IMPORTANCE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

By Geo. C. Ruhle

Definition: - Research embodies the careful and critical inquiry or examination in seeking facts and principles. It employs a systematic investigation by means of experimental methods, augmented with generalizations, laws, and hypotheses to discover new facts, and to correlate them with other facts.

The General (Direct) Value of Research: - The part played by research in the development of science and industry is common knowledge to mankind. Large industrial enterprises have been developed by it as frequently as by the labors of organizing departments. The recognition of the national essentiality of science is practically unanimous.

The Importance of Research to the Educational Program in a National Park: - Granting the general importance of research, since no argument should be necessary as to its utility in increasing production, eliminating disease, or enhancing comfort and security, does or can research play a vital part in the Educational Development of a National Park? Is it an Educational Asset? Yes. Conservation and Development being considered as the first two purposes of our national parks, the third purpose is their maximum utilization along appropriate lines. No argument should be necessary for the use of our parks in the cause of advancing knowledge, especially since the wonderful possibilities of scientific discovery are so manifest everywhere. It is a cardinal purpose to supplement the recreational utility of these pleasure areas with higher investigations of a type by which our mastery over nature is derived. A wholly materialistic gain for the parks through research is prestige and decorous advertisement. Without basic in formation supplied by research, intelligent procedure along any line is impossible.

What is the Importance of Research to the Park Naturalist: -- Chiefly through the training received and the mental attitude developed. It is obvious that one works with a great handicap if one conducts activities along emperical lines without the advantages which the scientific method entails. Research is extremely valuable as an intellectual stimulus, developing an ability to think clearly and independently, to analyze complicated problems, and put factors in their proper relationship and value. It prevents mental stagnation by its induciveness to creative thought, by eliminating passive acceptance. It fosters a sense of obligation, mental alertness, self-reliance, a responsibility of taking part in investigation of unsolved problems, an answered challenge. It keeps the mind fresh by contact with superior brains, either directly or through current literature.

Pure vs applied research: - Even great business corporations with research programs are beginning to recognize the promotion of pure science as a sound business policy. The goal of research is discovery of all truth. Research is valuable whether capable of immediate application or not. The smallest discovery may lead to unexpected and far reaching results, as has often been proven, In our national parks, both pure and applied research should not be found wanting.

Besides the Chief Naturalist, the Park Naturalists and Mr. Russell, there were present as visitors Mr. John Coffman, Dr. Joseph Grinnell, Mr. Joseph Dixon, Mr. Charles Kraebel, Mr. A. Everett Wieslander, Mr. Duncan Dunning and Professor Horne, all of whom took part in the round table discussions during this session of the conference.

Following the presentation of Dr. Ruhle's paper on the importance of research, the fact was brought out that the present scientific knowledge of the natural features of the park is almost infinitesimal compared with what will ultimately be known through intensive research. Much investigation will be necessary before we can in any measure round out the park story.

Dr. Grinnell pointed out that scientific research is of practical value to the park naturalist because he is best equipped to transmit this knowledge to the park visitor.

It is advisable that the naturalist work upon scientific problems in order that he may continue to remain alert; it is equally important that he bring these problems to conclusion, as the successful completion of the projects will be an asset not only to him, but also to the public.

Dr. Grinnell pointed out that some men are able teachers while others are primarily concerned with research and that seldom are both faculties combined in one man. For this reason it was pointed out that it might be well to have two types of naturalists. The suggestion was made by others that the specialists in research might best be members of the headquarters staff rather than members of the educational staff in the individual parks -- at least until the work is further developed.

Discussion was reopened on the question of the maintenance of a natural balance in the national parks.

The question arose concerning the control or extermination of animals which are dangerous to human life, such as the rattlesnake. It was maintained by several present that such control would upset the natural balance, but it was recognized as inevitable that some such control be introduced in areas widely used by the public. It was recommended that the problem be given special scientific study with a view to developing a practical solution of the problem.

Mr. Kraebel suggested that specialists concentrate upon the study of problems of this sort in the individual parks, and it was pointed out by other members present that such study might fall within the scope of the investigations to be conducted by Messrs. Wright and Dixon.

Dr. Grinnell pointed out the danger of officially permitting "reasonable" control of any species because the interpretation of this term will depend entirely upon the ideas of the individual. There is bound to be a difference between opinions of different individuals and also in a single individual's opinion at different times.

Mr. Dixon pointed out that absence of control measures will not result in absolutely natural conditions and that an agreement based on the result of careful scientific investigation would be the best means of determining upon what should be a natural balance.

The question was brought up as to whether any species should be allowed to disappear from a national park. Dr. Grinnell and Mr. Kraebel maintained that artificial means should not be introduced to preserve the species if that species exists in other national parks. Mr. Hall pointed out that it was dangerous to make such a generalization and that the course of action should depend, rather, upon careful investigation and pre-determined plan of action. Dr. Grinnell pointed out the danger of allowing human ideas to interfere with the natural balance. He said that as years progress it is likely that the pyramiding of ideas may divert us from the original park objective of undisturbed preservation. He pointed out that we may start with a minor artificial change but that following artificial changes must continually be made in order to make or check natural changes and that thus there will eventually be built up a condition which is entirely artificial.

After a long discussion by the delegates and visitors present it was agreed that park areas should be kept as nearly "natural" as possible, but that the use of the park by the people introduces an artificial element which is inevitably an element in the situation and should be considered in any administrative plan.