within park boundaries. The corridor also protects various water 

resources, including rivers, streams, creeks, and bayous.

Other Important Resources and Values

Natchez Trace Parkway contains other resources and values that are not fundamental to the 

purpose of the Parkway and may be unrelated to its significance, but are important to consider 

in planning processes. These are referred to as “other important resources and values” (OIRV). 

These resources and values have been selected because they are important in the operation and 

management of the park and warrant special consideration in park planning.

The following other important resources and values have been identified for

Natchez Trace Parkway:

· Opportunities for Recreation. The Parkway provides many recreational 

opportunities including motor touring, exploring history and nature, hiking, cycling, 

horseback riding, boating, watersports, and camping. The Natchez Trace National 

Scenic Trail, which consists of five separate sections totaling 66 miles, parallels the 

roadway and offers visitors an opportunity to experience and imagine what the original 

users of the Old Natchez Trace felt as they traveled. These experiences offer visitors a 

chance to escape from everyday pressures and relax.

NPS / © Marc Muench
Foundation Document

8

Interpretive Themes

Interpretive themes are often described as the key stories or concepts that visitors should 

understand after visiting a park—they define the most important ideas or concepts 

communicated to visitors about a park unit. Themes are derived from, and should reflect, park 

purpose, significance, resources, and values. The set of interpretive themes is complete when it 

provides the structure necessary for park staff to develop opportunities for visitors to explore 

and relate to all park significance statements and fundamental and other important resources 

and values.

Interpretive themes are an organizational tool that reveal and clarify meaning, concepts, 

contexts, and values represented by park resources. Sound themes are accurate and reflect 

current scholarship and science. They encourage exploration of the context in which events 

or natural processes occurred and the effects of those events and processes. Interpretive 

themes go beyond a mere description of the event or process to foster multiple opportunities 

to experience and consider the park and its resources. These themes help explain why a park 

story is relevant to people who may otherwise be unaware of connections they have to an 

event, time, or place associated with the park.

The following interpretive themes have been identified for Natchez Trace Parkway:

· Homelands in Transition. Generations of American Indian occupation of these lands 

came to an end as Americans migrated westward. Many remnants of these American 

Indian cultures remain on the Parkway landscape and help convey to visitors the story 

of tribal displacement and American expansion in the Old Southwest.

· Travel and Trade. The Old Natchez Trace served as a prominent route of travel, trade, 

and communication; it became an avenue of change for a new nation.

· Pathway to Parkway. The Parkway demonstrates the evolution of transportation 

methods and technology, the social changes that occurred throughout the decades as 

the Old Southwest became the American South, and changes in the nation’s recreational 

values over time.

· Inspiration and Preservation. The Parkway is a vulnerable greenbelt that provides 

habitat for wildlife and promotes emotional connections to Parkway resources. The 

Parkway also fosters a sense of discovery that allows modern visitors to appreciate the 

park’s natural and cultural history.

NPS / © Marc Muench
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Natchez Trace Parkway

Part 2: Dynamic Components

The dynamic components of a foundation document include special mandates and 

administrative commitments and an assessment of planning and data needs. These components 

are dynamic because they will change over time. New special mandates can be established and 

new administrative commitments made. As conditions and trends of fundamental and other 

important resources and values change over time, the analysis of planning and data needs will 

need to be revisited and revised, along with key issues. Therefore, this part of the foundation 

document will be updated accordingly.

Special Mandates and Administrative Commitments

Many management decisions for a park unit are directed or influenced by special mandates and 

administrative commitments with other federal agencies, state and local governments, utility 

companies, partnering organizations, and other entities. Special mandates are requirements 

specific to a park that must be fulfilled. Mandates can be expressed in enabling legislation, 

in separate legislation following the establishment of the park, or through a judicial process. 

They may expand on park purpose or introduce elements unrelated to the purpose of the 

park. Administrative commitments are, in general, agreements that have been reached through 

formal, documented processes, often through memorandums of agreement. Examples include 

easements, rights-of-way, arrangements for emergency service responses, etc. Special mandates 

and administrative commitments can support, in many cases, a network of partnerships that help 

fulfill the objectives of the park and facilitate working relationships with other organizations. 

They are an essential component of managing and planning for Natchez Trace Parkway.

Special Mandates

· The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is designated as a national scenic trail under 

the National Trail System Act of 1968. Maintenance, development, and use of the scenic 

trail are thus subject to the provisions of the act.

Administrative Commitments

· Please see Appendix B for an inventory of administrative commitments for Natchez 

Trace Parkway.

Assessment of Planning and Data Needs

Once the core components of part 1 of the foundation document have been identified, it is 

important to gather and evaluate existing information about the park’s fundamental and other 

important resources and values, and develop a full assessment of the park’s planning and 

data needs. The assessment of planning and data needs section presents planning issues, the 

planning projects that will address these issues, and the associated information requirements 

for planning, such as resource inventories and data collection, including GIS data.

There are three sections in the assessment of planning and data needs:

1. analysis of fundamental and other important resources and values

2. identification of key issues and associated planning and data needs

3. identification of planning and data needs (including spatial mapping activities or 

GIS maps)

The analysis of fundamental and other important resources and values and identification of key 

issues leads up to and supports the identification of planning and data collection needs.

Analysis of Fundamental Resources and Values

The fundamental resource or value analysis table includes current conditions, potential threats 

and opportunities, planning and data needs, and selected laws and NPS policies related to 

management of the identified resource or value.
Foundation Document

10

Fundamental 

Resource or Value The Old Natchez Trace

Related Significance 

Statements

• As one of the oldest transportation routes, the Old Natchez Trace travel corridor has been 

an avenue of travel, trade, change, conflict, and communication for more than 10,000 

years. It is now honored as a designed landscape, making the Natchez Trace the only 

parkway to commemorate an ancient travel route.

• Many native peoples, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez, created vibrant 

cultures that thrived for thousands of years along what is now the Natchez Trace 

Parkway. Today, the Parkway links more than 350 archeological sites and 22 burial 

and ceremonial mounds, including Emerald Mound, the second-largest ceremonial 

mound in the United States.

• The Parkway’s uninterrupted corridor traverses approximately five degrees of latitude, 

includes seven major ecoregions, protects more than 2,600 species (some rare, 

threatened, and endangered), and preserves and restores historic landscape vegetation.

• The Old Natchez Trace played an important role in the development of the nation by 

providing a route to facilitate trade, settlement, and transportation throughout the Old 

Southwest. Notably, parts of the route were widened by the military in the early 1800s 

and then used by General Andrew Jackson to move volunteer militia and regular army 

troops to and from the Battle of New Orleans.

Current Conditions 

and Trends

Conditions

• The Potkopinu section of the Old Natchez Trace is in good condition; the condition of 

other sections varies from good to poor.

• Most of the sections visible from the road are well maintained. Some sections of the Old 

Natchez Trace are overgrown.

• Downed trees are a recurring issue and periodic removal is required.

• There are signs and interpretive panels that are easily visible from the road. Some 

sections, however, are not interpreted.

• Contract crews conduct trail maintenance on a limited number of Old Natchez Trace 

sections on an annual basis.

• Condition assessments are periodically performed and the information is entered in the 

List of Classified Structures (LCS) database. Some segments are not inventoried.

Trends

• Erosion is a recurring issue on the Old Natchez Trace.

• Interpretation of the Old Natchez Trace has increased in the last decade.

Threats and 

Opportunities

Threats

• Due to staffing shortages, it has become increasingly difficult to monitor conditions and 

maintain the Old Natchez Trace.

• Social trails from adjacent communities are branching out along the Old Natchez Trace.

