Endangered and Threatened Units of The National Park System By Kurt Repanshek editor, National Park Traveler A commercial “spaceport” proposed to be built just west of Cumberland Island National Seashore would send rockets over the seashore and its wilderness/NPS file For flora and fauna, being listed under the protections of the Endangered Species Act marks a
Coalition Participates in Telepresser
Coalition Executive Council member Mark Butler recently participated in a telepresser about the fourth consecutive oil and gas lease sale in Nevada. This sale involves approximately 775,000 acres of public lands located in Lincoln and White Pine Counties, within the scenic vistas and views of Great Basin National Park. The call was set up to
Coalition Statement on House Spending Packages
Coalition Statement on House Spending Packages For Immediate Release: 12/18/19 “We are pleased to see the increase to the National Park Service budget and appreciate the bipartisan investment in our national parks and public lands. Our national parks and national park service employees help to ensure that irreplaceable natural and cultural resources are preserved for
Coalition Joins Partners in Opposing BLM Move in Politico Ad
The Coalition joined 11 other partner organizations and signed on to an ad from the Public Lands Foundation, opposing the relocation of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) headquarters and employees from Washington, D.C. to locations out west. The full page ad ran in Politico on December 10, 2019.
OP-ED: Maine needs a fully funded LWCF
Op-ed by Mike Murray: Maine needs a fully funded LWCF The Land and Water Conservation Fund is our nation’s most important program to conserve irreplaceable landscapes and cultural heritage sites. The fund has received bipartisan support throughout 10 administrations, protected more than 7.6 million acres of land, and supported more than 41,000 parks, ballfields
Op-ed: For the good of Maine, the Land and Water Conservation Fund must be fully funded.
By Sheridan Steele, Opinion guest column • December 7, 2019 10:39 am One of the greatest gifts Maine could receive this holiday season is full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to be included in the fiscal year 2020 federal budget. LWCF enjoys wide bipartisan backing and is our nation’s most important program to conserve
Coalition Chair Speaks with NPT on E-bikes in National Parks
A lawsuit filed to overturn the Interior Department’s move to expand e-Bike access in the National Park System also takes aim at the Trump administration’s preference for appointing “acting” officials rather than submitting nominees for Senate confirmation. PEER Sues To Overturn Expanded E-Bike Access In National Parks
OP-ED: Congress must keep promise on conservation fund
Brenda Barrett Wednesday November 20, 2019 01:14 PM Guest opinion: Congress must keep promise on conservation fund Pennsylvania counts on program that protects landscapes, cultural heritage sites. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, or LWCF, is our nation’s preeminent conservation program protecting our irreplaceable landscapes and cultural heritage sites. I should know; I have served
Coalition Meets with Portland Press Herald Editorial Board
Coalition Executive Council member Mike Murray recently met with the editorial staff at the Portland Press Herald to discuss the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Herald published this editorial following their conversation. Editorials Published – December 2, 2019 Our View: Land and Water Conservation Fund needs protecting The federal program has purchased
Coalition Members Meet with Everett Daily Herald Editorial Board
Coalition members Rick Smith and Bill Wade recently met with the editorial staff at the Everett Daily Herald to discuss the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the deferred maintenance backlog at national parks. The Herald published this editorial following their conversation. Editorial: Summit in sight for two parks funding bills
Coalition Chair Comments on Rangers Ordered to the Border
By Karen Chávez and Trevor Hughes USA TODAY Posted Nov 23, 2019 at 2:29 PM The Trump administration has ordered rangers from national parks around the country to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border to fight illegal immigration and drug traffickers. It’s an effort that comes as the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has refused to fund
OP-ED: Uranium mining threatens water, natural heritage
By Patricia J. Kelly and Robert Arnberger Special to the Arizona Daily Star Nov 17, 2019 The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writers. Arizonans know that water is life; it is vital to us all and sustains our livelihoods. We cannot afford to let powerful industry interests sacrifice our water to
The National Park System Deserves Better
The National Park System Deserves Better Release Date: 11/7/19 Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, released a statement in response to the recent report by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) on evaporating staff levels at the National Park Service (NPS). “The agency figures released by PEER are incredibly concerning.
