CPRP Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which practice best exemplifies integrated pest management (IPM) in a park setting?
- Applying pesticides on a fixed monthly schedule
- Using a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical controls based on monitoring thresholds (Correct answer)
- Eliminating all chemical use immediately
- Spraying whenever any pest is observed
Correct answer: Using a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical controls based on monitoring thresholds
IPM combines multiple strategies—biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical—applied only when monitoring shows pest populations exceed acceptable thresholds.
Question 2: A parks department implementing a tree canopy expansion program should primarily consider:
- Planting only fast-growing non-native species for quick results
- Species diversity, native plant selection, and long-term maintenance capacity (Correct answer)
- Maximizing shade near department headquarters
- Planting trees only in high-income neighborhoods first
Correct answer: Species diversity, native plant selection, and long-term maintenance capacity
Effective canopy programs prioritize native, diverse species that support local ecosystems and match the department's long-term maintenance capacity.
Question 3: What does LEED certification for a recreation facility primarily indicate?
- The facility passed a fire safety inspection
- The facility meets established standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable design (Correct answer)
- The facility is accessible to people with disabilities
- The facility has received national accreditation from CAPRA
Correct answer: The facility meets established standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable design
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification confirms a facility meets rigorous standards for sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy use, and indoor environmental quality.
Question 4: Which approach supports a parks department's goal of reducing carbon emissions from operations?
- Replacing electric mowers with gas-powered equipment
- Converting fleet vehicles to electric or hybrid and transitioning to LED lighting in facilities (Correct answer)
- Expanding facility square footage to serve more users
- Increasing the number of motorized watercraft rentals
Correct answer: Converting fleet vehicles to electric or hybrid and transitioning to LED lighting in facilities
Fleet electrification and LED lighting are among the most impactful operational changes a parks department can make to reduce direct carbon emissions.
Question 5: A natural resource management plan for a parks system should include:
- A schedule for paving unpaved trails
- An inventory of natural assets, conservation goals, invasive species management, and ecological monitoring protocols (Correct answer)
- A list of concession opportunities in natural areas
- Blueprints for new sports facilities
Correct answer: An inventory of natural assets, conservation goals, invasive species management, and ecological monitoring protocols
A natural resource management plan documents existing ecological assets, sets conservation priorities, and establishes protocols for invasive species control and ongoing ecological monitoring.
Question 6: Which principle guides ecological restoration in an urban park disturbed by development?
- Introduce any plant species to achieve quick ground cover
- Use locally sourced native plants to restore natural community composition and function (Correct answer)
- Clear all vegetation and reseed with turf grass
- Prioritize aesthetic design over ecological function
Correct answer: Use locally sourced native plants to restore natural community composition and function
Ecological restoration prioritizes locally sourced native species to reestablish natural community structure and ecosystem functions that were disrupted by development.
CPRP Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability 1
Which practice best exemplifies integrated pest management (IPM) in a park setting?