• There is a general lack of understanding about the Parkway—most people see it as just a 

driving route.

• Climate models predict future warming and increases in precipitation that could influence 

changes in visitor behavior and accelerate erosion problems along the corridor.

Opportunities

• Social media could be used to educate people about the Old Natchez Trace and the 

differences in alignment between the Parkway, scenic trail, and Old Natchez Trace.

• The Parkway could work with the Natchez Trace Parkway Association to recruit more 

volunteers for projects involving maintenance of the Old Natchez Trace.
Natchez Trace Parkway

11

Fundamental 

Resource or Value The Old Natchez Trace

Existing Data and 

Plans Related to the 

FRV 

• Parkway land use maps (1951–1993).

• General Management Plan (1984).

• Cultural landscape reports for the Meriwether Lewis site, Mount Locust, and the Gordon 

House (these reports include information on the Old Natchez Trace).

• Archeological surveys.

Data and/or GIS Needs • Mapping and surveys of unrecorded segments of the Old Natchez Trace.

• Archeological surveys of existing segments of the Old Natchez Trace.

Planning Needs

• Condition assessment study and rehabilitation plan for segments of the Old Natchez Trace.

• Visitor use study to determine access needs to portions of the Old Natchez Trace.

• Long-range interpretive plan (underway).

Laws, Executive 

Orders, and 

Regulations That 

Apply to the FRV, 

and NPS Policy-Level 

Guidance

Laws, Executive Orders, and Regulations That Apply to the FRV 

• National Trails System Act of 1968

• Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974

• Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

• Executive Order 11593, “Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment” 

• 36 CFR 60 “National Register of Historic Places”

• 36 CFR 800 “Protection of Historic Properties”

NPS Policy-Level Guidance (NPS Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Orders)

• Secretarial Order 3289, “Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change on America’s Water, 

Land, and Other Natural and Cultural Resources”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 5) “Cultural Resource Management”

• Director’s Order 28: Cultural Resource Management (1998)

• Director’s Order 28A: Archeology (2004)

• The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic 

Preservation

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (8.10) “Natural and Cultural Studies, Research, and 

Collection Activities”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 7) “Interpretation and Education”

NPS / © Marc Muench
Foundation Document

12

Fundamental 

Resource or Value American Indian History and Culture

Related Significance 

Statements

• As one of the oldest transportation routes, the Old Natchez Trace travel corridor has been 

an avenue of travel, trade, change, conflict, and communication for more than 10,000 

years. It is now honored as a designed landscape, making the Natchez Trace the only 

parkway to commemorate an ancient travel route.

• Many native peoples, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez, created vibrant 

cultures that thrived for thousands of years along what is now the Natchez Trace 

Parkway. Today, the Parkway links more than 350 archeological sites and 22 burial and 

ceremonial mounds, including Emerald Mound, the second-largest ceremonial mound 

in the United States.

Current Conditions 

and Trends

Conditions

• The mounds are in good to fair condition.

• Four sections of the Trail of Tears and sections of the Choctaw Removal Route and 

Chickasaw Removal Route cross the Parkway.

• Artifacts in the museum collections are well maintained.

• Many artifacts are housed at the NPS Southeast Archeological Center.

• As part of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, certain artifacts 

are being repatriated to associated tribes. This process should be completed by fiscal 

year 2018.

• Condition assessments are completed regularly for all American Indian sites.

• Pharr Mounds is currently under agricultural lease. The Parkway has considered 

allowing the lease to expire due to issues resulting from inappropriate agricultural 

use (e.g., plowing, hay bale location, etc.). The Parkway could then conduct a native 

revegetation project.

• Maintenance has become easier at certain sites due to native revegetation efforts.

Trends

• A mound treatment study was completed in 2003 to address issues related to landscape 

integrity at each mound site. This led to improved conditions.

• A tribal consultation program has been expanded to aid in interpretation and other 

projects that could impact American Indian sites.

• Recent interpretation has focused on telling the American Indian story in consultation 

with tribes.

• More surveys have been conducted, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and light 

detection and ranging (LIDAR), which led to better interpretation.

• The Parkway is better able to engage visitors on American Indian history because of the 

increased number and quality of interpretive products.
Natchez Trace Parkway

13

Fundamental 

Resource or Value American Indian History and Culture

Threats and 

Opportunities

Threats

• Inappropriate use of certain sites has led to some resource damage.

• At Emerald Mound, certain recreational activities are not appropriate given the sacred 

nature of the site (e.g., kite flying, drinking, loitering, etc.).

• Invasive species and cattle have caused erosion issues. This could potentially expose 

cultural resources that are currently underground.

• Looting has been reported at Pharr Mounds.

• Interpretation has not focused on messages that say “mound sites are sacred sites and 

need to be treated as such.” This issue is being addressed in the current interpretive 

wayside exhibit project.

• There have been issues with mowing the mounds; mower blades can cut into the soil 

and grasses at the surface of the mounds, which leads to erosion.

• Climate models predict increases in precipitation that could accelerate erosion problems, 

exposing/damaging cultural resources along the corridor.

Opportunities

• The park unit could further expand its outreach efforts to help tell the American Indian 

story along the Parkway as staffing allows.

• Curriculum-based educational programming has improved, and continued outreach 

could encourage increased visitation and an enhanced understanding and appreciation 

of resources.

• There is discussion of constructing a Chickasaw Heritage Center at the Chickasaw 

Village site, which could increase interpretive opportunities and visitor exposure to 

Chickasaw culture.

• The Parkway is involved with the Mound Trail across the state of Mississippi.

• The Natchez Trace Parkway has partnered with nearby national heritage areas, which 

has allowed the Parkway to leverage resources and cooperate to tell the American 

Indian story.

• Construction of the Chickasaw Heritage Center would improve education and awareness 

of resources related to the Chickasaw Nation.

Existing Data and 

Plans Related to the 

FRV 

• Mound Treatment Plan (2003).

• Chickasaw Heritage Center environmental assessment (EA) (in development).

• Various archeological studies (from 1930s to present).

• Harpers Ferry Center sign standards.

Data and/or GIS Needs

• Restudy of New Deal-era excavations and artifact collections currently held at NPS 

Southeast Archeological Center.

• Historic Resource Study for the Parkway.

Planning Needs

• Long-range interpretive plan (underway).

• Chickasaw Village Site environmental assessment (underway).

• Partnership agreement for Chickasaw Heritage Center.
Foundation Document

14

Fundamental 

Resource or Value American Indian History and Culture

Laws, Executive 

Orders, and 

Regulations That 

Apply to the FRV, 

and NPS Policy-Level 

Guidance

Laws, Executive Orders, and Regulations That Apply to the FRV

• Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974

• Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990

• American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978

• Executive Order 11593, “Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment” 

• Executive Order 13007, “Indian Sacred Sites”

• 36 CFR 60 “National Register of Historic Places”

• 36 CFR 79 “Curation of Federally Owned and Administered Archeological Collections”

• 36 CFR 800 “Protection of Historic Properties”

NPS Policy-Level Guidance (NPS Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Orders)

• Secretarial Order 3289, “Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change on America’s Water, 

Land, and Other Natural and Cultural Resources”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 5) “Cultural Resource Management”

• Director’s Order 28: Cultural Resource Management (1998)

• Director’s Order 28A: Archeology (2004)

• The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic 

Preservation

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (8.10) “Natural and Cultural Studies, Research, and 

Collection Activities”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 7) “Interpretation and Education”

NPS / © Marc Muench
Natchez Trace Parkway

15

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Early American History and Culture

Related Significance 

Statements

• As one of the oldest transportation routes, the Old Natchez Trace travel corridor has been 

an avenue of travel, trade, change, conflict, and communication for more than 10,000 

years. It is now honored as a designed landscape, making the Natchez Trace the only 

parkway to commemorate an ancient travel route.