Coalition Comments on the Ambler Road Draft Environmental Impact Statement
October 29, 2019 Ted A. Murphy, Associate State Director Bureau of Land Management Ambler Road Draft EIS Comments, BLM Public Room 222 West 7th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99513 Subject: Comments on the Ambler Road Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Dear Mr. Murphy: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of
Coalition Comments on the Draft Environmental and Economic Analysis for the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project
October 29, 2019 Gregory Dudgeon, Superintendent Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve 4175 Geist Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709 Subject: Comments on the Draft Environmental and Economic Analysis (EE) for the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Denounces Attempts to Privatize More NPS Campgrounds
For Immediate Release: 10/26/2019 An advisory panel created by former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is recommending that the Interior Department privatize more campgrounds and allow services such as Wi-Fi and food trucks, in addition to other commercialized services, at national park campgrounds. “The recommendations put forward by the ‘Made in America’ Outdoor
CPANP Signs-On to Appropriations Letter
October 18, 2019 Dear Chairmen Murkowski and McCollum and Ranking Members Udall and Joyce, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write to commend the subcommittees for their work to increase funding for our national parks. We recognize the funding constraints within the final 302(b) allocation, but respectfully ask you
Member OP-ED: Concerned about OHV damage to national parks
Concerned about OHV damage to national parks By Allyson Mathis Moab Times-Independent – Letter to the editor Oct. 18, 2019 Editor, I am one of the many, many Moab residents who have great concern about the damage that allowing OHVs on roads in Utah national parks would cause, and appreciate Rep. John Curtis stating that
Coalition Talks to NPT About Commercializing More Campgrounds
National Park Campers Voice Strong Objections To Commercializing More Campgrounds By Kurt Repanshek, National Parks Traveler on October 16th, 2019 There is little support among National Parks Traveler readers for commercializing more national park campgrounds and adding WiFi, food trucks, and other amenities. While an advisory committee to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is calling for
Coalition Joins Partners in Expressing Concern Over Proposed Off-Road Vehicle Use in Utah Parks
October 9, 2019 The Honorable Rob Wallace Assistant Secretary of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Dear Assistant Secretary Wallace, On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Grand Canyon Trust, and Coalition
Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act
10/15/19 Dear Representative, Subject: H.R. 3225, Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act We are writing on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS). The Coalition studies,
Statement of support for Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act (H.R. 3225) by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.
Statement of support for H.R. 3225, Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Release Date: 10/15/19 “Oil and gas development damages national parks across the country. And the threats posed to our National Park System have only
OP-ED: Protecting America’s national parks and our national identity
Coalition executive council member Sarah Bransom submitted her opinion article to The Hill on October 10, 2019. America’s national parks and public lands are at the core of our national identity. Throughout their existence, congressional representatives from both sides of the aisle have supported them, recognizing their importance to land conservation, outdoor recreation and economic
CPANP Letter Opposing DOI Reorg and the Use of Unobligated Funds
October 9, 2019 Dear Chairmen Murkowski and McCollum and Ranking Members Udall and Joyce: We are writing on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS). The Coalition studies, educates, speaks,
Comments on Proposed Closure of Target Shooting on Certain Lands within Bears Ears National Monument
September 24, 2019 BLM, Canyon Country District Bears Ears Management Plans Attn: Lance Porter Canyon Country District Office 82 East Dogwood, Moab, Utah 84532 Re: Comments on Proposed Closure of Target Shooting on Certain Lands within the Monument Dear Mr. Porter, Please accept and fully consider these comments regarding the proposed target-shooting closure within Bears
OP-ED: Protect America’s Best Idea
Coalition Executive Council member Maria Burks Op-Ed published in the September 27th, 2019 edition of the New York Daily News. Our National Park System has been called America’s best idea for good reason. From the battlefields at Gettysburg to the sweeping vistas of Rocky Mountain, our national parks represent our shared American identity and heritage.
