The George Wright Forum

Articles

• Table of Contents, Vol. 2, No. 3

• Editorial

  • Linn, Robert M.

  This editorial introduces a special issue of The George Wright Forum focused on the Old Northwest Territory—an area rich in U.S. historical and environmental significance, encompassing present-day Great Lakes states. The piece reflects on a 1982 conference at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Wingspread Conference Center in Racine, Wisconsin, which gathered experts to discuss the role of national parks and conservation efforts in the region. The editorial highlights the enduring challenges faced by the National Park Service, the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping park policy, and the need for better communication across professional and geographic boundaries. The issue includes selected conference papers that offer critical insights and recommendations for future stewardship of the region's natural and cultural resources.

• Letters and Commentary

• Regional History and the National Parks in the Great Lakes Area

  • McEvoy, Arthur F.

  Arthur F. McEvoy argues for a more cohesive and comprehensive interpretation of the Great Lakes region within the National Park Service (NPS). Emphasizing the interconnected cultural, economic, and historical significance of the region, McEvoy critiques the NPS for focusing too narrowly on frontier narratives and for failing to present a regionally integrated historical perspective. He outlines the Great Lakes' pivotal roles—from early fur trade and geopolitical struggles, through 19th-century industrial expansion, to 20th-century ecological and international cooperation. McEvoy calls for interpretive strategies that reflect this deep, layered history, positioning the Great Lakes as a vital unit in the national story. He advocates for using the NPS sites to foster greater public understanding of how regional histories contribute to broader national and environmental themes.

• Indians and the National Parks of the Great Lakes

  • Friesema, H. Paul;
  • Friesema, Sarah J.

  This paper examines the complex and evolving relationships between Woodland Indian groups—particularly the Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi—and the ten National Park Service (NPS) units located around the Great Lakes. Although these parks are not primarily established to address Native American issues, they are significantly intertwined with Indigenous land rights, cultural history, and ongoing legal and social concerns. Key issues include tribal land ownership within park boundaries, disputes over fishing rights, protection of sacred and archaeological sites, and the interpretation of Native histories. Legislation such as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and NPS policies (notably Special Directive 78-1) provide a framework for Native participation and protection of traditional practices. The paper argues that a growing "Indian awakening" presents both challenges and opportunities for the NPS to develop more inclusive and culturally sensitive management practices, which could enhance both preservation and visitor experience in the Great Lakes parks. The authors advocate for proactive leadership and the inclusion of Native voices in park planning and interpretation to foster mutual benefit and cultural revitalization.

• Carrying Capacity in the Great Lakes National Parks

  • Heberlein, Thomas A.

  This paper explores the concept of carrying capacity as applied to recreation management in the Great Lakes national parks. Carrying capacity is defined as the threshold of use beyond which the impacts of visitor activity exceed acceptable levels. Heberlein categorizes carrying capacity into four types—physical, facilities, ecological, and social—each with distinct management implications. While ecological capacity has historically received the most attention, the author argues that social capacity, which considers the quality of visitor experience, is often more critical and overlooked. Using analogies such as sports games, Heberlein emphasizes that different recreational activities have different optimal group sizes and encounter thresholds. He advocates for strategies such as activity separation, informed visitor choice, and differentiated park zones to manage these capacities effectively. By identifying preferred and tolerable levels of visitor interaction and structuring opportunities accordingly, park managers can better preserve both natural resources and recreational experiences. The author concludes that thoughtful, low-cost interventions based on understanding user expectations can enhance park use without requiring major resource investments.

• The Role of Science in the Great Lakes National Parks

  • Reshkin, Mark

  This article explores the evolving role of science within the U.S. National Park Service, with a focus on the Great Lakes national parks. It highlights how scientific research has historically played a reactive rather than proactive role in resource management, often constrained by limited funding and staffing. As visitor numbers and external environmental pressures have grown, the need for mission-oriented, process-focused research has become increasingly urgent. Reshkin emphasizes the importance of integrating scientific understanding into natural resource management to support informed decision-making, especially amid conflicting goals of preservation and use. The paper identifies serious threats such as shoreline erosion and air pollution, notes the scarcity of scientists in many park areas, and proposes strategic initiatives including long-term research planning, expanded university partnerships, and the establishment of cooperative study units. These recommendations aim to ensure that science remains a central, well-supported pillar in managing and preserving the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes parks.

• Air Pollution Threats to the National Parks in the Great Lakes Region

  • Armantano, T. V.;
  • Loucks, O. L.

  This paper explores the growing threat of air pollution to national parks in the Great Lakes region, emphasizing both local and long-range sources of contamination. The authors highlight that while industrial and vehicular emissions are concentrated in urban areas near the parks, secondary pollutants such as ozone and acid deposition travel significant distances, impacting even remote park ecosystems. Key threats include reduced visibility due to sulfate aerosols, vegetation damage from ozone and sulfur dioxide, and ecosystem degradation in acid-sensitive watersheds from acid precipitation. Case studies illustrate ongoing and potential ecological damage, particularly in areas like Indiana Dunes, Cuyahoga Valley, Voyageurs, and Isle Royale National Parks. The paper calls for expanded monitoring and mitigation strategies, warning that without significant emission reductions, park resource values across the region may be substantially diminished in the coming decades.

• The National Park Service in Law Reviews and Law Journals

  • Lucke, Thomas W.

  In this article, Thomas W. Lucke emphasizes the growing importance of legal knowledge for National Park Service (NPS) managers and rangers, particularly in light of increasing environmental and land-use challenges. Citing testimony from Nathaniel P. Reed, the author argues for broader educational exposure among park personnel, while acknowledging fiscal and logistical barriers to formal training. As a practical alternative, Lucke presents a curated bibliography of recent legal scholarship that addresses key issues affecting the National Park System—from land acquisition and urban park management to mining, air quality regulation, and water rights. These law review articles, he suggests, offer accessible, low-cost avenues for self-education that can enhance park professionals' ability to navigate complex legal and policy landscapes. Although not officially endorsed by the NPS, such readings can foster a more informed and capable workforce in an increasingly litigious environment.

• Cultural Resource Management's Role in the New Areas Study Process

  • Johnson, Ronald W.

  This article explores the expanding role of Cultural Resource Management (CRM) in the National Park Service’s (NPS) process for evaluating potential additions to the National Park System, as guided by the 1976 amendment to the General Authorities Act of 1970. Through detailed case studies of three diverse projects—the Great Basin Reconnaissance Survey, the Illinois & Michigan Canal Survey, and the Historic Camden Study of Alternatives—Johnson illustrates how CRM has become a critical element in planning, resource evaluation, and community engagement. CRM specialists contribute not only cultural data but also broader planning insights, balancing resource significance, preservation integrity, and public use. The studies demonstrate the need for CRM professionals to act as both technical experts and interdisciplinary planners who work with various stakeholders. Ultimately, the author argues that CRM enhances the credibility and comprehensiveness of new area studies, ensuring sound recommendations for NPS expansion and preservation strategies, while also allowing for alternative methods of resource protection where full NPS inclusion may not be warranted.

• (Book) Reviews

  Review of books on Chaco Canyon and Gettysburg.