• The Old Natchez Trace played an important role in the development of the nation by 

providing a route to facilitate trade, settlement, and transportation throughout the Old 

Southwest. Notably, parts of the route were widened by the military in the early 1800s 

and then used by General Andrew Jackson to move volunteer militia and regular army 

troops to and from the Battle of New Orleans.

• Brices Cross Roads and Tupelo were two battles late in the American Civil War critical 

to the protection of the single-track railroad that provided supplies to the Union Army 

during Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign.

Current Conditions 

and Trends

Conditions

• The exterior of Gordon House is in good condition, but the interior is in poor condition.

• There is a lack of interpretive signage at all sites related to early American history. Many 

signs and panels have not been updated in more than 30 years.

• Across the Parkway, conditions of historic resources range from poor to good.

Trends

• Technology, particularly use of the Internet, has been leveraged to improve outreach and 

interpretation.

• Visitation at the Meriwether Lewis site has increased.

Threats and 

Opportunities

Threats

• Reduction in annual operating funds (ONPS) has caused issues with maintenance, law 

enforcement, and interpretation of sites related to early American history.

• The Facility Management Software System (FMSS) reoptimization has caused the Parkway 

to reprioritize many of its cultural assets, and consequently, many sites have moved to a 

lower priority for funding.

• There has been outside pressure regarding the treatment of the Meriwether Lewis site as 

it relates to NPS policy.

• Some cemeteries have been vandalized in the past. The Gordon House is 

occasionally vandalized.

• Due to the Parkway’s long linear configuration and limited staff, it is difficult to 

effectively monitor all historic sites, which makes some of the easily accessible sites 

vulnerable to looting.

• Cellular towers could impact historic viewsheds, although management efforts have 

focused on preventing these impacts.

• Climate models predict increases in precipitation that could accelerate erosion problems, 

exposing/damaging cultural resources along the corridor.

Opportunities

• The Parkway could better communicate NPS laws and guidelines related to treatment of 

historic sites to visitors and stakeholders.

• 3D scanning of Gordon House and Mount Locust would establish baseline data for these 

sites and could inform interpretation and cultural resources management.

• Grants could be made available through partnerships with outside organizations (e.g., 

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Commission).
Foundation Document

16

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Early American History and Culture

Existing Data and 

Plans Related to the 

FRV 

• Existing historic structure reports, cultural landscape inventories, and cultural landscape 

reports (2003–2014).

• Development concept plan for Meriwether Lewis site.

Data and/or GIS Needs

• LIDAR and 3D scan of entire Parkway.

• Cultural landscape inventories for the Old Natchez Trace, Tupelo Homesteads, and 

Chickasaw Village.

• Historic structure reports for Mount Locust (update), Chickasaw Village, Mission 66 

structures, and Tupelo Homesteads.

Planning Needs

• Cultural landscape reports for the Old Natchez Trace, Tupelo Homesteads, and 

Chickasaw Village.

• Update to Mount Locust furnishings plan.

• Furnishings plan for Gordon House.

• Study for development of potential additional War of 1812 interpretation site(s).

• Long-range interpretive plan (underway).

Laws, Executive 

Orders, and 

Regulations That 

Apply to the FRV, 

and NPS Policy-Level 

Guidance

Laws, Executive Orders, and Regulations That Apply to the FRV

• Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974

• Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990

• Executive Order 11593, “Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment” 

• 36 CFR 60 “National Register of Historic Places”

• 36 CFR 800 “Protection of Historic Properties”

NPS Policy-Level Guidance (NPS Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Orders)

• Secretarial Order 3289, “Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change on America’s Water, 

Land, and Other Natural and Cultural Resources”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 5) “Cultural Resource Management”

• Director’s Order 28: Cultural Resource Management (1998)

• Director’s Order 28A: Archeology (2004)

• The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic 

Preservation

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (8.10) “Natural and Cultural Studies, Research, and 

Collection Activities”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 7) “Interpretation and Education”
Natchez Trace Parkway

17

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Designed Landscape and Scenic Integrity

Related Significance 

Statements

• As one of the oldest transportation routes, the Old Natchez Trace travel corridor has been 

an avenue of travel, trade, change, conflict, and communication for more than 10,000 

years. It is now honored as a designed landscape, making the Natchez Trace the only 

parkway to commemorate an ancient travel route.

• Many native peoples, including the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez, created vibrant 

cultures that thrived for thousands of years along what is now the Natchez Trace 

Parkway. Today, the Parkway links more than 350 archeological sites and 22 burial and 

ceremonial mounds, including Emerald Mound, the second-largest ceremonial mound 

in the United States.

• The Parkway’s uninterrupted corridor traverses approximately five degrees of latitude, 

includes seven major ecoregions, protects more than 2,600 species (some rare, 

threatened, and endangered), and preserves and restores historic landscape vegetation.

• The Old Natchez Trace played an important role in the development of the nation by 

providing a route to facilitate trade, settlement, and transportation throughout the Old 

Southwest. Notably, parts of the route were widened by the military in the early 1800s 

and then used by General Andrew Jackson to move volunteer militia and regular army 

troops to and from the Battle of New Orleans.

Current Conditions 

and Trends

Conditions

• The designed landscape is in fair condition overall; this could change if unable to 

manage appropriately.

• The road and pavement are in fair condition. Maintenance of the roadway structure 

focuses on pavement preservation, which has been successful in keeping the roadway 

in the best condition possible with limited funding. The park is stretching dollars and 

being very efficient with funding from the Federal Lands Highway Program. To maintain 

current conditions, however, pavement preservation or reconstruction should be done 

on approximately 30 miles each year, but this is rarely accomplished with current 

funding levels.

• There are few potholes on the road now, but that could change if not continuously 

managed.

• The Parkway is performing vista management restoration. Some vistas are in poor 

condition due to natural succession of vegetation growth.

• The Parkway crosses more than 400 bridges varying in style from simple box bridges to 

massive, award-winning bridge structures. Bridges are generally in good condition, but 

deterioration due to environmental impacts requires frequent maintenance.

• There are drainage concerns throughout the length of the Parkway.

• Trails are in fair condition—open and passable. However, additional work is needed to 

address signage, safety issues, and tread conditions.

• The agricultural lease lands are in fair condition.

• The roadway prism and its infrastructure is intact.

Trends

• The design of the Parkway is intentional and must continue to be maintained as it was 

intended, including vista protection, specimen trees, etc.

• There has been increased visitation via hiking, biking, and vehicular traffic along the 

whole length of the trails. Wildflower growth has also encouraged visitation.

• With increased use, there has been an increase in user conflicts regarding simultaneous 

use of the same space. Cyclists, hikers, joggers, and equestrians often use the same trails, 

just as cyclists, motorcyclists, and motorists use the road.
Foundation Document

18

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Designed Landscape and Scenic Integrity

Threats and 

Opportunities

Threats

• The landscape continues to change based on wildlife activity—feral hogs and beavers are 

causing damage to structures and road integrity.

• Agricultural leases may be an issue as livestock grazing has greater impacts on the land 

than growing crops.

• Beaver dams at Rock Springs alter the growth of jewelweed, which in turn changes the 

migration patterns of hummingbirds. This disrupts visitation because this is a popular 

location for bird-watching.

