By Kurt Repanshek – December 26th, 2021 This has been one of the most newsworthy years in recent memory for the National Park Service and the parks. There’s finally a Senate-confirmed director at the helm, billions of dollars are flowing into the parks for a variety of projects, wildfires chewed through Sequoia, Kings Canyon
Coalition Comments on America the Beautiful Progress Report
Today, the Biden Administration released their America the Beautiful progress report, which provides updates on the progress and accomplishments of meeting our first-ever national conservation goal – and ensuring all Americans have access to the outdoors – by conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to
Coalition Sends Welcome to Director Sams in the Tradition of the Lane Letter
December 17, 2021 Mr. Chuck Sams, Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Director Sams: Congratulations on your confirmation as the 19th director of the National Park Service – arguably our nation’s most popular federal agency! You join a long and honored line of directors of the National Park
Opening Brief Filed In NPS Hunting Rule Litigation
For decades, the National Park Service (Service) consistently declared that it must manage the National Park System in Alaska primarily for conservation, and that Congress’ allowance of sport hunting on National Preserves (Preserves) did not alter that conservation mandate. The Service codified that position in 2015, adopting regulations that barred predator reduction efforts as well
Coalition Joins LWCF Funds Request to Support America The Beautiful
December 2, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, Thank you for your strong support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), our nation’s most important conservation and recreation program and a primary tool for executing the Biden Administration’s ambitious
Comments on Tennessee Regional Haze Plan
December 10, 2021 Michelle Owenby Director Division of Air Pollution Control Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 15th Floor Nashville, TN 37243 Comments submitted via email to: Ai*******************@tn.gov Re: Conservation Organizations Comments on the Pre-Hearing Draft Tennessee Regional Haze State Implementation Plan Dear Ms. Owensby, The National Parks
Coalition Joins Comments on Oil Mitigation Plan at Big Cypress
December 7, 2021 Superintendent Tom Forsyth Big Cypress National Preserve 33100 Tamiami Trail E Ochopee, FL 34141 Submitted via email to Th************@np*.gov and online via National Park Service portal at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ Re: Comments on Proposal for Modification of Burnett Oil Co., Inc.’s Existing Plan of Operations (9B Permit) for the Nobles Grade 3D Seismic
Comment Period Extension Request for South Carolina’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
December 7, 2021 Via electronic mail Scott Bigleman Air Regulation and Data Analysis Section Bureau of Air Quality 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for South Carolina’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association, the
Coalition Joins Comments Regarding Migratory Bird Treaty Act
BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS–HQ–MB–2021-0105 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: PRB/3W 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 Re: Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2021-0105; Migratory Bird Permits; Authorizing the Incidental Take of Migratory Birds Please accept the following comments submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center (“SELC”) on behalf of
Member Oped: NPS Director Sams is Right For the Job
NPS nominee Sams is right for the job Dec 5, 2021 By SARAH BRANSOM Our national parks are in jeopardy. These incredible spaces are threatened by the impacts of climate change, which are causing rising tides and hotter fires and endangering species. We are facing dramatic losses of wild lands and waterways, which
Comments on Proposed Rescission of Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat
Revised November 29, 2021 November 23, 2021 Bridget Fahey Chief, Division of Conservation and Classification U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041 Br***********@fw*.gov Angela Somma Chief, Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 An**********@no**.gov Re: Comments on Proposed Rescission of
Coalition Comments on Oil and Gas Leasing Report
Release Date: 11/30/21 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org Coalition Comments on Oil and Gas Leasing Report Late last week, The Department of the Interior (DOI) released its report on the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Program, following a review of onshore and offshore oil and gas programs. The report identifies significant reforms that should be made to
Coalition Joins Comments On Threat To Minidoka National Historic Site
November 24, 2021 Commissioners California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 Submitted via email to: ES***********@cp**.gov Attention: Monica Palmeira, Analyst – Environmental & Social Justice Action Plan Dear Commissioners: On behalf of Japanese American, Asian American Pacific Islander and partner organizations, we write to express our support for
Comments on Proposed revisions of 40 CFR Sections 1502, 1507, and 1508
November 19, 2021 Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place Washington, D.C. 20503 Subject: Proposed revisions of 40 CFR Sections 1502, 1507, and 1508 Dear Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization
Member Oped: Sams the Right Man for Our National Parks
Guest Opinion: Sams the right man for our National Parks Jim Hammett The National Park Service has a morale problem. The agency has been underfunded for decades and the previous administration politicized the mission of the NPS, turning employees into political pawns in the process. Now, the NPS is dealing with record-breaking crowds
Coalition Celebrates Confirmation of Mr. Charles Sams as 19th Director of NPS