Statement by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks on the Senate Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
9/30/19 Statement by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks on the Senate Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: “We are pleased with many of the provisions in the Senate’s FY2020 Appropriations bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. And we are particularly encouraged to see
Coalition Files Joint Letter of Protest on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), submitted this protest to the August 2019 Proposed Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the three units of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) – the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and Escalante Canyon Units – and the
Coalition Signs-on to FY20 Appropriations Letter
September 18, 2019 Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall: We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalitioni, write to commend you for investing in the National Park Service (NPS) in recent years and ask that you capitalize on your recent 302(b) subcommittee allocation to improve the NPS budget in FY20. We
Coalition Comments on NPS Memo Regarding External Review and Comments
Coalition Chair Phil Francis spoke with The Washington Post about a recent NPS memo directing superintendents to notify Washington supervisors before issuing comments to other parts of the federal government when they are worried about drilling and other proposed developments near national parks. “It makes me wonder what the motive really is,” said Francis. Read
Comments on ISRO Nonwilderness Cultural Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment
September 06, 2019 Phyllis Green, Superintendent Isle Royale National Park 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931 Subject: Comments on ISRO Nonwilderness Cultural Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment Dear Superintendent Green: I am writing on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of
Coalition Submits Letter Opposing DOI Reorganization
September 4, 2019 Honorable Raul Grijalva Chairman Committee on Natural Resources House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, I am writing concerning the September 10, 2019, hearing about the proposed reorganization of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its effect on the
Protest of Bears Ears National Monument Proposed Monument Management Plan
The Coalition along with several partners submitted comments protesting the Bears Ears National Monument Proposed Monument Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. Read the document here.
Coalition Comments on DOI-BLM Federal Pipeline Unit Wells
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and Center for Biological Diversity (collectively “SUWA”) submitted comments on the DOI-BLM Federal Pipeline Unit Wells located in the Colorado Plateau. In short, the Environmental Assessment failed to analyze cumulative impacts of reasonably foreseeable oil and gas wells in the Uinta
Coalition Comments – Proposed Rule, National Environmental Policy Act Compliance
August 21, 2019 NEPA Services Group c/o Amy Barker USDA Forest Service 125 South State Street, Suite 1705 Salt Lake City, UT 841 Subject: RIN: 0596-AD31, Proposed Rule, National Environmental Policy Act Compliance Dear Ms. Barker: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Coalition Condemns Trump Administration’s Changes to Endangered Species Act
“The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is incredibly effective at saving plants, animals, and insects, from extinction. And it has widespread public support from the American people. Despite its success and popularity, the Trump administration has weakened the act and put countless species in danger of extinction. This administration continues to disregard the importance of
Coalition Joins Partners in Opposition to DOI Reorganization
The Coalition recently signed on to a letter, written in partnership with other conservation groups and sent to Congressional leadership, expressing deep concern about the administration’s reorganization of the Department of the Interior, the threat of which has become even more ominous with the announcement of the relocation of the Bureau of Land Management headquarters
Coalition Comments on Potential NPS E-bikes Policy
July 30, 2019 Mr. P. Daniel Smith, Acting Director National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Subject: National Park Service E-Bike (Electric Bicycle) Policy Dear Mr. Smith: I am writing to you on behalf of the 1,700+ members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). The Coalition consists mainly of retired
OP-ED: Vermont Benefits Greatly from LWCF
Coalition members Rolf Diamant and Abby Miller describe how Vermont benefits greatly from the Land and Water Conservation Fund program and believe full and mandatory funding is vital for its continued success. https://www.rutlandherald.com/opinion/commentary/lwcf-must-receive-full-funding/article_046620f2-e7c2-5b74-9226-4ad8ac8fa904.html
OPINION: Alaska’s parks and public lands deserve protection
Coalition member and former Alaska NPS Regional Director Marcia Blaszak wrote in support of the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund as an essential tool for protecting America’s national parks and public lands. OPINION: Alaska’s parks and public lands deserve protection
Coalition Issues Statement on President Trump’s Speech on the Environment
Coalition Issues Statement on President Trump’s Speech on the Environment Release Date: July 8, 2019 “President Trump’s speech today embodies the saying that ‘everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts.’ Despite his words to the contrary, this administration has consistently supported policies, and taken actions, that are harmful
CPANP Chair Appears on CNN
Watch – CPANP Chair Phil Francis Appears on CNN
CPANP Issues Statement on NPS Funds Diverted for Salute to America
“As we find out more about President Trump’s plans for the National Mall on the Fourth of July, there is more and more reason to be alarmed about this administration’s view of our National Park System. Recent reporting in the Washington Post indicates that $2.5 million in National Park entrance fees have been diverted to
Trump’s Salute to America an Irresponsible Use of National Park Service Resources
Trump’s Salute to America an Irresponsible Use of National Park Service Resources For Immediate Release: 7-1-19 Media Contact: Emily Thompson; Emily_Thompson@protectnps.org; 202-758-3936 National parks, considered “America’s Best Idea,” are iconic locations to celebrate America’s birthday. Unfortunately, President Trump’s proposed Salute to America celebration on the National Mall will place a huge burden on those tasked
Coalition Comments on Growing Costs of July 4th Celebration on The Mall.