• Beaver dams have created a significant threat along other areas of the Parkway’s 

designed landscape and have the potential to alter scenic integrity. Significant property 

damage occurs due to the activities of this species. Some dams threaten the very integrity 

of the roadway and significant visitor use areas.

• Increased commuter traffic is threatening the park experience and adds stress to the 

condition of the roadway.

• There has been an increase in requests for cell towers, which could potentially impact 

the scenic views along the Parkway. Cell towers built on adjacent land are also a threat 

to viewsheds.

• Adjacent commercial development and urban sprawl impact park views.

• Noise pollution along the Parkway threatens soundscapes, especially in more urban areas.

This is a threat to visitor experience and wildlife.

• Incidences of severe weather have increased in the last decade. Tornadoes are a 

prominent issue, and high winds often take down trees and block or damage the road 

and mow line. Wind-damaged areas also result in increased fuel loading and contribute 

to catastrophic wildfire.

• Tractor trailers illegally use the Parkway, resulting in pavement damage. They are also an 

unsafe size for the road width.

• General road conditions vary along the Parkway, and issues like potholes could be a 

safety issue for users.

• The forest canopy (horizontal growth) crowds the road and becomes an obstruction for 

RVs when not maintained. Tree roots have caused trouble with the pavement as well, 

especially in the Ridgeland District.

• Reductions in funding could affect the maintenance of Parkway assets such as bridges.

• There have been some issues regarding structural deterioration, bridge removal, 

erosion, and impacts from utility projects, which affect the condition and character of 

the Parkway.

• Climate models predict future warming and increases in precipitation that could increase 

weathering of infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, trails) and impact existing ecological 

systems (e.g., viewsheds).

Opportunities

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding opportunities are available for 

roadway repair.

• Partnerships with agricultural universities could be pursued to assist with maintenance on 

tracts where agricultural leases have expired. Schools could use the tracts as a classroom.
Natchez Trace Parkway

19

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Designed Landscape and Scenic Integrity

Existing Data and 

Plans Related to the 

FRV

• Natchez Trace Parkway Design Guidelines (2005).

• Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail comprehensive trail plan (1987).

• General Management Plan (1984).

• Bridge inventory program, including inspection.

• Road inventory program, including inspection.

• Trails Maintenance Management Guide (2005).

• Deeds for Parkway and adjacent landowners.

• GIS layer on specimen trees—locations under development.

• Seven-Year Fire Management Plan—through 2020 (draft due 2014).

Data and/or GIS Needs

• Survey and condition assessment of all Parkway specimen trees (underway).

• Correction of inaccurate GIS layer on park boundary (underway).

• Complete inventory and condition assessment for all drainage structures.

• Completion of Resource Management Tool GIS data layers.

• GIS and photo inventory for agricultural leases.

• GIS data and photo inventory for all nonmotorized trails.

• Condition assessments for agricultural leases.

• GPS location inventory of regulatory signage (underway).

• LIDAR and 3D scan of entire Parkway.

• Climate change vulnerability assessment of key Parkway resources.

• Complete condition assessment for all pavement structure.

Planning Needs • Preservation maintenance plan for designed landscape.

• Vista management plan (underway).

NPS / © Marc Muench
Foundation Document

20

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Designed Landscape and Scenic Integrity

Laws, Executive 

Orders, and 

Regulations That 

Apply to the FRV, 

and NPS Policy-Level 

Guidance

Laws, Executive Orders, and Regulations That Apply to the FRV

• Telecommunications Act of 1996

• Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) (2012); Public Law 112-141

• Clean Air Act of 1963, as amended; 42 USC 7401 et seq.

• State emissions controls

• 16 USC 49 section 2301(b) – Public Transportation Programs for National Park System Areas

• 16 USC 49 section 2302(a) – Transportation Service and Facility Programs

• 23 CFR 450 – Highways – Planning Assistance and Standards

• 41 CFR 102.34 – Motor Vehicle Management

• Executive Order 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and 

Transportation Management”

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

NPS Policy-Level Guidance (NPS Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Orders)

• Secretarial Order 3289, “Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change on America’s Water, 

Land, and Other Natural and Cultural Resources”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 9)

• NPS Transportation Planning Guidebook (1999)

• “Park Road Standards” (1984)

• Park Roads and Parkways Program Handbook (2008)

• Director’s Order 50C: Public Risk Management Program

• Director’s Order 52C: Park Signs

• Director’s Order 55: Incident Management Program

• Director’s Order 80: Real Property Asset Management

• Director’s Order 87A: Park Roads and Parkways

• Director’s Order 87D: Non-NPS Roads

NPS / © Marc Muench
Natchez Trace Parkway

21

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Diversity of Natural Resources

Related Significance 

Statements

• The Parkway’s uninterrupted corridor traverses approximately five degrees of latitude, 

includes seven major ecoregions, protects more than 2,600 species (some rare, 

threatened, and endangered), and preserves and restores historic landscape vegetation.

Current Conditions 

and Trends

Conditions

• Management of viewsheds is complex due to the large number of adjacent landowners 

and the park’s ratio of boundary area to interior area.

• Natural areas are in a transition period now (e.g., blackland prairie was not in good 

condition, but is getting better due to use of controlled burns).

• Seven federally listed threatened and endangered species have been identified on 

the Parkway.

• Nonnative plant and animal species exist in the park; steps are being taken to mitigate 

the harmful effects on the native ecological community.

Trends

• Commercial development continues to encroach on the edges of the Parkway.

• Use of controlled burns is restoring native communities to more natural states.

NPS / © Marc Muench
Foundation Document

22

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Diversity of Natural Resources

Threats and 

Opportunities

Threats

• Commercial development and urban sprawl continue to encroach on the edges of 

the Parkway.

• Beaver dams have created wetlands, which has altered natural areas and affected 

ecosystems and infrastructure in certain areas of the park.

• Use of genetically modified (GMO) crops on neighboring lands is a threat to plant and 

animal species on the Parkway.

• Climate models predict future warming and increases in precipitation that could impact 

existing ecological systems.

Opportunities

• The use of controlled burns can continue to restore native communities to a more 

natural state.

• The Resource Management Tool and GIS mapping can help manage natural resources.

• The park could do more to connect with neighbors along the Parkway.

• Through leveraging partnerships and improved relationships with neighbors, the Parkway 

could communicate that the Natchez Trace Parkway is more than just a roadway.

• The resource management challenge exists of maintaining rare habitats (e.g., beaver 

ponds) while mitigating infrastructure damage by native wildlife. Management plans for 

beavers and feral hogs could be developed more proactively.

• The need for budget increases or a sustained budget could be justified through proposed 

management plans and goals.

Existing Data and 

Plans Related to the 

FRV

• Draft Parkwide Feral Hog Management Plan.

• Draft Parkwide Beaver Management Plan.

• Site management guidelines for Rock Spring.

• Resource Management Tool (conduct analysis, query, and mapping for resource 

management).

• Rediscovery Program (ICMS software system used to document natural resource 

museum items).

• Fire Management Plan Environmental Assessment (2008).

• Analysis and planning from inventory and monitoring network provides baseline 

monitoring of all resources. The mapping of Parkway geology and vegetation is 

currently underway.

• Agricultural leases.

• Wetland delineations for sites along the Parkway.

• Plant inventory.

• Baseline inventories for fish and plants.

• Bat counts (conducted every February).

• Trail management conceptual plan.

• Information gained as a result of current research permits and ongoing cooperative 

ecosystem studies unit (CESU) studies.
Natchez Trace Parkway

23

Fundamental 

Resource or Value Diversity of Natural Resources

Data and/or GIS Needs

• Survey and condition assessment of all Parkway specimen trees (underway).

• Mapping of geology and vegetation (underway).

