Coalition Chair Phil Francis recently spoke with The Ashville Citizen Times and Jackson Hole Daily about the recent death of former NPS Director Gary Everhardt. You can read more from the Coalition in our recent press release as well.
Coalition Joins Comments Regarding Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Dr. Eric Kershner Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: JAO/1N 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 er***********@*ws.gov Re: Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds Dear Dr. Kershner: The Southern Environmental Law Center submits these comments on behalf of the 31 undersigned organizations, which work
Former NPS Director Gary E. Everhardt Passes Away
December 29, 2020 Former NPS Director Gary E. Everhardt Passes Away Gary Everhardt, former director of the National Park Service (NPS), passed away on the evening of December 27, 2020. His death followed the passing of his wife Nancy, on December 23, 2020. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of both Gary and
Coalition Joins Comments on Rulemaking Revisions
December 28, 2020 Public Comments Processing Attn: Docket No. DOI-2020-0001 Department of the Interior; MS: 7328 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Re: Department of the Interior interim final rule to revise rulemaking procedures to implement Executive Order 13891 entitled “Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents. Dear Mr. Patnaik: Please
National Parks Traveler Episode 98: Looking Back At 2020 In The Parks
By Kurt Repanshek – December 27th, 2020 7:00am In this, our last episode for 2020, we look back on the past 12 months in the parks with Phil Francis of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Kristen Brengel from the National Parks Conservation Association. And we also take a peek at the task ahead for the Biden
Coalition Talks with National Parks Traveler About DOI COVID Count
UPDATE | Report: More Than 2,000 Interior Department Employees Infected By Covid-19 By Kurt Repanshek – December 18th, 2020 Editor’s note: This updates with reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and the National Parks Conservation Association. More than 2,000 Interior Department employees, including more than 500 at the National Park Service, have
Biden administration must build-up the National Park Service
BY PHIL FRANCIS, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR — 12/19/20 As we begin to close the book on 2020 and start a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we need to go. I served our country and the American people in the National Park Service (NPS) for over 40 years,
Coalition Calls on DOI for Transparency and Leadership
The Washington Monument Was Shut Down After Secretary Bernhardt, Who Had Been “Giving Private, Nighttime Tours,” Tests Positive for Coronavirus A recent internal Interior report revealed that over 2,000 Department of the Interior (DOI) employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and 17 have died. And while the pandemic continues to rage across the country, Secretary Bernhardt
Coalition Weighs In on Bernhardt’s Reckless Behavior
By Washington Post – Juliet Eilperin and Darryl Fears Interior shuts Washington Monument after interior secretary tests positive for the coronavirus Park Service staff say they may have been exposed when David Bernhardt led a private, after-hours tour Officials have taken the extraordinary step of closing the Washington Monument starting Friday as a precaution after
Coalition Praises Representative Haaland’s Historic Nomination for Interior Secretary
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, it was reported that President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Representative Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Interior. She would be the first Indigenous person to serve in that position. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, said:
Coalition Comments on CO Air Quality Regulator’s Reversal of Decision
Colorado Air Quality Regulator Reverses Decision to Retire Coal Plants Early Air Quality Control Commission sides with corporate polluters over decision to force the early retirement of three coal plants. Denver, CO – Today, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted to reverse its decision to accelerate the retirements of three Colorado coal units
Coalition Joins 500+ Organizations in Letter to President-Elect Biden
December 15, 2020 President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Biden-Harris Transition Team 1401 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20001 Re: Day one promise to ban new federal fossil fuel leasing and permitting on public lands and waters Dear President-elect Biden, Congratulations on winning the presidential election and thank you for your slate of promised executive actions
Coalition Urges Clean Air Protections
The Coalition submitted comments in support of the Air Quality Control Commission’s (AQCC) recent decision to reduce air pollution by accelerating the retirement dates of coal-fired power plants in Colorado through the regional haze rulemaking. Nine polluting coal plants would retire by 2028 — sharply reducing the pollution that causes haze in Rocky Mountain National
Coalition Continues to Submit FOIA Requests for COVID-19 Numbers
December 2, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. This
Coalition Submits Comment Period Extension Request
December 7, 2020 Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WRR) 803 Front Street Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011 Subject: CENAO-WRR NAO-2012-00080, Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Dear Mr. Steffey: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). As a
Coalition Submits Letter in Support of National Defense Authorization Act
November 19, 2020 Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Manchin, Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Reed, Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry, On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 1,900 current and former National Park Service employees, we would like to
Coalition Signs on to FY 21 Appropriations Letter
November 19, 2020 Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall, Chairwoman Collins and Ranking Member Reed, Chairwoman McCollum and Ranking Member Joyce, Chairman Price and Ranking Member Diaz-Balart, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, thank you for your investments over the years to our national parks given the constraints to
Coalition Supports Inclusion of Wildlife Overcrossings in XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project Design
Re: Adding Necessary Wildlife Overcrossings to XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project Design Treasurer Ma, Director Omishakin and Director Bonham: We write to request that your agencies coordinate to ensure that the proposed XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project (“Project”) includes wildlife overcrossings, which are necessary to avoid the permanent blockage of critical California wildlife corridors resulting from the
Coalition Testimony: Hearing on Various National Park and Public Lands Bills
Statement for the Record Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests & Mining Committee on Energy & Natural Resources United States Senate Hearing on Various National Park and Public Lands Bills November 18, 2020 Senator Lee, Senator Wyden, and members of
Coalition Signs on To Letter to Protect Sage Grouse
November 18, 2020 Re: Please Conserve Greater Sage-Grouse in the Final FY 2021 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill Dear Chairs and Ranking Members: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters and as you enter year-end negotiations on appropriations bills, we write again to urge you to ensure that the rider prohibiting the U.S.
Coalition Speaks Out On NPS Alaska Jurisdiction Rule
For immediate release: 11/16/20 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; (202) 819-8622 The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a final rule that has gone far beyond a precedent set in Sturgeon v. Frost, a case in which the Supreme Court held that the NPS could not enforce a System-wide regulation prohibiting the operation of a hovercraft
Coalition: The Secretary Bernhardt’s Attempt to Undermine LWCF is Unacceptable
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, Secretary David Bernhardt announced that the Interior Department would issue new orders that will impose unnecessary, top-down requirements that will potentially delay the National Park Service’s ability to address its over $5 billion backlog of land acquisition needs. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition
Coalition Slams DOI Over Its LWCF Funding Projects List
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the Department of the Interior published a list of projects it intends to allocate with the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s support. The list comes a week after the deadline, which the Trump administration inexplicably missed. As per the guidance laid out in
Coalition: NEPA Directive a “Waste of Taxpayer Money.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/10/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 Coalition Calls NEPA Directive a “Waste of Taxpayer Money.” The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo directing federal agencies to prioritize aligning their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures with the finalized Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations.
