Coalition Statement on the Partial Government Shutdown

Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, on the Partial Government Shutdown: “We are deeply concerned about the decision by the Trump Administration and this Republican-led Congress to partially shut down the federal government. Adding insult to injury, Secretary Zinke is directing select national parks to remain open with

Coalition Joins Public Lands Advocates in Telepresser on Government Shutdown

With a potential shutdown of the federal government looming, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff and public lands and environmental advocates hosted a press call to discuss the ramifications of a shutdown. It was very apparent from the call that this decision would have a serious and negative impact on federal employees, and critical public

Congress Fails to Reauthorize and Fully Fund LWCF

Republican-Controlled Congress Fails to Save LWCF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 20 December 2018 Following the passage of a continuing resolution bill, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks released the following statement calling out the massive failure by the Republican-controlled Congress to include a provision to permanently reauthorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Coalition’s Statement on Secretary Zinke’s Resignation

Secretary Zinke’s resignation is an opportunity for the current Administration to reconsider our country’s priorities for use of our public lands. Coalition Chair Phil Francis says, “I’m hopeful that Secretary Zinke’s departure marks a new chapter in the story of America’s parks and public lands. During his time as Secretary, our national parks faced unprecedented threats and suffered from a clear lack of support. Now, the current administration must seize this opportunity to appoint a leader who will listen to the needs of those on the ground, work in partnership with the stewards of our public lands, and passionately advocate for the protection of our national parks.” Click “Read More” to read our full statement.

Coalition Chair Comments on New Park Advisory Board

Phil Francis spoke with the Washington Post about the concerning makeup of the new National Park System Advisory Board. “I hope the agenda will be comprehensive, and not just items consistent with business interests,” Francis said, emphasizing the need for members to view their job as more than just promoting outdoor recreation and managing park concessions. Click Read More for the full article.

Coalition Urges Improved Training on Ethics Standards

CPANP has weighed in on the ethics issues that are currently front and center for the NPS and has called for the agency to undertake far-reaching and detailed reforms to the system it uses to educate its own employees on how to work with donor and partner organizations to raise badly needed support for the nation’s national parks. Click “Read More” to read our recent press release.

Coalition Strongly Opposes Potential Change in Law to Allow Pipeline Construction in National Park

There is legislation pending in Congress that would give the National Park Service (NPS) the authority to allow construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline beneath the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, endangering the cultural and natural resources contained within the boundaries of both units of the National Park System. Click Read More for our full statement, issued in opposition to this proposed change.