SUU teams up with 3 U.S. parks
Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Pipe Spring National Monument, which are all within 60 miles of the Cedar City school, have teamed up to allow students more hands-on opportunities. The parks also stand to benefit from increased use and the implementation of student projects and research.
"National parks have always been outdoor classrooms, ever since Yellowstone in 1872, this just formalizes our ability to do things and continue to make sure they are genuine outdoor classrooms," said Tom Haraden, assistant chief of interpretation and visitor services at Zion.
In addition to the myriad resources available at the national park sites, he said students can experience human and natural history, birds, geology, physics and more.
The Alliance for Education is expected to directly impact the study of geological and ecological systems, spanning a variety of academic interests. All four partners in the new Zion Park Group are committed to protect their natural resources through education and research.
SUU President Michael T. Benson said during a ceremony announcing the agreement that the school is in a prime location, "having five national park units within a two-hour drive."
"Not many universities can say that," Haraden said.
In addition to the study of geological and ecological systems, the partnership will continue to assist students in a smattering of fields, including public administration, hospitality, Web design and computer engineering, marketing and promotions, outdoor recreation and others.
SUU has promised to support the group by helping the National Park Service with visitor education efforts, putting qualified NPS staff in adjunct faculty positions, allowing NPS scientists to access university research facilities and assisting in data collection.
In turn, the Zion Park Group will provide student internships, give students access to ongoing projects and developments, share fieldwork with SUU faculty and provide park access for class activities, seminars and training.
"This partnership speaks to SUU's continued commitment to providing unique educational opportunities that capitalize on the university's business relationships, local resources and surroundings taking education far beyond the walls of the classroom," said SUU spokeswoman Jen Burt. She said this partnership is evidence of the success found by working with Bryce Canyon National Park over the past two years in a similar agreement.
The five-year agreement can be renewable upon completion if all parties see fit, Haraden said.
"This is the way government should work and this is the way agencies should work together," he said.
E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com
Recent comments
Information on protesting the BLM leases next to Utah national parks...
bill love | Nov. 18, 2008 at 8:56 a.m.
- Luxury home market stalls 12:02 p.m.
- Kirk Douglas classic on DVD 11:38 a.m.
- Zion fire moving southeast 11:36 a.m.
- More school-money than expected 11:24 a.m.
- Virginia 'Freedman's' project done 11:12 a.m.
- Teen relive Mormon trek 11:12 a.m.
- Oldest American to scale Mount Everest 11:07 a.m.
- Knicks sign first-round pick 10:59 a.m.
- Armstrong third, Leipheimer fourthe 10:58 a.m.
- 6.0 quake in China 10:43 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Man spots his stolen car
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
261 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
168 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
140 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
127 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
99 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
76 - Letters: Single-payer system best
75
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
To imply that seniority is any substitute for effort under Jerry Sloan is...
Both for us fans and Jazz management. Millie was a great 2nd round pick,...
Like so many laws suits, Utah will loose. This use isn't any violation of...
"The Sutherland institute study shows that 96% of the immigrants lead crime...
continued: But most important, her gaffes reveal one who is woefully lacking...
suffers from a terrible case of 'god complex' wherein he thinks he is god the...
Biden or Sarah Palin? Looking at a catalogue of Biden’s gaffes, one is...
when you have 70 million in assets and 67 million in deposits? More needs to...
"Mission Accomplished"
fortunatley the Bush admin and the military didn't listen to Harry Reid or...