The Election Might Be Over—But Our Work As Travelers Isn’t
November 9, 2020 BY MEGAN SPURRELL November 9, 2020We spent days waiting for the 2020 election results, knowing that the final call would impact the world we live in, and, crucially, how we travel. At long last, we know that Joseph R. Biden is the president-elect—and Kamala Harris the first female, Black, and Indian-American vice
Coalition Submits FOIA Request for LWCF Projects Under Great American Outdoors Act
November 5, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.
Coalition Talks Parks Post-Election
Phil Francis spoke with Conde Nast Traveler about how the election results could impact the travel industry. “Our national parks and public lands are meant to be enjoyed by all Americans and they will always need advocates, regardless of the election results. As a non-partisan organization, we will continue to fight to protect our
Coalition Pushes for More Description Regarding GAOA Maintenance List
Coalition Chair Phil Francis spoke with National Parks Traveler regarding DOI’s “priority list for tackling deferred maintenance projects in the National Park System and other public lands with funds generated through the Great American Outdoors Act.” While the list was presented to Congress, it failed to provide detailed descriptions of the projects. “It just seems to
Coalition Concerned Over Failure to Hit LWCF Project Deadline
As per the guidance laid out in the Dingell Act of 2019 and the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, the Department of the Interior was required to publish a list of allocations for the full and permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by November 2, 2020. The Trump Administration missed this
Coalition Signs on to Comments Regarding USFS Proposed Revision to Oil and Gas Regs
November 2, 2020 Submitted via regulations.gov USDA-Forest Service Attn: Director-MGM Staff 1617 Cole Boulevard, Building 17 Lakewood, CO 80401 Re: Proposed revisions to Oil and Gas Resources regulations, 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart E RIN 0596-AD33 To Whom It May Concern: The undersigned submit these comments on the proposed rule issued by the Forest Service
Coalition Discusses the Future of the NPS in NPT Podcast
November 1st, 2020 How might the 2020 presidential election impact the National Park Service? Former National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis, Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, and Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, discuss that question. Listen to the Podcast
Coalition Signs on To Comments Involving Utah Oil and Gas Lease Sales
Bureau of Land Management Utah State Office Attn: Angela Wadman 440 W 200 S #500 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 October 27, 2020 To the Bureau of Land Management: The undersigned organizations are writing to provide public comment on the Supplemental Analysis for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Related to Oil and Gas Leasing in Utah
Decision to Open Up Tongass National Forest to Development is Devastating
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks slammed President Trump’s decision to open up Tongass National Forest to logging and industry, jeopardizing the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. This forest has been called the “lungs of the country,” and is home to numerous and diverse species and old-growth forest. Phil Francis, Chair of the
Coalition Continues Advocacy Through Virtual Meetings
The Coalition has participated in several meetings with the Office of Management and Budget that have been focused on issues that impact our national parks and public lands. The discussions included topics such as the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act and the use of science as a guiding principle of park stewardship. These meetings
Coalition Submits FOIA Request for COVID-19 Numbers
October 20, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.
Coalition Opposes Proposed Revisions to Endangered Species Act Habitat Rules
October 8, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: Proposed Revisions to Endangered Species Act Habitat Rules Dear Secretary Bernhardt: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we urge you to withdraw the two recent proposed rules related to habitat
Coalition Signs on to DOI Letter Regarding Pendley
October 06, 2020 By Mary Jo Brooks – The National Wildlife Federation Coalition of Conservation Organizations Deliver Letter to Secretary Bernhardt Calling for Immediate Review WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation, the National Audubon Society, and 58 other conservation organizations have called on Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to retract all management plans, decisions, rulemakings, and regulations
EC Member Sheridan Steele Speaks with National Park Traveler
The National Park System doesn’t pause for the upcoming presidential election. Throughout the summer it has been surprisingly busy, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, at many units of the park system. Indeed, there are many issues across the parks to pay attention to and discuss. To help us with that task, we’ve invited Kristen
Coalition Joins Over 100 Organizations in Opposition to OMB Training Memo
Re: OMB circular M-20-34, “Training in the Federal Government,” and the September 22nd Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping October 1, 2020 Dear Senators and Representatives: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we write with deep concern about — and strong opposition to — the September 4th 2020
Coalition Joins Letter of Support for Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act
Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters American Rivers || Black Hills Clean Water Alliance || Center for Biological Diversity Clean Water Action || Climate Hawks Vote || Coalition To Protect America’s National Parks || Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc. || Colorado State Rams for the Boundary Waters Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship || Crow River
Coalition Testifies at House Oversight Committee Hearing
Statement of James G. Northup Executive Council Member, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Committee on Natural Resources U.S. House of Representatives September 29, 2020 Representative Cox, Representative Gohmert, and Members of the Subcommittee; Good Afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. My name is Jim
Coalition Joins Comments On Oil and Gas Leasing Near Chaco Culture
September 25, 2020 BLM Farmington Field Office, Attn.: Sarah Scott, Project Manager, 6251 College Blvd, Suite A, Farmington, NM87402 Re: Comments on the Farmington Mancos-Gallup Draft RMP Amendment and EIS Dear Ms. Scott: Please accept the following comments on the Farmington Mancos-Gallup Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from Archaeology
Coalition Calls on DOI to Halt All Oil and Gas Lease Sales
September 28, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, On behalf of our over 1,800 members, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), urges you to halt all oil and gas lease sales as our country continues to navigate the
Coalition Signs On to Public Comment Extension Letter
The Honorable Sonny Perdue Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250 The Honorable Vicki Christiansen Chief U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service 201 14th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20227 September 24, 2020 Dear Secretary Perdue and Chief Christiansen: Given the ongoing public health crisis as a result of COVID-19, the
Coalition Signs On to Letter Opposing Endangered Species Act Amendments
September 23, 2020 The Honorable John Barrasso Chairman Environment and Public Works Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Tom Carper Ranking Member Environment and Public Works Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee meets today for a hearing
Coalition Voices Support for Senator Bennet’s Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Bills
September 21, 2020 Today, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet introduced two bills to tackle the growing orphaned oil well crisis in the short and long term while restoring robust public participation and Tribal consultation during decisions about whether public lands should be leased for drilling. Underlying these crises is the outdated federal oil and gas
Coalition Signs On to California Wildlife Protection Letter
September 18, 2020 Toks Omishakin, Caltrans Director California Department of Transportation 1120 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814 John Bulinski, District Director Michael Beauchamp, Deputy District Director of Construction David Bricker, Deputy District Director of Environmental Planning Andrew Walters, Senior Environmental Planner California Department of Transportation, District 8 464 W. 4th Street San Bernardino, CA
Coalition Encourages Transparency with The Great American Outdoors Act
September 14, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 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
Coalition Joins Comments on “Habitat” Definition Under ESA
September 3, 2020 Gary Frazer Assistant Director for Endangered Species Ecological Services Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 2204 Samuel D. Rauch, III Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 2091 Re: Comments on Proposed
NPS FOIA Response: Closure of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
On August 18 the Coalition submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the NPS regarding the closure of portions of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial on August 17 to allow for filming of a Republican Campaign advertisement featuring Vice President Mike Pence. A copy of our request can be found HERE. The NPS recently responded
Member Oped: Great American Outdoors Act is worth celebrating, especially in Maine
In a year full of unexpected challenges and extreme partisanship, I am particularly grateful for a cause for celebration. The recent Great American Outdoors Act has provided just such an opportunity. With an eye on the future, both houses of Congress have passed legislation recognizing the importance of preserving and protecting our irreplaceable natural
Coalition Comments on Proposed Changes to Concessions Regulations
September 9, 2020 Subject: Commercial Visitor Services – Concession Contracts Proposed Rule – National Park Service, RIN 1024-AE57 Commercial Services Program National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W., Mail Stop 2410 Concessions Contracts Revised Rule Comments Washington, D.C. 20240 I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect
Coalition Submits FOIA Request Related to Fort McHenry Speech
August 31, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer National Park Service P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect
Coalition Submits FOIA Request Related to COVID-19 Numbers
September 1, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.
