While its investigations were mostly complimentary of the work done at South Carolina’s Revolutionary War parks, the Tennessee-based National Parks Conservation Association says Cowpens National Battlefield and Kings Mountain National Military Park both can use extra funding and resources.

In detailed reports that outline the parks, their amenities and resources, the National Parks Conservation Association also outlined numerous challenges faced by the two local parks as well as at the Ninety Six National Historic Site — all of which preserve the history of the Revolutionary War.

Specifically in regards to Cowpens National Battlefield, the nonprofit group found that it is understaffed and needs several key positions added to the payroll to

fully research, protect, and interpret Revolutionary War artifacts.”

While it lauded the dedication, knowledge and expertise of the staff at Cowpens, the group believes the park “needs at the very least a permanent law enforcement position for stewardship and resource protection, a historian, a project-specific or regional archaeologist, a project-specific archivist and a full time museum technician who would be shared with the Ninety Six National Historic Site.”

In other findings, the group said the Cowpens battlefield needs additional archaeological research funding, additional work on the preservation of historic structures and a plan to address non-native plant species that alter the landscape. Of the 536 plant species on the battlefield, the group said 151 species, or 28 percent, are not native and at least 34 species are “highly aggressive” and post a threat to native species.

At Kings Mountain National Military Park, the group said landscape restoration is a top priority as is the removal of invasive plant species. The group said Kings Mountain is in need of archaeological research and documentation for historic structures.

All of the studies can be found on the NPCA.org Web site.

“We must ensure our Revolutionary War parks continue to receive the funding and staffing they need to provide familyfriendly recreational activities and educational opportunities for our children and grandchildren to enjoy,” according to a prepared statement from Don Barger, southeast regional director for the NPCA. “Many of our Revolutionary War parks suffer from funding shortfalls, which limits the staff’s ability to adequately preserve these significant historical sites that tell the important story of our American heritage."

According to the group’s report on the Cowpens battlefield, Cowpens National Battlefield has a 2010 operating budget of $864,000 and a staff of six full-time employees and two halftime employees shared with Ninety Six National Historic Site.