• Natural resource condition assessment (underway).

• Historic vegetation/landscape map.

• Parkwide mapping of nonnative species.

• Correction of inaccurate GIS layer on park boundary (underway).

• Spatial data crosslink: Need a crosslink to connect GIS information in resource-based 

systems (RM Tool) with law enforcement-bases systems (CAD) and facilities systems (RIP 

and FMSS). 

• Complete inventory and condition assessment for all drainage structures.

• Baseline bat inventory.

• Baseline small mammal inventory.

• Baseline mussel inventory.

• Threatened and endangered species inventory.

• Soil impact testing to quantify effect of agricultural leasing program.

• Climate change vulnerability assessment of key Parkway resources.

Planning Needs

• Resource stewardship strategy.

• Environmental assessment to address erosion issue at Colbert Ferry.

• Vegetation management plan.

• Nonnative species management plan.

Laws, Executive 

Orders, and 

Regulations That 

Apply to the FRV, 

and NPS Policy-Level 

Guidance

Laws, Executive Orders, and Regulations That Apply to the FRV

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

• The Clean Water Act

• Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended

• Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended

• Lacey Act of 1900, as amended

• Executive Order 11514, “Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality”

• Executive Order 11988, “Floodplain Management”

• Executive Order 11990, “Protection of Wetlands”

NPS Policy-Level Guidance (NPS Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Orders)

• Secretarial Order 3289, “Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change on America’s Water, 

Land, and Other Natural and Cultural Resources”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (4.4) “Biological Resource Management,” including 

(4.4.2.1) “NPS Actions that Remove Native Plants and Animals” and (4.4.2.4) 

“Management of Natural Landscapes”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (4.6.1) “Protection of Surface Waters and Groundwaters”

• NPS Natural Resource Management Reference Manual #77

• NPS Procedural Manual #77-1 “Wetland Protection”

• Special Directive 93-4 “Floodplain Management, Revised Guidelines for National Park 

Service Floodplain Compliance” (1993)
Foundation Document

24

Analysis of Other Important Resources and Values

Other Important 

Resource or Value Opportunities for Recreation

Current Conditions 

and Trends

Conditions

• Trail rehabilitation and maintenance is an ongoing, resource-intensive need.

• There is a multiuse paved path in the Ridgeland/Jackson area (separate from the Natchez 

Trace National Scenic Trail). A variety of uses are permitted on the paved path, including 

bicycling and dog walking.

• The national scenic trail currently includes 66 total miles spread across five sections of 

the Parkway.

• The national scenic trail and paved trails are heavily used near urban areas, including 

Nashville, Franklin, Tupelo, and Ridgeland.

• The campgrounds are in good condition. They are heavily used in spring and fall, and 

there is some volunteer support for campground operations.

• There are no showers in the campgrounds.

• There is no reservation system or fee for using the campgrounds.

• Most park trails are not Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant, but most 

restrooms are.

• Rock Spring is popular for bird-watching.

• Commercial use of the Parkway is prohibited.

• A national NPS-level memorandum of understanding (MOU) exists with the Adventure 

Cycling Association (ACA) to promote cycling in NPS units. The Parkway is currently 

working with Adventure Cycling Association and the Natchez Trace Parkway Association 

on a pilot project to “Share the Parkway.

Trends

• Cyclists appear to be increasingly using the Parkway.

• The campgrounds receive more RV camping than tent camping; this is a regional and 

national trend.

• Some visitors ask for showers in the campgrounds.

• There has been more group use of the Parkway by bicyclists; organized rides are also 

taking place.

Threats and 

Opportunities

Threats

• The Parkway’s narrow lanes and blind curves create potential danger zones for cyclists 

and those motorists driving in excess of posted speed limits.

• Commuter traffic on the Parkway has increased, especially near urban areas; commuters 

often drive more aggressively than recreational visitors.

• As more cyclists use the Parkway, the chance of vehicle/bicycle/motorcycle accidents and 

conflict increases.

• There is frequent illegal use of the Parkway by tractor-trailer trucks.

• Growth of adjacent urban areas detracts from the night skies on the Parkway and in 

the campgrounds.

• Horse use impacts trail segments to a greater degree than hikers; more funds and crews 

may be needed to improve bridge safety at a minimum.

• There is a general lack of understanding about the Parkway. Most people see it just as a 

driving route—not as an opportunity for a recreational experience.

• Climate models predict future warming and increases in precipitation that could influence 

changes in visitor behavior, including recreational interests.

Opportunities

• The presence of law enforcement could be expanded on trails.
Natchez Trace Parkway

25

Other Important 

Resource or Value Opportunities for Recreation

Existing Data and Plans 

Related to the OIRV • General Management Plan (1984).

Data and/or GIS Needs

• Visitor use surveys.

• Surveys and research for reducing bicycling and vehicular conflict.

• National Scenic Trail condition assessment.

• Historic structure reports for Mount Locust (update), Chickasaw Village, Mission 66 

structures, and Tupelo Homesteads.

Planning Needs

• Plan for reducing vehicular, pedestrian, and bicyclist conflicts.

• Update trail management plan.

• Long-range interpretive plan (underway).

• Alternate trail use study and environmental assessment.

• Colbert Ferry development concept plan.

• Recreation accessibility plan.

Laws, Executive 

Orders, and 

Regulations That 

Apply to the OIRV, 

and NPS Policy-Level 

Guidance

Laws, Executive Orders, and Regulations That Apply to the OIRV

• 36 CFR 7.43 “Natchez Trace Parkway”

• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards 2006

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966

NPS Policy-Level Guidance (NPS Management Policies 2006 and Director’s Orders)

• Secretarial Order 3289, “Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change on America’s Water, 

Land, and Other Natural and Cultural Resources”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 7) “Interpretation and Education”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 8) “Use of the Parks,” including (8.11) “Social 

Science Studies”

• NPS Management Policies 2006 (chapter 9) “Park Facilities,” Including (9.3.1.1) “Signs”

• Director’s Order 6: Interpretation and Education

• Director’s Order 17: National Park Service Tourism

• Director’s Order 42: Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities in National Park Service 

Programs and Services

• Director’s Order 48B: Commercial Use Authorizations

• Director’s Order 50C: Public Risk Management Program

• Director’s Order 78: Social Science

NPS / © Marc Muench
Foundation Document

26

Identification of Key Issues and Associated Planning and Data Needs

This section considers key issues to be addressed in planning and management and therefore 

takes a broader view over the primary focus of part 1. A key issue focuses on a question that is 

important for a park. Key issues often raise questions regarding park purpose and significance 

and fundamental and other important resources and values. For example, a key issue may 

pertain to the potential for a fundamental and other important resource or value in a park to 

be detrimentally affected by discretionary management decisions. A key issue may also address 

crucial questions not directly related to purpose and significance, but still indirectly affects 

them. Usually, a key issue is one that a future planning effort or data collection needs to address 

and requires a decision by NPS managers.

The following are key issues for Natchez Trace Parkway and the associated planning and data 

needs to address them:

· Maintenance of roadway assets. Road maintenance for the 444-mile Natchez 

Trace Parkway is accomplished through a partnership with the Federal Highway 

Administration, via the Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP). The Parkway 

competes for FLHP funding with other parks throughout the agency.

The National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration use a proactive 

strategy to help reduce overall costs of maintaining the Parkway’s road system. This 

strategy works to maintain road and bridge infrastructure by keeping up with regular 

maintenance, thus preventing much more expensive reconstruction costs over the long 

term. Allowing road assets to deteriorate can cost exponentially more than keeping up 

with regular preventive maintenance. 