Coalition Comments on New Mexico Lease Sales
Sale of New Mexico public land to oil and gas nets $8M, despite opposition during Covid-19 Adrian Hedden The federal government made about $8.2 million from a sale of public land to the oil and gas industry in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. The sale was held by the Bureau of Land Management on
Park Service Under Fire for Role in GOP Convention
BY REBECCA BEITSCH – 08/27/20 The National Park Service (NPS) is in hot water with ethics watchdogs for a slickly produced video promoting President Trump along with its plans to host a fireworks spectacle after his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. Trump is slated to give his convention speech on Thursday from the
Coalition Joins Groups in Lawsuit Over Destructive Hunting Practices
August 26, 2020 Thirteen groups sue Interior, NPS for paving way for destructive hunting practices that threaten bears and wolves on national preserves ANCHORAGE, AK—A lawsuit filed today in federal District Court in Alaska charges the Interior Department and National Park Service with violating multiple laws when adopting a rule that would open up
Coalition Comments on Distribution of GAO Act Funds
Park Service anniversary finds government working to implement new funding The government is working to implement new legislation giving the National Park Service’s infrastructure a well-needed facelift as the NPS, one of the most popular federal agencies, celebrates its 104th anniversary on Tuesday. The recently passed Great American Outdoors Act is intended to tackle the
Coalition Speaks Out About Resource Damage
BALTIMORE (WBAL & AP) — A brick walkway at Fort McHenry was damaged by crews preparing for Vice President Mike Pence’s speech planned at the historic site for Wednesday. Crews have been quickly building a stage, mobile broadcast center and infrastructure needed to beam a speech by the vice president from Fort McHenry
Coalition Joins Protest of Oil and Gas Lease Sales
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance – Center for Biological Diversity – Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks – Great Old Broads for Wilderness – Living Rivers – National Parks Conservation Association – Natural Resources Defense Council – Old Spanish Trail Association – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club – Waterkeeper
Fort McHenry Should Not Be Used For Political Gain
Fort McHenry Should Not Be Used For Political Gain Vice President Mike Pence will speak at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The Maryland Republican Party reportedly secured a special use permit to use the national park site for the Vice President’s political event. The Coalition
Coalition Voices Concern Over Use of Ft. McHenry
August 24, 2020 Ms. Margaret Everson Counselor to the Secretary, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Everson: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization
Coalition: Acting Director Does Not Understand How Parks Operate
Margaret Everson, the recently named Acting Director of the National Park Service, has stated that a lack of park employees due to the pandemic should not be a reason to limit access to parks. Ms. Everson went on to instruct NPS Regional Directors that, “staffing limitations should not be a constraining factor in providing
Coalition Submits FOIA Requests
August 19, 2020 The Coalition submitted two FOIA requests this month. The first was yet another request sent to the NPS, asking for the number of COVID-19 cases to date among Park Service employees. We have not received an NPS response to this request, nor any of the previous requests. Our second FOIA request relates
Freedom of Information Act: COVID-19 Cases to Date Among Park Service Employees
August 4, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As background for this request: On April 20, 2020, we submitted a FOIA request to NPS asking
Freedom of Information Act Request: Closure of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
August 18, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer National Park Service P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect
Coalition Condemns Decision to Open Arctic Refuge to Drilling
The Trump administration announced its plan to open up portions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and gas development, a move that overturns six decades of protections for the largest remaining stretch of wilderness in the United States. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said that the department will auction
Member OpEd: A call for authorizing Curecanti National Recreation Area
A call for authorizing Curecanti National Recreation Area Posted to The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Aug 14, 2020 As a group, we have a combined 26.5 years of experience as superintendents of Curecanti National Recreation Area and a collective 179 years of service with the National Park Service. With the benefit of this extensive background,
Coalition Objects to Using Parks as Campaign Stops
August 17, 2020 Ms. Margaret Everson Counselor to the Secretary, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Everson: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization
Coalition Comments on Proposed Mountain Biking Trail
August 17, 2020 Mr. Cassius Cash Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Subject: Scoping Comments, Proposed Wears Valley Bicycle Trail Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed
Coalition Speaks About Lack of Permanent NPS Director
How Trump bent the National Park Service to do his bidding By Mark Kaufman For the first 100 years of the National Park Service’s existence, there has almost continually been an official director who leads the prestigious conservation agency. Now, that’s changed. The Trump administration has never had anyone in the official position of
Coalition On Acting Director Vela’s Departure
David Vela’s reversal of fortune: ‘D.C. is a fickle place’ Rob Hotakainen, E&E News reporter Published: Friday, August 14, 2020 When President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act last week, one key player was nowhere to be found: David Vela, the acting director of the National Park Service, who had pushed hard to get
Coalition Supports CORE Act Amendment
August 12, 2020 Senator Lisa Murkowski Chairman, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senator Joe Manchin Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Manchin, On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 1,800 current and former National Park
Coalition Celebrates Decision to Defer UT Lease Sales
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Steve Bloch, Legal Director, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 801-859-1552, st***@**wa.org Anne Hawke, Senior Press Secretary, Natural Resources Defense Council, 646-823-4518, ah****@**dc.org Liam Kelly, Communications Manager, National Parks Conservation Association, 213-814-8666 Emily Thompson, Associate Director of Engagement, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, 202-758-3936, Em************@********ps.org Salt Lake City, UT (August 12, 2020) – The Bureau of Land
Coalition Objects to Proposed Political Speech at Gettysburg National Military Park
President Trump recently announced he is considering both Gettysburg National Military Park and the White House as the setting for his upcoming speech to accept the Republican Presidential nomination. In light of this announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, has sent a letter to the Acting Director of
Coalition Comments on Acting Director Vela’s Departure
Coalition Chair Phil Francis issued the following statement to Roll Call regarding Acting Director Vela’s Retirement: “David Vela is a career employee of the National Park Service. We wish he and his family well as he transitions from the NPS. David has always expressed his support and love for the green and gray. For all
