State of the Parks: Redwood National and State Parks

The Center for the State of the Parks of the National Parks Conservation Association produced a report date December 2008 on the state of the Redwood National Park. The Report found that the current overall conditions of Redwood’s known natural resources rated a “fair” score of 69 out of 100. Park staff continue to work to correct past ecosystem damage that resulted from unsustainable logging practices and incompatible upstream development. These efforts include watershed restoration (road removal and erosion control) monitoring, and vegetation management. This work is carried out by park staff and a broad-based coalition of external partners.

Redwood National and State Park’s cultural resources received a “fair” score of 66 out of 100. These cultural resources include 19th-century ranch structures, a World War II-era radar station disguised as a farmhouse, a wealth of archaeological resources, an expansive museum collection and archives, and a rich history of American Indian and Euro-American use. Among the items visitors can see at the park is a redwood dugout canoe on display within the Kuchel Visitor Center; historic stone tools, arrowheads, other carved items made by American Indians; and pieces from local, modern American Indian culture.