US Codex
Pub. L.
Notes

Title III — National Park Next Generation Stewards

114th Congress · Approved Dec 16, 2016 · 130 Stat. 1482 · Lineage

TITLE III National Park Next Generation Stewards

SEC. 301. National Park Service Interpretation and Education.

(a)
In General.— Title 54, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 1007 the following:

“CHAPTER 1008— EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

“100801. Definitions.

“100802. Interpretation and education authority.

“100803. Interpretation and education evaluation and quality improvement.

“100804. Improved use of partners and volunteers in interpretation and education.

Ҥ 100801. Definitions

“As used in this chapter:

“(1) Interpretation.—The term ‘interpretation’—

“(A) means providing opportunities for people to form intellectual and emotional connections to gain awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the resources of the System; and

“(B) may refer to the professional career field of Service employees, volunteers, and partners who interpret the resources of the System.

“(2) Education.—The term ‘education’ means enhancing public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the resources of the System through learner-centered, place-based materials, programs, and activities that achieve specific learning objectives as identified in a curriculum.

“(3) Related areas.—The term ‘related areas’ means—

“(A) national wild and scenic rivers and national trails;

“(B) national heritage areas; and

“(C) affiliated areas administered in connection with the System.

Ҥ 100802. Interpretation and education authority

“The Secretary shall ensure that management of System units and related areas is enhanced by the availability and use of a broad program of the highest quality interpretation and education.

Ҥ 100803. Interpretation and education evaluation and quality improvement

“The Secretary may undertake a program of regular evaluation of interpretation and education programs to ensure that they—

“(1) adjust to how people learn and engage with the natural world and shared heritage as embodied in the System;

“(2) reflect different cultural backgrounds, ages, education, gender, abilities, ethnicity, and needs;

“(3) demonstrate innovative approaches to management and appropriately incorporate emerging learning and communications technology; and

“(4) reflect current scientific and academic research, content, methods, and audience analysis.

Ҥ 100804. Improved use of partners and volunteers in interpretation and education

“The Secretary may—

“(1) coordinate with park partners and volunteers in the delivery of quality programs and services to supplement those provided by the Service as part of a park’s Long Range Interpretive Plan;

“(2) support interpretive partners by providing opportunities to participate in interpretive training; and

“(3) collaborate with other Federal and non-Federal public or private agencies, organizations, or institutions for the purposes of developing, promoting, and making available educational opportunities related to resources of the System and programs.”

(b)
Conforming Amendment.— The table of chapters at the beginning of title 54, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 1007 the following new item:

“1008. Education and Interpretation 100801”.

SEC. 302. Public Land Corps Amendments.

The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (Public Law 91–378, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in section 203(10)(A) (16 U.S.C. 1722(10)(A)), by striking “ 25” and inserting “ 30”;
(2)
in section 204(b) (16 U.S.C. 1723(b)), by striking “ 25” and inserting “ 30”; and
(3)
in section 207(c)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1726(c)(2)), by striking “ 120 days” and inserting “ 2 years”.