Success Story: The Great American Outdoors Act
The Great American Outdoors Act – a landmark piece of legislation that is one of the greatest conservation efforts in a generation – has been signed into law. It fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a program that invests in national parks, public lands, and communities across the country
Coalition Chair Comments On What Comes After Great American Outdoors Act
President Trump Has Signed The Great American Outdoors Act: Now What? By Kurt Repanshek – August 5th, 2020 4:22pm Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act has been hailed as one of the greatest conservation measures to come out of Congress in decades, as it will send $6.5 billion to the National Park Service to battle deferred
Coalition Signs on To Letter Opposing Pendley Nomination
Re: Reject the nomination of William Perry Pendley for Director of the Bureau of Land Management August 3, 2020 To the Members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: On behalf of the undersigned organizations, Tribes, and businesses and our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we urge you to reject the nomination of
Coalition Talks Park Updates on NPT Podcast
National Parks Traveler Episode 77: July’s National Parks News Roundup By Kurt Repanshek – August 2nd, 2020 In this week’s show, we look back at the top news stories from the park system in July. There was the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act by Congress, the ongoing issue of the coronavirus pandemic
Coalition Signs on to FY21 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Letter
July 23, 2020 Dear Representative, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition , ask that you support the FY21 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill as part of the minibus package. We also urge you to oppose any policy riders that harm our national parks. We support the robust $200
Upcoming Webinar: Take Action – Oil and Gas Leasing
July 27, 2020 Join us for a virtual discussion on oil and gas leasing and the impacts on our national parks and public lands. Learn about the leasing process, the Coalition’s advocacy efforts, and how you can become an advocate and help protect our parks. The event will feature Matt Kirby, the Director of Energy
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Applauds Momentous Movement on Great American Outdoors Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act. The bill now moves to President Trump’s desk for his signature. This act would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a popular program that invests in national parks, public lands, and communities across the country.
Coalition Signs On to Comments on Migratory Bird Treaty Act
July 20, 2020 BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: JAO/lN 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 Re: Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds Please accept the following comments on behalf of over 35 undersigned organizations, which
Coalition Supports Legislation to End Non-Competitive Leasing
U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced legislation requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to issue all oil and gas leases through competitive auction, ending noncompetitive leasing and encouraging government inefficiency. Noncompetitive leases are lands that the market has determined have little or no potential for oil and gas development. They are commonly purchased by
Coalition: NEPA Changes Are Unacceptable
This administration continues to prioritize the interests of oil and gas companies and industry over public health and the protection of our planet. This is unacceptable. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a critical tool that allows the National Park Service and other federal agencies to protect and preserve irreplaceable natural and cultural
Coalition Joins Partners in Comments on Upcoming Oil and Gas Lease Sale
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance – Center for Biological Diversity – Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks – Great Old Broads for Wilderness – Living Rivers – National Parks Conservation Association – Natural Resources Defense Council – Old Spanish Trail Association – Partnership for the National Trails System – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – The
400+ Coalition Members Sign on To Letter in Support of Great American Outdoors Act
July 9, 2020 Dear Representatives, We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 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, and acts for the preservation of America’s National Park System. As
Coalition Files Joint Amicus Brief in Opposition to SAFE Rule
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks joined the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and filed an amicus brief with the DC Circuit Court of Appeals, a legal challenge to the Trump Administration’s attempt to eliminate California’s authority to apply its own automobile emission standards under the Clean Air Act. In the brief, we
Success Story: An End to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline
In a tremendous victory for our national parks and public lands, two of the nation’s largest utility companies, Dominion Energy and Duke Energy, announced that they have canceled the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline project, which would have carried natural gas across the Appalachian Trail, as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway. In January, the Coalition
Coalition Submits FOIA Request Related to July 4 Events
July 2, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), 5 U.S.C. § 552, et seq., and the regulations of the Department of the Interior, 43 C.F.R., Part 2, I
Member Oped: Leasing Plans Threaten Utah’s National Parks
The Salt Lake Tribune 7/1/2020 By Phil Brueck | Special to The Tribune As we continue to navigate the fallout from the pandemic and work to establish a “new normal,” many of us Utahns are still focused on balancing the demands of our personal and professional lives, providing for our families and thinking about
Member Oped: Mount Rushmore Fireworks A Bad Idea
Opinion by Cheryl Schreier July 1, 2020 at 4:20 p.m. EDT Cheryl Schreier was superintendent of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial from 2010 to 2019. It has been more than 10 years since fireworks were last seen at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The fireworks were canceled in 2010, my first year as superintendent of the
Coalition Submits Another FOIA Request Related to COVID-19
July 1, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As background for this request: We submitted a previous FOIA request on April 20, 2020; it was
Coalition Signs on to Letter Regarding Air Quality Standards
June 29, 2020 Andrew Wheeler, Administrator Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20460 Submitted via regulations.gov RE: Secondary National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter; Proposed Rule; Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0072 Dear Administrator Wheeler, We, the undersigned public lands and conservation organizations, strongly oppose the proposal to retain the current, inadequate secondary
Coalition Submits Comments on NPS Jurisdiction in Alaska
June 29, 2020 Donald Striker, Acting Regional Director National Park Service Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Submitted via regulations.gov Subject: Comments on Proposed Rule – National Park Service Jurisdiction in Alaska RIN: 1024-AE63 Dear Mr. Striker: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition
Coalition Signs On to Support H.R. 2, the “Moving Forward Act.”