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Chair Phil Francis, stated in an email to the Washington Post, “The men and women of the National Park Service have been asked to do more with less for too long. Funds should be directed to the agency’s highest needs such as operation of the parks and the maintenance
Coalition Weighs in On Lack of Law Enforcement Rangers in Parks
Coalition Chair, Phil Francis, discusses how NPS superintendents are having to make tough decisions about what jobs to fill due to inadequate funding. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/06/29/national-parks-rangers-vanishing-putting-visitors-risk/1503627001/
Opinion: Land and Water Conservation Fund benefits South Carolina
As superintendent at Fort Sumter and throughout my 35-year career with the National Park Service (NPS), I worked to protect and preserve our nation’s most treasured natural and cultural resources. I saw firsthand the value of getting Americans outside, into our national parks and connected with their heritage. I also saw the importance of the
Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Passage of Restore our Parks Act
Coalition Statement on the House Natural Resources Committee’s Passage of Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act Release Date: June 27, 2019 Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: “We are pleased that Congress is taking another step toward addressing the growing maintenance backlog that is crippling our
Coalition Submits Comments on AZ Border Infrastructure Projects
June 26, 2019 Paul Enriquez, Director Border Wall Program Management Office U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039 Washington, DC 20229-1100 Re: Pima and Cochise Counties, Arizona Border Infrastructure Project Dear Mr. Enriquez: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is submitting comments regarding the above
CPANP Encourages Funding for Deferred Maintenance in Interview with Public News Service
Coalition Chair Phil Francis recently spoke with the Public News Service about the extensive deferred maintenance backlog in national parks across the country. “Yellowstone and Grand Teton, they’re economic engines, because people love them,” Francis states. “They’re special places, special enough that people will take their vacations and spend their money and spend their time
Coalition Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Markup
Coalition Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Markup Release Date: June 19, 2019 Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: “We are encouraged by the support shown for national parks and public lands in today’s committee markup. Legislation to require mandatory annual funding for the Land and Water
Coalition Continues to Push for LWCF Funding as Bernhardt visits National Parks
Coalition Executive Council member Doug Morris is interviewed in National Parks Traveler.
Coalition and Partners submit comments to BLM on Dangers of Hydraulic Fracturing
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP) – in partnership with The Wilderness Society, the Natural Resource Defense Council, the National Parks Conservation Association and the Los Padres ForestWatch – has recently submitted comments regarding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bakersfield Field Office Resource Management Plan, Hydraulic Fracturing Analysis – Draft Supplemental Environmental
Success Story – Speaking Out Against Impacts to Chaco Canyon NHP Helps Change Interior Direction
In February 2017, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks submitted comments – along with Tribes and several conservation organizations – to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in opposition to mineral leasing proposed on approximately 4.2 million acres of land in San Juan, Rio Arriba, McKinley and Sandoval Counties in New Mexico (NM).