Road improvements are categorized in three primary areas: preventive maintenance 

includes basic resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation. This is the least expensive 

form of road maintenance. The “3R” category includes more expensive rehabilitation 

such as structural overlays, deck replacements, and other minor-moderate maintenance 

and improvements. The “4R” category is the most costly category of maintenance and 

often includes long-term road closures. This category includes extensive reconstruction 

of pavement, embankments, and bridges. 

Good preventive maintenance can cost $150,000 per mile every 10 to 15 years. Lack of 

preventive maintenance can lead to full reconstruction, which can cost in excess of $1 

million per mile.

Associated planning and data needs:

· preservation maintenance plan for designed landscape

· complete inventory and condition assessment for all drainage structures

· complete condition assessment for all pavement structures

· Conflicts among visitor groups (recreational motorists, commuters, bicyclists, 

motorcyclists, and pedestrians). The Parkway’s narrow lanes are integral to the 

designed landscape and to a pleasurable driving experience. Bicycling is becoming more 

popular on the Parkway and now vehicles and bicycles are increasingly coming into 

conflict, creating safety concerns and raising the risk for accidents and fatalities. Several 

bicyclist fatalities have occurred along the Parkway, primarily as a result of distracted 

driving. User conflicts in the Tupelo, Mississippi, and Ridgeland/Jackson, Mississippi, 

areas (which have not resulted in fatal accidents) are primarily the result of narrow lanes 

and increasing commuter traffic.

Second, the Parkway is frequently used by commuters, especially near urban areas 

such as Ridgeland and Tupelo, Mississippi. Commuters are more likely to be traveling 

at faster speeds and tend to drive more aggressively than recreational motorists. High 

volumes of commuter traffic thus degrade the visitor experience on the Parkway and 

exacerbate the potential for user-group conflicts. 
27

Natchez Trace Parkway

Associated planning and data needs:

· plan for reducing vehicular, pedestrian, and bicyclist conflicts

· update trail management plan

· comprehensive transportation plan

· Invasive and nuisance species. The Parkway’s narrow, linear profile equates to a high 

ratio of boundary area to interior area, which results in serious management challenges. 

One of the biggest management challenges is increased exposure of Parkway resources 

to invasive and nuisance species. A number of invasive and nuisance plant and animal 

species are already present along the Parkway, including kudzu, Chinese privet, feral 

hogs, and beaver. 

Beavers are creating the most serious resource impacts. Specifically, an increase in 

the beaver population along the entire Parkway—due primarily to lack of natural 

predators—has created a variety of problems: infrastructure instability, property rights 

disputes and stream channel alteration. One of the most prominent concerns is the 

effect of beaver activity on Parkway culverts. Beaver activity has led to blockages in 

a number of culverts, disrupting water drainage and hence, undermining roadway 

stability. Additionally, climate models predict future warming and increases in 

precipitation that could increase invasive and nuisance species. For example, warmer 

temperatures may increase southern pine beetle infestations.

Associated planning and data needs:

· feral hog and beaver management plan.

· Dedicated access to Emerald Mound. Emerald Mound is the second-largest 

ceremonial mound in the United States, measuring 35 feet tall, nearly 770 feet in length, 

and 435 feet wide. The 56-acre mound site is managed by the Natchez Trace Parkway, 

and the site is owned in-fee by the National Park Service. Its property lines, however, 

are not contiguous with the present Parkway boundary, and visitors currently access the 

site on a poorly maintained and hazardous county road. The State of Mississippi has 

acquired approximately 90 acres of land on which a dedicated access road and parking 

area would be constructed, and the state is ready to transfer the land to the National 

Park Service. The Parkway does not have funding for construction of the 0.75-mile 

spur road, parking areas, interpretive exhibits, and new walking trails at the mound site. 

Since the State of Mississippi acquired this land through eminent domain proceedings, 

it is desirable that this process move forward as quickly as possible. In addition, 

updated GIS layers will probably be needed for Emerald Mound as will other planning 

documents to analyze environmental and cultural compliance for the land transfer and 

other portions of the project. Planning will also have to address the portion of the Old 

Natchez Trace that crosses the access road.

Associated planning and data needs:

· completion of Resource Management Tool GIS data layers

· minor boundary adjustment – Emerald Mound access
Foundation Document

28

· Sustaining productive partnerships with community groups and government 

agencies. The Parkway has hundreds of miles of pavement and approximately 1,000 

miles of boundary spanning 4 sizable cities, 25 counties, and 3 states. The linear nature 

of the Parkway creates complex jurisdictional issues and requires Parkway staff to have 

a presence—or relationships—in every nearby community to accomplish projects and 

help mitigate the impacts of urban development: cell phone towers, transmission lines, 

new roads, and new neighborhoods. The Parkway also provides a scenic link between 

communities across the southeastern United States. This geographic reality gives 

Parkway staff a unique opportunity to act as catalysts in a number of regional initiatives 

involving environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and heritage tourism. 

Budget and personnel constraints, however, limit effectiveness.

Associated planning and data needs:

· viewshed protection strategy

Planning and Data Needs

To maintain connection to the core elements of the foundation and the importance of these 

core foundation elements, the planning and data needs listed here are directly related to 

protecting fundamental resources and values, park significance, and park purpose, as well as 

addressing key issues. To successfully undertake a planning effort, information from sources 

such as inventories, studies, research activities, and analyses may be required to provide 

adequate knowledge of park resources and visitor information. Such information sources 

have been identified as data needs. Geospatial mapping tasks and products are included in 

data needs.

Items considered of the utmost importance were identified as high priority, and other items 

identified, but not rising to the level of high priority, were listed as either medium- or lowpriority needs. These priorities inform park management efforts to secure funding and 

support for planning projects.

NPS / © Marc Muench
Natchez Trace Parkway

29

Planning Needs – Where A Decision-Making Process Is Needed

Planning Needs Priority 

(H, M, L) Notes

UNDERWAY

Long-range interpretive plan n/a This work is in progress.

Chickasaw Village site 

environmental assessment

n/a This work is in progress.

Vista management plan n/a This work is in progress.

NEW

Partnership agreement for Chickasaw 

Heritage Center

H Completion of this agreement is needed to move forward with 

the Chickasaw Heritage Center.

Plan for reducing vehicular, 

pedestrian, and bicyclist conflicts

H This plan would be based on a survey of vehicular and 

pedestrian conflicts identified as a data need. It should also 

include signage and education components, as well as a 

communications plan.

Feral hog and beaver management 

plan

H Some preliminary work has already been done. Beaver 

ponds are undermining road structure and creating potential 

safety issues.

Viewshed protection strategy H This strategy would focus on how to leverage partnerships to 

procure scenic and/or conservation easements or influence 

zoning with adjacent municipalities. It would also help 

management with requests for cellular towers.

Minor boundary adjustment - Emerald 

Mound access

H Land, and an access road to the Emerald Mound, would be 

transferred to the National Park Service from the State of 

Mississippi.

Recreation accessibility plan M This plan would explore methods to make recreational 

opportunities more accessible to visitors.

Environmental assessment to address 

erosion issue at Colbert Ferry

M

Resource stewardship strategy M This plan would help develop a long-term strategy for the 

management of natural resources, looking at the future of 

planning for natural resources and how needs will be prioritized.

Condition assessment study and 

rehabilitation plan for segments of the 

Old Natchez Trace

M

Comprehensive transportation plan M This plan would help reduce conflicts between different 

transportation modes: bicyclists, drivers, equestrians, 

pedestrians. Based on information that comes from other, 

higher priority data collection efforts/plans.
Foundation Document

30

Planning Needs – Where A Decision-Making Process Is Needed

Planning Needs Priority 

(H, M, L) Notes

Visitor use study to determine 

access needs to portions of the 

Old Natchez Trace

M This study would examine how to incorporate the 180 

segments of the Old Natchez Trace into the visitor experience.

