Proceedings of the First Park Naturalists’ Training Conference, November 1 to 30, 1929
RESEARCH RESERVES
WHAT IS A RESEARCH RESERVE?
Discussion by all members of the Conference:
Considerable time was devoted to an analyses of the purposes, characteristics, uses, and other features of research reserves in an effort to clarify the subject and coordinate the ideas of those present. Following the discussion, each member of the group was asked to draft a concise definition of the term “research reserve.” The definitions are as follows:
A research reserve in a national park is a biotic unit which is definitely set aside from its surroundings for purposes of experiment or study.
Edwin D. McKee
A research reserve is an area which will henceforth be maintained in its natural condition, for the purpose of research along one or several scientific lines.
Dorr G. Yeager
A research reserve is an area set aside for scientific study and experimentation to be maintained in (as near as possible) primitive condition which serves as a meeting ground for the scientific and educational phases of national park work.
C. Frank Brockman
A research reserve is a tract or tracts of considerable enough extent within our parks which offer in their present condition natural phenomena for strictly research purposes. They are not to be fenced, trailed, planted to fish, etc.
C. A. Harwell
A research reserve must be a certain area embodying as nearly as possible ideal natural qualifications for the permission of continued observation of natural history.
Geo. L. Collins
Research reserves are areas of adequate size that are set aside permanently, free from human influence, for study of natural sciences.
Frank T. Been
By research reserves we understand representative portions of national parks of particular biotic interest which have been heretofore and shall continue to be kept unchanged as far as possible by human or other external factors.
Geo. C. Ruhle
Research Reserve: An area comprising a logical biotic unit either typical of the locality or exhibiting special or unique features, set aside (either temporary or permanently) for scientific observation and research, with the understanding that it shall be as little influenced by human use and occupation as circumstances permit or research necessitates.
John D. Coffman
A research reserve is an area permanently set aside exclusively for scientific study.
Ansel F. Hall