June 29, 2020 Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairman DeFazio, Ranking Member Graves, Chairman Grijalva, and Ranking Member Bishop: On behalf of our organizations and our millions of members and supporters, we want to thank you for the positive wildlife and public lands conservation provisions in H.R. 2, the “Moving Forward Act.” We appreciate
Coalition: Fireworks at Mount Rushmore a Bad Idea
Firework Celebration at Mount Rushmore is A Bad Idea The National Park Service has announced it will resume Fourth of July fireworks at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The event this year will be held on July 3, 2020, and President Trump has indicated he plans to attend. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Coalition Member Comments on Mount Rushmore Fireworks Demonstration
Trump is headlining fireworks at Mount Rushmore. Experts worry two things could spread: virus and wildfire. National Park Service and local fire marshal officials have warned for years about dangers in resuming fireworks at the memorial. By Juliet Eilperin, Darryl Fears and Josh Dawsey Published in The Washington Post – June 25, 2020 President Trump
Letter to Appropriators: NEPA EO Will Harm Parks
June 23, 2020 Dear Chairwoman Lowey and Chair McCollum, We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 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, and acts for the preservation of
Former NPS Alaska Managers Submit Letter to DOI Opposing NPS Final Rule on Hunting and Trapping in Alaska
June 19, 2020 The Honorable Rob Wallace Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Subject: National Park Service Final Rule on Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves in Alaska (RIN 1024-AE38) Dear Assistant Secretary Wallace: We write to you on behalf
Yellowstone National Park’s Reopening Protocol is Commendable
June 18, 2020 Dear Acting Director Vela: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks to commend Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Cam Sholly, his staff, and local public health partners for their outstanding management and implementation of the park’s COVID-19 reopening plan. We are impressed and greatly
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Applauds Momentous Movement on Great American Outdoors Act
WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier today, the United States Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act by a vote of 73-25. The bill now moves to the House for final passage. This act would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a popular program that invests in national parks, public lands, and communities across
Coalition Joins Partners in Support of INVEST in America Act
June 16, 2020 Dear Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America Act (INVEST in America Act), especially the increased funding levels for federal lands to help
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Reacts to President’s Order on NEPA
On June 4, 2020, the President released an executive order waiving the environmental review process for some infrastructure projects and using the pandemic as justification, writing, “as agencies respond to situations involving immediate threats to human health or safety, or immediate threats to valuable natural resources, they must consider whether there is sufficient time
Amid pandemic, Interior moves forward with enormous oil and gas drilling plan on public lands near National Parks
Contact: Liam Kelly, National Parks Conservation Association, 213-814-8666, lk****@**ca.org Landon Newell, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 801.428.3991, la****@**wa.org Salt Lake City, UT – The Trump administration has released its proposal to open up more than 110,000 acres of public land to oil and gas drilling, most of which lies in southern Utah near Canyonlands,
Coalition Chair Talks Great American Outdoors Act on This Green Earth
Phil Francis from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks joins Nell and Chris on This Green Earth to talk about “The Great American Outdoors Act”, a bill designed to provide full and permanent funding for LWCF and help address the deferred maintenance backlog in national parks.
Coalition Comments on New DOI Acting Orders
Posted to The Hill – 06/09/20 06:00 AM EDT By Rebecca Beitsch and Rachel Frazin A new Interior Department move to leave controversial temporary leaders in place indefinitely may violate laws on filling vacancies, legal experts say, and skirts requirements for Senate confirmation. In a statement provided to The Hill on Friday, Interior said
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Applauds Introduction of the Bill in the House of Representatives, Senate Cloture Vote
WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier today, the US Senate held a cloture vote to advance the Great American Outdoors Act just days after the legislation was also introduced in the US House of Representatives. The Great American Outdoors Act would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a popular program that invests in public
Coalition Condemns President Trump’s Removal of Marine Protections on the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument
President Trump announced Friday that he will remove protections on the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, a nearly 5,000-square-mile area southeast of Cape Cod that is home to endangered whales and sea turtles, and will open the area up to commercial fishing. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, chair of the coalition
Parks Group Demands Answers to Park Police’s Unprovoked and Aggressive Actions Against Peaceful Protesters
David Bernhardt Secretary of the Interior Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW Washington, DC 20240 **Submitted via email** June 4, 2020 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, We write with deep concern about the recent actions of the United States Park Police during ongoing protests in Washington, DC. Like protests around the country, those in our
Coalition Participates in House Virtual Forum on Parks and Pandemic
Statement of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Committee on Natural Resources Virtual Forum House of Representatives “Not So Grand Opening: Examining Local Perspectives on the Department of the Interior’s Plan to Reopen National Parks During the Coronavirus
Comments on Proposed Rule titled “General Provisions; Electric Bicycles.”
June 2, 2020 Jay Calhoun, Regulations Program Manager National Park Service 849 C Street NW, MS-2472 Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Comments on Proposed Rule titled “General Provisions; Electric Bicycles.” RIN 1024-AE61. Dear Mr. Calhoun: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition),
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Condemns President’s Use of Violence
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Condemns President’s Use of Violence Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks condemns the recent and continued attacks on people of color in this country. We mourn the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor,
Coalition Submits FOIA Request for Recent NPS COVID-19 Numbers
June 1, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As background for this request: We submitted a previous FOIA request on April 20, 2020; it was
Member OP-ED: Killing bear cubs and wolf pups in their dens on NPS lands in Alaska is wrong
Many people would agree that hunting methods such as killing black bear mothers with cubs in their dens, “harvesting” grizzly bears over bait, “taking” female wolves and coyotes and their pups during denning season, are deeply offensive, particularly on public lands, like the national preserves managed by the National Park Service in Alaska. Yet, Secretary David Bernhardt’s Interior Department
Coalition Chair Is Guest on Great Battlefield Podcast
Phil Francis joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about his 40-year career working for our National Parks and how The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is working to preserve our Parks and Park Service at a time when they are under attack. Listen here.