For example, determine if there is a way to connect segments 

that aren’t being used or place segments into the larger 

trail system.

Preservation maintenance plan for 

designed landscape

M This would help to formalize changes that were made in the 

maintenance program in response to sequestration.

Cultural landscape reports for the Old 

Natchez Trace, Tupelo Homesteads, 

and Chickasaw Village

M These reports would follow the cultural landscape inventories in 

the data needs table.

Update to trail management plan M An updated plan will help guide the development and 

maintenance of the scenic trail and multiuse trails. This plan 

could include an alternate trail use study.

Exotic species management plan M This plan would help to address invasive species along the 

entire Parkway in a comprehensive way; it will be informed by 

other data collection efforts along the Parkway.

Vegetation management plan L This plan is needed to help make informed management 

decisions.

Alternate trail use study and 

environmental assessment

L This study would explore appropriate uses of the Natchez 

Trace National Scenic Trail and other recreation trails in the 

Parkway boundary.

Colbert Ferry development 

concept plan

L This would be necessary to encourage further recreational use 

and to reduce resource impacts at the Colbert Ferry site.

Update to Mount Locust 

furnishings plan

L Have current plan, but it will need to be updated in the future.

Furnishings plan for Gordon House L This plan would become a higher priority if the park is able to 

rehabilitate the interior of the Gordon House.

Study for development of War of 

1812 interpretative site(s)

L This could be completed with information from the park’s longrange interpretive plan.

Climate change vulnerability 

assessment of key Parkway resources

L
Natchez Trace Parkway

31

Data Needs – Where Information Is Needed Before Decisions Can Be Made

Data / GIS Needs Priority 

(H, M, L) Notes

UNDERWAY

Correction of inaccurate GIS layer on 

park boundary

n/a This work is in progress.

GPS location inventory of regulatory 

signage

n/a This work is in progress.

Survey and condition assessment of 

all Parkway specimen trees

n/a This work is in progress.

Mapping of geology and vegetation n/a This work is in progress. The work is underway through larger 

NPS inventory and monitoring efforts.

Natural resource condition 

assessments

n/a This work is in progress.

NEW

Completion of Resource Management 

Tool GIS data layers

H This is the overarching effort under which many of the other 

GIS data collection pieces might fall. In particular, GIS layers will 

be needed for the Emerald Mound site.

Complete inventory and condition 

assessment for all drainage structures 

H There are more than 1,000 drainage structures on the 

Parkway that range from small pipes to large bridge 

structures. Many of these structures were designed to last 

no more than 50 years and some of them are now over 70 

years old. Previous failures of drainage structures have caused 

significant damage to the Parkway, including washouts of 

major sections. A comprehensive examination and evaluation 

of these structures is needed to determine those that must be 

replaced immediately. 

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail 

condition assessment

H This plan would help to prioritize segment rehabilitation needs.

Surveys and research for reducing 

bicycling and vehicular conflict

H The park is currently conducting focus groups/public meetings 

to gather public input on this topic.

GIS data and photo inventory for all 

nonmotorized trails

M This would be an active inventory of trails to help the park 

prioritize expenditure of maintenance funds. Priority depends 

on safety considerations (either M/H).

Parkwide mapping of nonnative 

species

M This effort will help with nonnative species management.

Baseline mussel inventory M No inventory currently exists.

Threatened and endangered species 

inventory

M No inventory currently exists.

Historic resource study for the 

Parkway

M The Parkway has numerous historic resources along its 444-

mile length. This study would compile critical information about 

these resources into one document.
Foundation Document

32

Data Needs – Where Information Is Needed Before Decisions Can Be Made

Data / GIS Needs Priority 

(H, M, L) Notes

Visitor use surveys M These surveys would help gather demographic information 

from park visitors, including reasons for visiting, place of origin, 

length of stay, activities, etc.

Mapping and surveys of unrecorded 

segments of the Old Natchez Trace

M

Archeological surveys of existing 

segments of the Old Natchez Trace

M Two segments are high priority (MS Craft Center area and 

Emerald Mound access). In general, this is only necessary when 

something could impact those resources.

Cultural landscape inventories 

for the Old Natchez Trace, Tupelo 

Homesteads, and Chickasaw Village

M

Historic structure reports for Mount 

Locust (update), Chickasaw Village, 

Mission 66 structures, and Tupelo 

Homesteads

M

GIS and photo inventory for 

agricultural leases

M This documentation would help the park document and manage 

the agricultural parcels that have active leases. It will assist the 

park in ensuring a mowing and clearing schedule is maintained 

and determine which parcels may need new lessee’s

Condition assessments for agricultural 

leases

M Reporting use of pesticides from leases is needed, as well as an 

overall assessment of compliance with natural/ cultural/scenic 

requirements and best management practices (crop tillage, 

watershed protection, fence clearing, etc.).

Complete condition assessment for all 

pavement structure

M

Soil impact testing to quantify effect 

of agricultural leasing program

L

Spatial data crosslink L Need a crosslink to connect GIS information in resource-based 

systems (RM Tool) with law enforcement-bases systems (CAD) 

and facilities systems (RIP and FMSS). 

Baseline bat inventory L

Baseline small mammal inventory L

Restudy of New Deal-era excavations 

and artifact collections currently 

held at NPS Southeast Archeological 

Center

L

LIDAR and 3D scan of entire Parkway L This would provide baseline data for management of cultural 

resources and the designed landscape. It has been completed 

at certain sites along the Parkway in partnership with the 

University of South Florida.

Historic vegetation/landscape map L This map of historic conditions will drive future management 

actions by park staff.
33

Natchez Trace Parkway

Part 3: Contributors

Natchez Trace Parkway

Barry Boyd, Chief of Maintenance

Sarah Davis, Chief Ranger

Calvin T. Farmer, Assistant Chief Ranger

Jane Farmer, Interpretive Park Ranger

Marcus Foster, IT Specialist

Amy Genke, Interpretive Park Ranger

Lana Lollar, Budget Analyst

Kristen Maxfield, Interpretive Park Ranger

Lisa McInnis, Chief of Resource Management

Christy Nagle, Program Analyst

Shawn Nagle, Fire Management Officer

Mary Risser, Superintendent

Chris Smith, Cultural Resource Specialist

Greg Smith, Landscape Architect 

Maggie Walker, Executive Assistant

Terry Wildy, Chief of Interpretation

Dale Wilkerson, Administrative Officer

NPS Southeast Region

Amy Wirsching, Community Planner, Southeast Regional Office

Other NPS Staff

Melody Bentfield, Contract Librarian, Denver Service Center, Planning

Tamara Delaplane, Landscape Architect, Denver Service Center, Planning

John Gerbich, Community Planner, Denver Service Center, Planning

Pam Holtman, Quality Assurance Coordinator, WASO Park Planning and Special Studies

Wanda Gray Lafferty, Contract Editor, Denver Service Center, Planning

Ray McPadden, Project Manager, Denver Service Center, Planning

Nancy Shock, Foundations Coordinator, Denver Service Center, Planning

John Paul Jones, Visual Information Specialist, Denver Service Center, Planning
Foundation Document

34

Appendixes

Appendix A: Enabling Legislation and Legislative Acts for

Natchez Trace Parkway and Associated Sites

Natchez Trace Parkway

Enabling Legislation
35

Natchez Trace Parkway

Appropriations Authorization
Foundation Document

36

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

Trail Designation

Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site / Tupelo National Battlefield

Enabling Legislation

Ackia Battleground National Monument and Meriwether Lewis 

National Monument as Part of Natchez Trace Parkway

Enabling Legislation
37

Natchez Trace Parkway

Appendix B: Inventory of Administrative Commitments

Administrative Commitments

Administrative commitments for Natchez Trace Parkway are contained in other databases 

that are regularly updated by park management. Rather than relist all commitments in this 

document, this table serves as a comprehensive reference to those other databases. 

