This project will inventory geologic hazards and significant geologic features in joshua tree national park, saint croix national scenic riverway, and north country national scenic trail to evaluate…

Colorado State University's Sponsored Programs Division received a $222,623.30 cooperative agreement from the National Park Service (NPS) under the Cooperative Research and Training Programs – Resources of the National Park System (CFDA 15.945) awarded July 23, 2025, with completion targeted for December 31, 2026. The project will conduct a comprehensive inventory and evaluation of geologic hazards and significant geologic features across three National Park System units: Joshua Tree National Park, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, and North Country National Scenic Trail. The inventory will assess the characteristics, condition, abundance, and distribution of these geologic resources to support science-based resource management decisions.

The deliverables will enable NPS to implement proactive management strategies aligned with the National Park Service Omnibus Management Act of 1998, including crowd management protocols to protect sensitive geologic resources, optimized placement and design of trail infrastructure to reduce long-term maintenance costs, and enhanced visitor safety measures. This cooperative agreement supports the NPS mission to facilitate multi-disciplinary science and integrated information products that guide resource management decisions across the National Park System.

This project will inventory geologic hazards and significant geologic features in joshua tree national park, saint croix national scenic riverway, and north country national scenic trail to evaluate their characteristics, condition, abundance, and distribution. Parks will use this information in accordance with the national park service omnibus management act of 1998 to address crowd management to safeguard sensitive geologic resources, guide placement and design of trail infrastructure to reduce long-term maintenance costs, and enable proactive visitor safety measures.