Which agency oversees national parks in South Carolina?

• A. U.S. Forest Service
• B. National Park Service
• C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• D. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Answer: (B)

The National Park Service is the agency responsible for overseeing national parks in South Carolina, as well as across the United States. This agency was established to manage and protect the various national parks, monuments, and historical sites for the enjoyment of current and future generations. The National Park Service not only manages the parks but also enforces regulations that help preserve the natural and cultural resources found within these protected areas.

In South Carolina, this includes sites like Congaree National Park, which is recognized for its significant biodiversity and old-growth forests. By focusing on conservation, education, and recreation, the National Park Service plays a crucial role in the stewardship of these cherished landscapes.

Other agencies listed have specific mandates that do not extend to national parks. For example, the U.S. Forest Service primarily manages national forests and grasslands, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is concerned with wildlife conservation across the nation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration focuses on oceanic and atmospheric research, which does not pertain directly to the oversight of national parks. Therefore, the National Park Service is unequivocally the correct choice for the agency responsible for national parks in South Carolina.