Coalition Praises Senate Movement on Great American Outdoors Act
Former National Park Service Employees Praise Senate Movement on Great American Outdoors Act, Urge Swift Passage WASHINGTON, DC — Late yesterday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate would take up the Great American Outdoors Act when it returns next month. The legislation would fully-fund the popular conservation program investing in public
Member OP-ED: The outdoors is a good getaway amid pandemic. Just not the Grand Canyon. Don’t reopen it yet
Grand Canyon National Park is an icon. It attracts visitors from all over the world who flock to the South Rim and other viewpoints within the park that offer a glimpse of the famous Canyon. As the pandemic continues to impact our lives, when social distancing is still the name of the game, reopening this
Coalition Joins Partners In Call for Wildlife Stimulus Funding
May 18, 2020 Dear Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Leader McCarthy, The COVID-19 pandemic is a national crisis and the need to address the health and safety of communities as well as the economic futures of people across the nation is paramount. As Congress works to restart the American economy and put people back
Coalition Condemns Final NPS Alaska Hunting Rule
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/20/20 The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks expressed outrage at the National Park Service’s decision to announce the final rule that amends its regulations to adopt the state of Alaska’s approved hunting practices, which target predator species, and include killing black bear sows with cubs at den sites; killing wolves
Coalition Rolls Out Advocacy Toolkit on Reopening Parks
The Coalition has developed a toolkit that summarizes our position on when national parks should safely reopen. We urge you to take a look and reach out to your Congressional representatives or share some of our guidance on your social media. If you need some additional information, please visit our Advocacy Guide, which provides some best practices
Member Oped: Halt oil and gas lease sales and protect Carlsbad Caverns
Rick Smith and Cherry Payne, Coalition to Protect America’s Parks Published Carlsbad Current-Argus May 14, 2020 Each year, over 450,000 people visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park to marvel at otherworldly cave formations and the flying rivers of Mexican free-tail bats departing each evening for their nightly meal. The park is recognized as a national treasure and
Member OpEd: Oil and Gas Lease Sales Should be Paused During the Pandemic Crisis
Opinion: Oil and gas lease sales should be paused during the coronavirus crisis – Sheridan Steele Special to The Colorado Sun The COVID-19 pandemic has swept through the United States and changed our daily lives. Complying with orders from city, state and national leaders, those who are able to in Colorado are staying home to
Coalition Comments on Acting Positions in DOI
– UPDATE – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) Sues Over “Acting” Positions For National Park Service, BLM Directors Posted by National Parks Traveler Staff (NPT)- May 11th, 2020 NPT Editor’s note: This updates with reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and National Parks Conservation Association. David Vela, the de facto director of
Coalition Joins 850+ Groups in Congressional Letter Supporting Great American Outdoors Act
Support for the Great American Outdoors Act May 11, 2020 Dear Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader Schumer, and Minority Leader McCarthy: Our organizations, and the members we represent, strongly support passage and subsequent enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act (S. 3422) as quickly as possible. This bill is necessary to support the
Coalition Continues to Oppose Legislation that Benefits Eagle Crest
May 6, 2020 OPPOSE AB 2736 (E. GARCIA) As amended May 5, 2020 The above-listed organizations must OPPOSE AB 2736 as amended May 5, 2020, which paired with AB 2255 (Eggman) seeks to greenlight NextEra’s Eagle Crest project. AB 2736 will not protect the environment and will do nothing to protect California ratepayers. AB 2736
Coalition Urges Caution in Podcast Discussion on Reopening Parks
A conversation with Phil Francis, the chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and Joan Anzelmo, a longtime spokesperson for numerous National Park Service units, about Interior Secretary David Bernhardt’s rush to reopen national parks despite warnings from career NPS staff about risks to employees and the public. Posted May 8,
Coalition Addresses Park Reopenings
During a recent Earth Day ceremony, President Donald Trump announced that his administration will “open up national parks and public lands,” and Interior Secretary Bernhardt continues to tout the reopening of some national parks. “We are also eager to get Americans back into our national parks,” says Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect
Coalition Signs on to Funding Requests
April 30, 2020 Dear Chairwoman McCollum, Ranking Member Joyce, Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition (i), write to encourage you to increase funding for the National Park Service (NPS) and ensure exclusion of all policy riders that harm our national parks within the Interior,
Member OpEd: Airport board failed on heli-tour question
When I read Jackson Hole Airport Board President Jerry Blann’s Guest Column in last week’s News&Guide, it was clear that on April 24 the board would vote to permit Wind River Aviation to base its operation at the airport, which is located inside Grand Teton National Park. Essentially he was telling the community the board
Coalition Opposes Amendment that Props Up Eagle Crest
April 27, 2020 The Honorable Susan Talamantes Eggman State Capitol Room 4117 Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: OPPOSE March 3, 2020 Eagle Crest amends to AB 2255 Dear Assemblymember Eggman: We write to express our opposition to the March 3, 2020 proposed amends to your AB 2255 legislation (“Proposed Amended AB 2255”). As we have previously
Victory in a 30-year fight to protect groundwater under Great Basin National Park
There is good news to celebrate in a long struggle against the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) proposed groundwater pumping and pipeline project in Eastern Nevada, which would have caused significant impact to Great Basin National Park. Following a 30-year battle, the SNWA has decided not to appeal the March 2020 decision by Nevada District Court
Coalition Reacts to President Trump’s Remark That National Parks Will Reopen
WASHINGTON, DC —Moments ago, at a tree-planting ceremony on the White House Lawn, President Trump remarked that he would begin to reopen national parks to the public. Phil Francis, Chairman of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP), issued the following in response: “We understand that the president is eager to reopen our national
Parks Groups File Brief Against Administration’s Weak Air and Climate Rule
Parks Groups File Brief Against Administration’s Weak Air and Climate Rule Washington, DC – The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks took legal action today by filing an amicus brief in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The brief supports a challenge to the Trump administration’s Affordable Clean Energy (ACE)
Coalition Rebukes Secretary Bernhardt’s Messaging
The Coalition issued a short statement in response to an op-ed by Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. Fox News published an op-ed in which the Secretary defended his lackluster response to the coronavirus pandemic, which many experts have warned puts park workers, volunteers, and visitors at risk of infection. Phil Francis, chairman of the Coalition to Protect
Coalition Submits FOIA Request for NPS COVID-19 Numbers
April 20, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). As background for this request: On April 2, 2020, as Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s
Coalition Urges Funding for Lands Package to Assist with Economic Recovery
The Coalition has called on the Department of Interior to shut down America’s National Parks since the COVID-19 pandemic began. But we also have continued to advocate for long-term solutions needed to protect America’s national parks, and help the gateway communities around them survive the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has revealed
Coalition Joins Call to Protect Sage Grouse
April 16, 2020 Re: Please Conserve Greater Sage-Grouse in the FY 2021 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill Dear Chairs and Ranking Members: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we urge you to please ensure that a rider from previous years prohibiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) from considering greater
Opposition to Uranium Mining Industry Bailout
Dear Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Minority Leader McCarthy: We write this letter in response to ongoing calls from two uranium mining companies seeking to take advantage of the global Coronavirus pandemic for their own benefit by seeking $150 million for the establishment of a uranium reserve. On behalf of our millions
Coalition Signs on to Letter Opposing DOI Royalty Relief
April 9, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary Department of Interior 149 C St., NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, We, the undersigned groups, on behalf of our millions of members, urge you to reject calls by lawmakers for measures to relieve the oil and gas industry of essential obligations to American taxpayers that
Comments on Proposed Ebike Regulation
April 8, 2020 Jay Calhoun, Regulations Program Manager National Park Service 849 C Street NW, MS-2472 Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Comments on Proposed Rule titled “General Provisions; Electric Bicycles” RIN 1024-AE61 Dear Mr. Calhoun: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition),