Coalition Supports Rob Wallace Nomination
May 29, 2019 Honorable Lisa Murkowski Chairman Committee on Energy and Natural Resources U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Madam Chairman: We, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, write this letter in support of Rob Wallace for the position of Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. The Coalition
Letter to the Editor: Tipton should support Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act
Executive Council member Sarah Bransom submitted this letter to the Editor of the Steamboat Pilot & Today in Northwest Colorado. Sarah Bransom: Tipton should support Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act News | May 16, 2019 I was pleased to read Congressman Scott Tipton’s op-ed about celebrating National Park Week. He wrote that he has
Pipeline Proposal a Threat to Nevada’s Public Lands
Former National Park Service Superintendents and current Nevada residents Mark Butler and Alan O’Neill submitted the following Op-Ed to the Reno Gazette-Journal about potential threats to Nevada national park lands. AB30 THREATENS NEVADA’S NATIONAL PARK AND PUBLIC LANDS Pipeline projects across the nation threaten our public lands and natural resources. Unfortunately, Nevada is not immune
OP-ED: Senator Gardner Must Provide Oversight to Keep Colorado’s Public Lands Safe
Coalition member Scot McElveen submitted this Op-ed calling for Senator Gardner to provide real oversight of the Interior Department so that Secretary David Bernhardt’s former clients and special interests are not put ahead of protecting our nation’s public lands. Read Scott’s Op-ed here.
Coalition Interview on LWCF and Maine
Coalition executive council member Mike Murray, a Maine resident explains what the president’s cutbacks would do. Click here to learn more.
Coalition Statement on the House Appropriations Committee draft fiscal year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Funding Bill
Statement on the House Appropriations Committee draft fiscal year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill Release Date: 5/15/19 “We pleased to see that this draft funding bill proposes $3.39 billion for the National Park Service, which is $168 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $649 million above President Trump’s appalling
LWCF Deserves Full Funding
LWCF has a huge impact in communities and states across the country. Read Coalition Executive Council member Mike Murray’s oped in the Portland Press Herald on the importance of LWCF in his home state of Maine. https://www.pressherald.com/2019/05/15/commentary-program-that-protects-americas-outdoor-places-deserves-full-federal-funding/
Coalition Joins Partners to Advocate for Continued US Engagement in World Heritage Program
May 14, 2019 Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall: As organizations dedicated to the protection and preservation of the historic and cultural resources of our nation including but not limited to World Heritage Sites, we write in support of the United States’ engagement in the World Heritage Program. We urge you to appropriate $1.926
Coalition Submits Testimony on FY20 Interior Appropriations
Statement of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations United States Senate FY 2020 Budget for the National Park Service May 13, 2019 Sen. Murkowski, Sen. Udall, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on behalf
Stop Alarming Changes Proposed to National Register
Coalition Executive Council Member Bob Mackreth voices concern about proposed changes to the National Register in this op-ed that appears in National Parks Traveler. https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2019/04/op-ed-alarming-changes-proposed-federal-historic-preservation-rules
Coalition Comments on Proposed Changes to National Register
April 12, 2019 National Register of Historic Places National Park Service 1849 C Street NW, MS 7228 Washington, DC 20240 Re: (RIN) 1024-AE49 I am writing on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park
Disappointing News for National Parks: Bernhardt Confirmed as Interior Secretary
Coalition’s Statement on David Bernhardt’s Confirmation as Interior Secretary For Immediate Release: 12 April 2019 The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks expressed disappointment and concern over the confirmation of David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior. The organization represents over 1,700 members consisting of current, former, and retired National Park Service employees with
New Interior Chief Poses Threat to our National Parks
An op-ed from Coalition member Laura Rotegard in the Kitsap Sun. https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/opinion/columnists/2019/04/11/your-turn-trumps-interior-nominee-poses-threat-our-national-parks/3437425002/
Why Bernhardt is Unfit to Serve as Secretary
An op-ed by Coalition member Steve Martin: http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/opinion/report/040419_interior_sec_op/why-david-bernhardt-unfit-serve-as-interior-secretary/
Why Interior Secretary nominee David Bernhardt is bad for Arizona.
