Similar problems were caused by the introduction of New England brook trout, which has come to predominate over the native southern Appalachian brook trout. The folly of dealing with this range of issues without adequate scientific information should be readily apparent. The credibility of NPS management decisions and its research in general will be enhanced by involving the exter- nal scientific community. The public, a critical constituency of the parks, expects timely answers to their questions about park resources. Sci- ence and interpretation should be closely allied.
All parks start with an inadequate knowledge base.
As research answers some Questions it inevitably raises others. It is only through such an iterative process that parks can be preserved. Balancing the needs of visitors who seek to enjoy the nation's parks with the need to protect park resources will always remain a challenge for park managers. Park scientists and park managers must work together to meet this challenge. National Research Council.