Member OP-ED: Secretary Bernhardt Must Close Shenandoah
Shenandoah National Park welcomed nearly 1.4 million visitors in 2019 and the park attracts a particularly high number of visitors during the spring season. So in the middle of a global pandemic, when social distancing and statewide stay-at-home orders are the name of the game, it defies all logic and common sense to keep this
Coalition: Grand Canyon Superintendent Selection is Appalling
Coalition: Grand Canyon Superintendent Selection is Appalling The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks expressed shock and disappointment at the news that Department of the Interior (DOI) Solicitor Edward Keable has been named the new Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: “Ed Keable
Coalition Requests Delay in Ebike Rulemaking Process
April 3, 2020 Mr. David Vela Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Vela: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). We were dismayed to read the National Park Service (NPS) press release[1] yesterday regarding NPS plans
Coalition Issues Statement on Oil and Gas Meeting
National Park Service Retirees on President Trump’s Meeting with Oil Executives Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Bernhardt is Prioritizing Former Clients Oil Interests, Over the Safety and Health of National Parks Employees WASHINGTON, DC — Today, President Donald Trump met with oil company executives at the White House to discuss falling oil prices
Coalition Letter to Acting Director Vela on Continuing COVID-19 Response
April 2, 2020 Mr. David Vela Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Vela: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) to express our ongoing concerns about the many units of the National Park System remain open
Coalition Opposes Hunting at Bandelier
April 1, 2020 Dear Chairmen Murkowski and Grijalva and Ranking Members Manchin and Bishop, I am writing to you on behalf of almost 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, and current employees of the National Park Service (NPS). The Coalition studies, educates,
Letter to Secretary Bernhardt: Close Public Access to Parks
March 31, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, and current employees of
Member OP-ED: We must protect Utah’s Red Rock landscapes
By Cordell Roy | Special to The Salt Lake Tribune Published: 3/29/20 In this time of national emergency, it may seem relatively trivial to concern oneself with anything other than our own personal and community well-being. However, the well-being of our environment and public lands that contribute to Utahns quality of life is also experiencing
NPS Employee Speaks Out
An NPS employee sent this letter to the Coalition, asking us to share it widely. He writes, “what is especially damaging and demoralizing is that the employees of the Park Service are not considered to be strong enough justification to shut down, despite what they are repeatedly saying to their leadership. The call to close
Coalition Joins Over 90 Organizations Calling for Suspension of Public Comment Periods During National Health Emergency
American Bird Conservancy • Archaeology Southwest • Athens County’s Future Action Network • Basin and Range Watch • Black Hills Clean Water Alliance • Born Free USA • Buckeye Environmental Network • Center for Biological Diversity • Christian Council of Delmara • Clean Water Action • Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks • Conservation Council
Coalition Joins Over 140 Organizations Supporting S. Res. 372 and H. Res. 835
Over 140 organizations have signed a letter of support for S. Res. 372 and H. Res. 835, “Thirty by Thirty Resolution to Save Nature.” These resolutions call on the federal government to establish a national goal of conserving at least 30 percent of the land and 30 percent of the ocean of the United
Coalition Members Speak Out About Park Visitation During Pandemic
Coalition members are speaking out about the dangers of increased visitation at national parks, despite the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations about social distancing. Numerous parks across the country have seen an increase in visitation since the Secretary of the Interior waived entrance fees in parks. “We should not be encouraging more visitation to our national
Coalition Joins 51 Conservation Groups Commenting On Migratory Bird Treaty Act Rollbacks
The comments were submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center regarding the Trump administration’s proposal to rollback the protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Click here to read the PDF file. The Coalition also joined the Audubon Society and other organizations in their sign-on letter opposing proposed changes to the MBTA. Click here to
DOI Should Not Encourage Additional Park Visitation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/19/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 DOI Should Not Encourage Additional Park Visitation Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has waived entrance fees at national parks across the country to encourage visitation and “make it easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible national parks.” However, this decision
Coalition Supports Halt to Lease Sales and Hold on Public Comment Periods
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/17/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 Coalition Supports Halt to Lease Sales and Hold on Public Comment Periods “We fully support the idea of suspending ongoing comment periods, halting oil and gas lease sales, and delaying new policy proposals. Just as we called on the Department of the Interior (DOI)
Coalition Calls for Closures at National Parks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/16/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 Coalition Calls for Closures at National Parks In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance that calls for a nationwide halt to gatherings of 50 people or more. In addition, Americans are
America’s Best Idea at Risk
Our national parks are America’s Best Idea. They protect our irreplaceable natural and cultural resources, preserve the stories of our past, and connect Americans to the outdoors. Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funding is crucial to the successful management of our national parks and the continued protection of the irreplaceable natural and cultural resources
Coalition Signs on to Collective Comments Regarding Proposed NEPA Changes
Ms. Mary Neumayr Chairman Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place NW Washington, DC 20503 Attn: Docket No. CEQ-2019 0003 March 10, 2020 Re: Attachment I—NEPA Archive Dear Chairman Neumayr: The following compiled materials, included as Attachment I to the environmental coalition letter, are pertinent to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process as it
Backpacker: Here’s How the Presidential Candidates’ Public Lands Plans Stack Up
By Elizabeth Miller Mar 10, 2020 While Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have spoken at length about fighting climate change, conservation groups say their plans for America’s public lands are big on promises and short on details. In the 11 years that Phil Francis was Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s deputy superintendent, he saw air quality
Coalition Comments On Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act
March 10, 2020 Edward Boling Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20503 Subject: Comments on “Update to the Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)” {Docket No. CEQ-2019-0003} Dear Mr. Boling: I am writing to you
Testimony of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council
Statement for the Record Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives Hearing on FY 2021 Budget for the National Park Service March 6, 2020 Rep. McCollum, Rep. Joyce, and members of the subcommittee, thank
Coalition Celebrates Movement on Combined Bill to Protect National Parks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/5/20 Coalition Celebrates Movement on Combined Bill to Protect National Parks “We are celebrating the positive progress of a combined bill that will make an incredible difference to the protection and preservation of our national parks and public lands. As life-long stewards of our national parks, we know what a difference
Coalition: National Park Visitation Demands Greater National Park Service Budget
Coalition: National Park Visitation Demands Greater National Park Service Budget By Kurt Repanshek on March 2nd, 2020 © National Parks Traveler While visitation to the National Park System remains strong, the same can’t be said of the National Park Service’s ability to welcome those visitors and preserve the parks’ resources, according to the
Coalition Testifies at NEPA Public Hearing in Washington, DC
Statement of Amy Fehir Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Regarding Proposed Revisions to CEQ Regulations for the Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Washington, DC Hearing February 25, 2020 Good evening. My name is Amy Fehir. I am a former National Park Service employee and the current Executive Director of the Coalition to
Coalition Supports Fair Return for Public Lands Act of 2020
Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the bipartisan Fair Returns for Public Lands Act of 2020 to update the nation’s antiquated public lands royalty system and ensure that taxpayers get fair returns on leases of public lands for oil and gas production. The legislation modernizes the public lands leasing system
Ahead of Testimony, Coalition Issues Statement on NEPA Changes
Ahead of Testimony, Coalition Issues Statement on NEPA Changes “Current NEPA procedures have long provided a critical mechanism for ensuring that the National Park Service fulfills its mission to conserve parks unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. And a key factor in making good decisions that protect parks has been strong citizen involvement.
