California Mediterranean Research Learning Center National Park Service
California Mediterranean Research Learning Center: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
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Channel Islands National Park
Endangered island fox (Urocyon littoralis)
Endangered island fox (Urocyon littoralis)
Channel Islands National Park Facts:
• Over 2,000 species of plants and animals can be found in Channel Islands National Park (145 of which are found nowhere else in the world)
• Seventeen animals and fourteen plants that occur in the park are on the federal list of threatened and endangered species
• The park, totaling approximately 250,000 acres, is ½ land and ½ marine water
• Created in 1980 because of its outstanding natural and cultural resources
• Designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976
• Recognized for its genetic diversity and importance for research
• The largest and most diverse island is Santa Cruz Island, with an area of 96 square miles (approximately one-fifth the size of the City of Los Angeles)
• The park receives 30,000 visitors and an additional 60,000 people visit its waters every year
Please contact the Channel Islands National Park for more information at (805) 658-5730, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/chis.

Social Science

As population growth continues to challenge efforts to maintain and conserve the plants, animals, and micro-organisms that make up our planet, rare ecosystems--like those found in Channel Islands National Park--become increasingly precious.

The National Park Service and the CMRLC encourage exploration and social science research in an effort to ensure quality visitor experiences and prevent adverse impacts on the park's natural resources. Researchers can pursue answers to questions regarding the interplay between economics, sociology, ecology, land use, and politics in Channel Islands through the Center.

Current Research
To date, most research studies in Channel Islands National Park have focused on the following:

• Understanding visitor trends and demographics, usually associated with specific park planning projects (e.g. trail management, access, etc.)
• General attitudes visitors have about wildlife and park management
• Visitor satisfaction

Research Opportunities
The National Park Service hopes to significantly expand social science research within Channel Islands National Park. Topics of interest include:

• The Evolving American Social Structure
How does an evolving American social structure affect park management efforts?

Particular attention may be paid to the changing social, ethnic, and demographic composition of California. Park managers need to understand how these changes can affect demand for park-related services and political support, and use this knowledge to more effectively reach out to emerging publics.

• Visitor Capacity Standards
How do variations in visitor use affect park resources and the quality of the experience?

Effective use of scientific information to choose social or biological indicators of visitor capacity may be used in these research studies.

• Psychological & Physical Benefits
What is the basis for a complementary, interdependent relationship between visitors and the Channel Islands National Park?

Quantitative and qualitative measurements will need to be used to understand the connections between people and nature by measuring the psychological and physical benefits of parklands on their visitors.

Researchers in Channel Islands National Park have access to an extensive geographic information system (GIS) database that includes land use, demographic, jurisdictional, political, and natural and cultural resource data.

The National Park Service looks forward to working with researchers to explore novel opportunities and facilitate future studies in the Channel Islands National Park through the CMRLC. Please contact Channel Islands National Park for more information at (805) 658-5730, or visit their website at www.nps.gov/chis.

Research Learning Center Network Partners Contacts Department of the Interior FOIA FirstGov