National Preserve is a designation applied by the United States Congress to protected areas that have characteristics normally associated with U.S. National Parks but where certain activities not allowed in National Parks are permitted. These activities include public hunting, trapping, and oil and gas exploration/extraction. Most preserves are administered by the National Park Service.
The first national preserve in the U.S. was Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas, followed soon after by Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, both established in 1974.
Many National Preserves would qualify as National Parks but allow hunting.
Famous quotes containing the words national and/or preserve:
“A national debt, if it is not excessive, will be to us a national blessing.”
—Alexander Hamilton (1757–1804)
“The poet will maintain serenity in spite of all disappointments. He is expected to preserve an unconcerned and healthy outlook over the world, while he lives.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)