Coalition member Bill Wade wrote the following op-ed for the Arizona Daily Star: https://tucson.com/opinion/local/bill-wade-why-interior-secretary-nominee-bernhardt-is-bad-for/article_cfde9818-c750-50df-b2db-30c6589c1d53.html
Bernhardt is Not the Secretary of the Interior that Colorado Needs
Sarah Bransom is a native Coloradan and former National Park Service employee. She serves on the Executive Council for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Read her op-ed in the Colorado Sun – https://coloradosun.com/2019/03/28/david-bernhardt-interior-department-bennet-gardner-opinion/
Bernhardt is a Threat to Maine’s National Parks and Public Lands
Mike Murray is a thirty-four-year veteran of the National Park Service and an Executive Council Member for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Read his op-ed about Mr. Bernhardt in The Times-Record. https://www.timesrecord.com/articles/opinion/retired-park-service-employee-bernhardt-is-bad-news-for-maines-national-park-and-public-lands/
Bernhardt is Bad News for West Virginia Parks
Rebecca Harriett is the former Superintendent at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and an Executive Council Member for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Read her op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail about the troubling nomination of David Bernhardt for Secretary of the Interior. https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/gazette_opinion/op_ed_commentaries/rebecca-l-harriett-bernhardt-is-bad-news-for-wv-parks/article_af29484b-cc6e-547d-b063-e6cb6e8cfa00.html
Coalition to Congress: “David Bernhardt Poses a Serious Threat to our National Parks”
March 26, 2019 Dear Senator, I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). With more than 1,600 members, the Coalition consists mainly of retired National Park Service (NPS) employees, including: Former NPS directors; associate and regional directors; superintendents; rangers, and a wide variety of specialists. The Coalition was founded
President Trump’s Proposed Budget Will Harm National Parks and Public Lands
President Trump’s Proposed Budget Will Harm National Parks and Public Lands For Immediate Release: 11 March 2019 The Trump Administration’s FY 2020 budget proposes huge cuts across the federal government. It calls for a 14.9% cut to the National Park Service budget, when compared to the budget passed by Congress for FY19. This budget
Coalition Urges NPS to Prepare Proper NEPA Analysis for Atlantic Coast Pipeline
March 8, 2019 Mr. P. Daniel Smith Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Mr. Smith: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (“Coalition”) is writing with regard to the National Park Service’s (“NPS”) environmental review of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (“Pipeline”) that will cross the Blue Ridge
Coalition Sends Letter to Congress Urging Protection for Oxon Cove Park
March 7, 2019 Honorable Betty McCollum Chair Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Relations Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Madam Chair: I am writing on behalf of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). Our Coalition is composed of over 1,600 members who collectively have more than 40,000
Success Story: James River Powerline Ruling
Success Story Update: Persistence pays off—court rules Army Corps acted improperly in approving James River powerlines without Environmental Impact Statement. On March 1, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reversed a lower court’s decision and ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers acted improperly in allowing the Dominion Energy
Coalition’s Advocacy Efforts Pay Off in District of Columbia Circuit Ruling
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, in partnership with NPCA and other conservation groups, entered legal objections to an Army Corps of Engineers Project that erected nearly 300-foot-high towers through the James River within sight of Historic Jamestowne and Colonial National Historical Park. A federal appellate court, holding that the U.S. Army Corps of
Coalition Applauds House Passage of Public Lands Bill
Coalition Applauds House Passage of Public Lands Bill For Immediate Release: 26 February 2019 The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is praising the House of Representative’s passage of S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act. This bipartisan package negotiated last year, recently passed the Senate by a vote of 98-2. Coalition Chair Phil
Coalition Testifies Before Congress on DOI Budget Needs
Statement of Richard G. Ring Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives Hearing on FY 2020 Budget for the National Park Service February 26, 2019 Rep. McCollum, Rep. Joyce, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before
Coalition Celebrates Passage of S. 47, Natural Resources Management Act
Coalition Celebrates Passage of S. 47, Natural Resources Management Act For Immediate Release: 12 February 2019 The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is celebrating the passage of S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, a bipartisan package that includes over 100 parks and public lands bills. Many of these bills have been pending
Media Interest Surrounds Coalition’s Shutdown Impact Survey on National Parks
Coalition Executive Council Member Maria Burks Speaks with The Cape Cod Times on the shutdown impact survey at Cape Cod National Seashore – click here to read the article. Coalition Chair Phil Francis Speaks with CBS-19 on the impacts of the shutdown at Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway – click here to
Coalition Releases Summary of Shutdown Impact Survey
Park Impact Survey Summary of Results The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) represents over 1,600 current, former, and retired employees and volunteers of the National Park Service. The Coalition counts among its members former National Park Service directors, deputy directors, regional directors, superintendents, park rangers (law enforcement and interpretive), maintenance professionals, administrative
Coalition Testifies on Use of Fee Money During Shutdown
Statement of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks The Power of the Purse: A Review of Agency Spending Restrictions During a Shutdown Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives February 6, 2019 Rep. McCollum, Rep. Joyce, and members of
Coalition Issues Statement on Need to Fund and Reauthorize LWCF
Coalition Chair Phil Francis issued the following statement on the future of the Land and Water Conservation Fund: “The U.S. Senate’s action to make the Land and Water Conservation Fund permanent is a big step in the right direction for the future of our national parks and public lands. At a time when our
Coalition Expresses Concern Over Bernhardt Nomination
February 4, 2019 Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, on the Nomination of David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior: “The Coalition is extremely concerned about the nomination of David Bernhardt as the new Secretary of the Interior. Secretary-designate Bernhardt was a lobbyist for oil and gas
Coalition Chair Phil Francis Speaks to Use of Fee Money and Losses from Shutdown
Coalition Chair Phil Francis was quoted in a recent article from The Hill, addressing the struggle in national parks to cope with the loss of over a month of work time and up to $11 million in revenue thanks to the recent government shutdown.
