CIP Resource Management & Preservation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal law requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties before approving or funding projects?
- National Environmental Policy Act
- Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Correct answer)
- Wilderness Act
- Federal Land Policy and Management Act
Correct answer: Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a Comprehensive Interpretive Plan (CIP) in relation to resource preservation?
- To generate visitor revenue for site maintenance
- To guide interpretive programming while ensuring resource protection and visitor understanding (Correct answer)
- To replace environmental impact statements
- To document all species found at a site
Correct answer: To guide interpretive programming while ensuring resource protection and visitor understanding
A CIP integrates interpretive goals with resource stewardship by aligning programming with preservation objectives so that interpretation itself becomes a tool for protecting resources.
Question 3: Which concept describes the maximum level of use a natural or cultural resource can sustain without unacceptable impact?
- Threshold of potential concern
- Carrying capacity (Correct answer)
- Limits of acceptable change
- Visitor experience and resource protection
Correct answer: Carrying capacity
Carrying capacity defines the level of use a resource can sustain while maintaining its essential character and meeting management objectives.
Question 4: When an interpreter notices visitor behavior that is damaging fragile artifacts, the MOST appropriate immediate response is to:
- Close the entire exhibit to all visitors
- Use interpretive techniques to redirect visitors toward desired behaviors (Correct answer)
- Call security and have visitors removed
- File a written incident report only
Correct answer: Use interpretive techniques to redirect visitors toward desired behaviors
Effective interpreters use positive, non-confrontational communication to redirect harmful behavior while reinforcing the resource's significance.
Question 5: The principle of 'minimal footprint' in resource management means interpreters should:
- Avoid creating any interpretive materials
- Design programs and facilities that minimize physical and environmental impact on resources (Correct answer)
- Limit all site visits to under one hour
- Restrict access to all sensitive areas permanently
Correct answer: Design programs and facilities that minimize physical and environmental impact on resources
Minimal footprint means choosing interpretive approaches, infrastructure, and materials that achieve educational goals while causing the least possible disturbance to the resource.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'integrity' as it applies to a historic property?
- The property's current market value
- The authenticity of a property's historic identity based on location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association (Correct answer)
- The number of original artifacts still on site
- The age of the oldest structure on the property
Correct answer: The authenticity of a property's historic identity based on location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association
The National Register of Historic Places defines integrity through seven aspects that together determine whether a property can still convey its historic significance.
Question 7: Biotic resource management in interpretive sites primarily involves managing:
- Archaeological artifacts and cultural objects
- Living organisms including plants, animals, and ecosystems (Correct answer)
- Water rights and aquifer recharge zones
- Soil mineral compositions and geological formations
Correct answer: Living organisms including plants, animals, and ecosystems
Biotic resources encompass all living components of an ecosystem, and their management requires understanding ecological relationships and minimizing human disturbance.
CIP Resource Management & Preservation 2
Which federal law requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their actions on historic properties before approving or funding projects?