What is an example of a cultural resource that park rangers might manage?

• A. National funding programs
• B. Campsite layouts and designs
• C. Historic buildings or archaeological sites
• D. Local flora and fauna

Answer: (C)

Cultural resources are significant elements of a park's heritage that reflect its historical, archaeological, or cultural importance. Historic buildings or archaeological sites serve as tangible links to the past, showcasing the architectural styles, construction techniques, and historical narratives that define a location's identity. Park rangers often oversee these resources to ensure they are protected, preserved, and interpreted for visitors to appreciate and learn from.

Managing historic buildings may involve maintenance, restoration, and conducting educational programs to enhance public understanding of the area's history. Similarly, archaeological sites require careful preservation practices to prevent damage and to preserve the artifacts and structures that can inform us about the people and cultures that have inhabited the area.

In contrast, national funding programs are financial mechanisms, campsite layouts and designs pertain to accommodation strategies for visitors, and local flora and fauna involve the natural environment rather than cultural heritage. While all these elements may be important to parks, they do not embody the characteristics of cultural resources in the context of what park rangers typically manage.