Coalition OP-ED: No one at the helm of America’s national parks
Theresa Pierno is president and CEO for the National Parks Conservation Association. Phil Francis is chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and former superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has been just over three years since President Trump took the oath of office, and the lack of permanent leaders in this
Coalition Sends Letter in Opposition to 1801 Series Conversion Initiative
2/14/20 Mr. David Vela Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Vela: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (the Coalition) and in partnership with the Association of National Park Rangers, to express our grave concern over the initiative
Coalition Chair Comments on Rising NPS Visitation and Declining Staff
Too many people? Great Smoky Mountains National Park hits record visitation in 2019 KAREN CHÁVEZ | THE CITIZEN-TIMES Updated 6:14 p.m. EST Feb. 13, 2020 Tobias Miller has had his nose to the ground at Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the past 18 years, building, fixing and maintaining the vast network of forest trails
Public Lands Should Not Be Sold to Balance the Budget
Today was the nomination hearing for Judy Shelton, President Trump’s latest nominee for the Federal Reserve Board. Shelton has expressed the view that the U.S. government should sell-off its “numerous federal land holdings” in order to “expedite the achievement of a balanced budget.” Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks,
Coalition Testifies at NEPA Public Hearing
Statement of Sarah Bransom Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Regarding Proposed Revisions to CEQ Regulations for the Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Denver, Colorado Hearing February 11, 2020 Good morning. My name is Sarah Bransom. I am presenting this testimony on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Our group
Member Op-ed: Organ Pipe Cactus Will Suffer Irreversible Destruction
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to a thriving community of plants and animals. In fact, this national monument is also an International Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its conservation of the unique resources representing a pristine example of an intact Sonoran Desert ecosystem. But the health and continued protection of this irreplaceable ecosystem is
Coalition Denounces Massive Cuts to DOI Budget in President’s Proposed Budget
Coalition Denounces Massive Cuts to DOI Budget in President’s Proposed Budget WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the White House released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021, which includes massive cuts to major domestic programs. The Trump Administration’s proposed budget includes cuts to the Department of Interior funding, which includes a 97% cut in discretionary
Coalition Condemns Final Management Plans for Utah National Monuments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 06, 2020 CONTACT: Emily Thompson, 202-758-3936, Em************@********ps.org Coalition Condemns Final Management Plans for Utah National Monuments WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the Interior Department finalized resource management plans for the reduced Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah by releasing two Records of Decision. The decision
Member OP-ED: Time to end wasteful, speculative oil & gas leasing
When I was Superintendent at Joshua Tree National Park, the number one reason visitors cited for coming to the park was to experience its stunningly beautiful undeveloped views and vistas, which extended well beyond the park’s boundaries. Clearly, the same motivation compels visitors to other national parks across the country, especially those located in the
Oppose Eagle Crest Legislation
February 3, 2020 The Honorable Chris Holden and Laura Friedman Assembly Utilities and Energy and Natural Resources Committees State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Opposition to Eagle Crest Legislation Dear Chair Holden and Chair Friedman, We write to express our opposition to legislation directing the procurement by the Independent System Operator of expensive long-duration
Coalition Participates in Outdoor Retailer Panel on Parks and Climate Change
Coalition Member Gary Davis recently served as a panelist for the session Parks in Peril: National Parks in a Changing Climate at Outdoor Retailer, a business-to-business outdoor sports show for those working in the industry. Several hundred people participated in the session, which included a lively discussion focused on the evolving role of science in
Member OP-ED: Bill Would Balance Interest in Parks
My name is Doug Morris and I served 40 years with the National Park Service. I live in Montana and serve as an executive council member for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. The purpose of this letter is to urge U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte to cosponsor the bipartisan House bill, H.R. 3225, the
Coalition Comments on Electric Bicycles in NPS Alaskan Parks
January 29, 2020 National Park Service, Attn: Compendiums Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Dear Alaska Regional Office: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of
OP-ED: Restore oil and gas leasing master plans
CPANP Executive Council member Sarah Bransom submitted this Op-Ed to The Daily Camera, Boulder, CO – 1/30/20 My name is Sarah Bransom and I am a retired National Park Service professional. I spent 32 years in federal service and now serve as a member of the executive council for the Coalition to Protect America’s National
Prominent Park Advocates and Leaders Take Battle Over Atlantic Coast Pipeline to the Supreme Court
Today, the National Parks Conservation Association joined the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and prominent park advocates Jon Jarvis, former director of the National Park Service, and Pam Underhill, former Superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in filing a joint amicus brief supporting conservation respondents in U.S. Forest Service, et al. v. Cowpasture
Coalition Joins “Amici curiae” Brief to The Supreme Court of the United States
Coalition Joins “Amici curiae” Brief to The Supreme Court of the United States Nos. 18-1584 & 18-1587 ================================================================================================================ In The Supreme Court of the United States • UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, ET AL., Petitioners, v. COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION, ET AL., Respondents. • ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE, LLC, Petitioner, v. COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION, ET
Coalition Requests Extension of Comment Period for NEPA Update
January 20, 2020 Mary Neumayr, Chair Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20503 Edward Boling, Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20503 Subject: Request for a 60 day Extension of Public Comment Period on “Update to the Regulations for Implementing
Coalition Applauds Legislation to Curtail Oil and Gas Leasing
Senator Cortez Masto introduced legislation to end the leasing of land with low to no oil and gas potential. Coalition Chair Phil Francis issued the following short statement: “Our public lands leasing system prioritizes oil and gas development over everything else. Leasing lands with little to no potential for drilling, in many cases on the
Member OP-ED: Trump is Threatening America’s Cornerstone of Environmental Law to Allow for Backroom Deals
TRUMP IS THREATENING AMERICA’S CORNERSTONE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW TO ALLOW FOR BACKROOM DEALS | NEWSWEEK OPINION JUDITH HAZEN CONNERY The Trump administration’s proposal to exempt some of the nation’s most controversial developments, such as pipelines and mines, from scrutiny under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is more than just a bone thrown to corporate
Coalition Condemns Proposed Changes to NEPA
For Immediate Release: 1/9/20 “We strongly condemn the administration’s proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The National Park Service (NPS) is charged by law to protect our nation’s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources and NEPA is acritical tool that allows the NPS to meet their fundamental mission of protecting and preserving our
Coalition Comments: Sochan Gathering for Traditional Purposes at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
January 5, 2020 Superintendent Cassius M. Cash National Park Service Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former,
Coalition Comments – Ebike Use on Trails
January 4, 2020 Superintendent Craig Kenkel National Park Service Cuyahoga Valley National Park 15610 Vaughn Road Brecksville, OH 44141 Dear Superintendent Kenkel: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the