Opinion: Congress must fund land, water conservation program
Many of our public lands are at risk if lawmakers don’t reinstate the half-century-old deal. Click here to read commentary by Jon Jarvis, 18th director of the U.S. National Park Service, in the Mercury News, San Francisco, CA.
Shutdown Damage Assessment Is Only Just Beginning
For Immediate Release: 31 January 2019 Shutdown Damage Assessment Is Only Just Beginning Though the federal government is now open under a continuing resolution, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, urges continued government expediency and offers a note of caution. “We are happy to have National Park Service employees back
Coalition Joins 146 Groups in Comments on Proposed DOI FOIA Changes
The Southern Environmental Law Center, The Wilderness Society, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Urban and Environmental Reform, and the Sierra Club submitted these comments on their own behalf and on behalf of the undersigned 135
Coalition’s Letter to Sen. McConnell – Reopen the Dept. of the Interior
January 21, 2019 Dear Leader McConnell, On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 1,600 current and former National Park Service employees, we urge you to do everything in your power to fully reopen our national parks and public lands by ending this government shutdown and passing appropriations
Coalition Joins Call for DOI to Postpone Lease Sales During Shutdown
VIA E-MAIL January 17, 2019 Mr. David Bernhardt Secretary of the Interior, Acting 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. Re: Postponing BLM Oil & Gas Lease Sales Due to the Partial Government Shutdown Dear Acting Secretary Bernhardt: The undersigned organizations represent millions of members and supporters across the West and the nation who are concerned
Letters to the Editor Opinion: The real shutdown ‘charade’
Coalition member and former superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park Mark Butler submitted his Op-Ed to the Washington Post – Letters to the Editor.
Former Great Smoky Mountains Superintendent: Phil Francis park should be closed until shutdown ends
Watch Phil Francis, Chairman of The Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks and former Great Smoky Mountains Superintendent explain why the park should be closed until shutdown ends.
Statement of Coalition Executive Council Member Richard Ring
Statement of Richard G. Ring Executive Council Member, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks concerning the impact of the federal government shutdown on the National Park System and the National Park Service. Democratic Steering & Policy Committee House of Representatives January 15, 2019 Rep. DeLauro, Rep. Swalwell, and members of the Steering and Policy
Coalition Joins Others to Urge Passage of H.R. 266
January 11, 2019 Dear Representative, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition[i], write to ask Representatives to support H.R. 266, the FY19 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Passage of this bill and other individual appropriations bills would reopen portions of the federal government, putting Americans back to work
Coalition Joins Groups Calling Trump to Close Parks during Shutdown
January 9, 2019 President Donald J. Trump The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Trump: We respectfully ask that you agree to fully fund the government and reopen agencies currently closed. Otherwise, we strongly urge that you close units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Parks, and other public lands, until sufficient
Coalition’s Statement on Continuing Government Shutdown
Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, on the Continuing Partial Government Shutdown: “This partial government shutdown needs to end. As our elected leaders fail to do their jobs and fully fund the government, there’s discussion that more NPS employees may be asked to work without pay to