General Type of 

Agreement

Approximate 

Number Purpose Stakeholders Notes

General Agreements 

and Memorandum 

of Understanding 

for Resource 

Management

30 General agreements relating to 

broad categories of resource 

management (signage, trails, 

scenic protection, recycling, 

adjacent parks, natural resource 

monitoring, etc.).

National Park Service; 

Tennessee Department of 

Conservation

Agreements database 

(Shareall Drive)

Memorandum of 

Agreement

3 Agreements with state 

preservation offices for National 

Historic Preservation Act 

compliance issues.

State Historic Preservation 

Offices

Central files

Repatriation 

Agreements

4 Agreements regarding 

repatriation on Parkway land.

Chickasaw Nation, 

Choctaw Nation of 

Oklahoma, and Muscogee 

(Creek) Nation

Agreements database 

(Shareall Drive) and 

central files

Construction 

Permits

25 annually Permitting of construction 

activities within rights-of-way or 

deed-reserved rights.

Various private, federal, 

state, county, local, and 

nonprofit entities

Compliance process 

managed in 

PEPC. Permits and 

correspondence retained 

in central files

Rights-of-way 1,100 Rights retained or granted to 

various entities to pass within 

Parkway lands.

Many adjacent landowners This information is 

held in the deed files 

(Shareall/1 Lands) 

and the right-of-way 

database (RM/Rights 

of Way)

Deeded Easements 1,500 Permanent rights retained or 

granted to various entities to 

pass within Parkway lands.

Many adjacent landowners This information is 

held in the deed files 

(Shareall/1 Lands)

Commemorative 

Rock Markers

9 Daughters of the American 

Revolution initiative to place a 

stone commemorative marker 

in each county through which 

Natchez Trace Parkway passes.

Daughters of the American 

Revolution (DAR)

No formal agreement 

in place; DAR marker 

requests come in 

periodically

Cooperative Fire 

Agreements

80 Each agency involved will remain 

responsible for and will take 

charge of fire suppression action 

in the areas under its protection.

Each agency will assist the other 

as needed or requested for fires 

within 0.25 mile of common 

boundaries.

Hassel and Hughes 

Lumber Company; 

International Paper 

Company; AndersonTully Lumber Company; 

Mississippi Park System; 

US Forest Service; Alabama 

Division of Forestry; TVA 

Division of Reservoir 

Properties; Tennessee River 

Pulp and Paper Company; 

Tennessee Division of 

Forestry

The Parkway grants each 

cooperating agency 

access over the Parkway 

motor road and land 

for investigating and 

suppressing fires
Foundation Document

38

General Type of 

Agreement

Approximate 

Number Purpose Stakeholders Notes

Natchez Trace 

Parkway Association

Memorandum 

of 

Understanding

Development of a cell 

phone tour.

NTPA members in chapters 

along the Parkway

Hard copy in central files; 

expires 9/25/17

Natchez Trace 

Compact

Memorandum 

of 

Understanding

Promote tourism along 

the Parkway corridor and 

disseminate accurate 

information about Natchez Trace 

Parkway through the Compact.

Voting members of 

the compact, including 

many chambers, CVBs, 

and tourism officials in 

communities adjacent to 

the Parkway

Copy of the MOU in 

NATR central files; 

another copy is with 

the Compact, Signed 

summer 2012; expires 

2017

Mississippi Hills 

National Heritage 

Area, Muscle Shoals 

National Heritage 

Area, Tennessee 

Civil War National 

Heritage Area

No formal 

agreement

Natchez Trace Parkway serves 

in a support capacity for these 

three national heritage areas.

The Parkway may provide 

staff resources, signs, program 

guidance, and/or assistance with 

SERO as needed.

Staff and voting members 

of the national heritage 

areas, and the public 

and private resources 

encompassed in each 

national heritage area

No agreements on life; 

liaison work/contacts 

maintained with the 

superintendent’s office 

and the Division of 

Interpretation

Chickasaw Nation 1 Cooperative 

Agreement

Promote educational experiences 

with Chickasaw students and 

promote youth partnerships.

Chickasaw Nation and 

students

Agreement valid August 

2013–2018; copy 

created by MABO; still 

resides at JELA

Southeastern 

Oklahoma University

1 Cooperative 

Agreement

Promote educational experiences 

with Choctaw students and 

promote youth partnerships.

Choctaw Nation of 

Oklahoma and students of 

Southeastern Oklahoma 

University

Agreement valid August 

2013–2018; copy 

created by MABO; still 

resides at JELA

Mississippi Band of 

Choctaw Indians

1 Cooperative 

Agreement

Promote educational experiences 

with MBCI students and 

promote youth partnerships.

MBCI and students Agreement valid August 

2013-2018; copy created 

by MABO still resides at 

JELA

University of 

Mississippi

Grant 

Agreement in 

progress

Development of GIS data to 

support Parkway educational 

programming; funded by Lower 

Mississippi Delta Grant Initiative.

University of Mississippi 

and students

Agreement in progress; 

currently unsigned

University of 

Northern Alabama

1 Cooperative 

Agreement

Provide UNA students to 

conduct trails work at Parkway/ 

NATT.

UNA staff and students Information located 

with Parkway trails lead 

(ranger division)

Radio Tower 

Property Leases

14 Radio towers provide 

communication links for law 

enforcement and operations.

LE, MA, Fire, FCC, FAA, 

landowners

Files are located at FAA, 

FCC, and the Parkway; 

lease information or 

warranty deeds should 

also be at the respective 

county courthouses

Road Maintenance 10 Cooperative agreements 

to design and rehabilitate 

roads and bridges along the 

Parkway; also as-built plans for 

construction projects.

Federal Highway 

Administration, Denver 

Service Center

Files are located at FHWA 

Eastern Federal Lands 

IEFL) in Sterling, VA; 

copies of as-built plans 

are also in the Parkway

Cooperative Mutual 

Aid Agreements

Approx. 70 Includes cooperation with law 

enforcement entities in areas 

with concurrent jurisdiction.

Users of the Parkway 

and counties along the 

Parkway

The information is held 

in the Ranger – General 

Agreements Database

Agricultural Leases 1,000 tracts 

leased to 

approx. 300 

leasees

Users and neighbors of the 

Parkway 

This information is held 

in the agricultural lease 

database

Special Park Uses 

and ongoing 

commercial use 

authorizations

Varies Varies; primarily commercial 

bus tours.

The information is held in 

the ranger office
Southeast Region Foundation Document Recommendation

Natchez Trace Parkway

October 2014

This Foundation Document has been prepared as a collaborative effort between park and regional staff 

and is recommended for approval by the Southeast Regional Director.

RECOMMENDED

Mary Risser, Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway Date

APPROVED

Stan Austin, Regional Director, Southeast Region Date

As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most 

of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land 

and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental 

and cultural values of our national parks and historic places; and providing for the enjoyment of life 

through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to 

ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and 

citizen participation in their care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian 

reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

NATR 604/126983

October 2014
Foundation Document • Natchez Trace Parkway

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

NPS / © Marc Muench