Key:protected_area

protected_area=* is used to further specify the type of boundary=protected_area. Protected areas include national parks, wilderness, marine protection areas, heritage sites and other, similar areas.

How to map

Draw an area matching the legal bounds of the protected area and add boundary=protected_area plus the appropriate protected_area=* tag.

Choosing between multiple values

When a protected area supports multiple uses, its protected_area=* value should match its primary category. This typically indicates its main protection goal. For instance, a reserve that was established to protect an endangered bird but also allows deer hunting would be protected_area=wildlife_refuge, while a reserve that is intended for deer hunting but happens to preserve bird habitat would be protected_area=game_land.

When in doubt, consider the mission of the protected area's operator. For example, a forest service would typically operate a protected_area=forest_reserve, while a game commission would usually operate a protected_area=game_land.

Implied tags

While protected_area=* can give data users a general idea of what activities might be allowed in an area, it does not imply them. To fully define an area, add tags like protect_class=*, access=*, camping=*, openfire=*, hunting=*, fishing=*, and trapping=*.

Values

Documented values

Value	Taginfo	Description
protected_area=wilderness_preserve		An area protecting wilderness in its natural state from human development.
protected_area=wildlife_refuge		An area protecting wild animals and their habitat.
protected_area=game_land		An area conserving game animals, fish, or fowl for hunting, fishing, or trapping.
protected_area=forest_reserve		An area conserving forest resources for present or future uses, such as logging.
protected_area=grassland_reserve		An area conserving grassland or prairie resources for present or future uses, such as grazing.
protected_area=watershed_reserve		An area conserving a watershed or reservoir, typically for water supply protection.
protected_area=historic_district		An area of designated historic value typically overlaid across multiple properties. See also historic=district.
protected_area=conservation_district		An area where development is somehow restricted.
protected_area=conservation		A large undeveloped area used predominately for protection of the land in its natural state with limited human use
protected_area=national_park		A synonym for boundary=national_park, used in Argentina
protected_area=recreation		A large park used predominately for recreation
protected_area=sustainable		A tag for conservation areas used only in Argentina
protected_area=wildlife		A large undeveloped area preserved for the protection of wildlife

See also

• boundary=protected_area
• protect_class=*
• protection_title=*
• Proposal:Key:protected_area