Release Date: November 19, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson Em************@pr********.org 202-758-3936 Coalition Celebrates Confirmation of Mr. Charles Sams as 19th Director of NPS The Senate has confirmed Charles Sams III to lead the National Park Service, making him the first Senate-confirmed director of the agency since the Obama administration. The Coalition to Protect America’s
Member Op-Ed: Senate should OK Sams to lead National Park Service
BY CHERRY PAYNE / RETIRED NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SUPERINTENDENT, SANTA FE RESIDENT Thursday, November 18, 2021 The National Park Service (NPS) has been without a Senate-confirmed director for over four years. In the long history of the agency, this has never happened. And this lack of steady leadership has contributed to a number
Coalition Signs on Letter Urging Administration to Overhaul Federal Fossil Fuel Program
November 15, 2021 President Joseph R. Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden, You have promised the most ambitious climate agenda of any U.S. administration. During the first nine months of your administration, you have taken many essential actions to deliver on those promises. We applaud your leadership
Comments On Indiana’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
Ms. Jean Boling Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, Room 1003 100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 November 15, 2021 RE: Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Just Transition Northwest Indiana, Hoosier Environmental Council, Izaak Walton League, and Save the Dunes Comments
Coalition Applauds Plan to Protect Chaco Culture National Historical Park From Oil and Gas Drilling
Release Date: November 15, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org Coalition Applauds Plan to Protect Chaco Culture National Historical Park From Oil and Gas Drilling Today, the Biden Administration announced that the Department of the Interior will initiate consideration of a 20-year withdrawal of federal lands within a 10-mile radius around Chaco Culture National
Coalition Signs on in Support of Extending Comment Periods for Oil and Gas Leasing Proposals
November 10, 2021 Tracy Stone-Manning Director, Bureau of Land Management 1849 C St., NW, Rm. 5665 Washington, D.C. 20240 Re: Request for Extension of Comment Periods on BLM Oil & Gas Leasing Proposals Dear Director Stone-Manning: Congratulations on your recent confirmation as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We look forward to engaging
Coalition Joins Partners in Request to DOI to Remove Land Acquisition Provisions from IRB Charter
November 5, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, We, the undersigned organizations, are enthusiastic supporters of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the important work it does to bolster the Administration’s America the Beautiful agenda. We commend your
Coalition Joins Letter Regarding Transmission Line Project Over James River
November 12, 2021 RE: NAO-2012-00080 Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Proposal Dear Mr. Nelson and Mr. Meade: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) plans to issue a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton 500kV transmission line across the James River in Virginia, notwithstanding numerous unresolved objections. According to the permitting dashboard
Coalition Signs on in Support of Wildlife Overpasses
November 11, 2021 The Honorable Gavin Newsom Governor, State of California 1303 10th Street, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 9581 Re: Directing Caltrans to Add Necessary Wildlife Overpasses to Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project Governor Newsom: We write to request that your administration ensures that the proposed Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project (“Project”) includes three
Comments on Air Tour Management Plans for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
November 10, 2021 Subject: Comments on Air Tour Management Plans for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Dear Superintendents Joss, Kenkel, and Brouillette: I am writing on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National
Coalition Supports Extension of Comment Period for WV’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
November 9, 2021 Laura M. Crowder Director, Division of Air Quality W.V. Department of Environmental Protection 601 57th St. SE Charleston, WV 25304 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for West Virginia’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period Dear Ms. Crowder: On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association,
Coalition Supports BLM Decision to Defer Leases
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a press release today, announcing the agency’s intention to defer a number of leases from upcoming onshore oil and gas lease sales. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, said, “the Bureau of Land Management took a good first step by deferring some of our
NPT Episode 141: Is Charles Sams The Next National Park Service Director?
By Kurt Repanshek – October 24th, 2021 We are on the cusp of having the first Senate-confirmed director of the National Park Service since Jonathan Jarvis retired at the end of the Obama administration in January 2017. Since then there’s been a revolving cast of individuals serving as acting director. But now the Biden Administration
Coalition Signs on to National Monument Thank You Letter
October 18, 2021 Dear President Biden, Secretary Haaland, Secretary Raimondo, Secretary Vilsack, Chair Mallory, Ms. Gina McCarthy, and Administrator Spinrad. On behalf of the undersigned organizations and the millions of members and supporters we collectively represent, we enthusiastically thank you for your actions restoring full protections to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and
Comments Regarding the Proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project
October 20, 2021 Kasey Prestwich, Project Manager Lava Ridge Wind Energy EIS BLM Shoshone Field Office 400 West F Street Shoshone, ID 83352 Subject: Scoping Comments on Lava Ridge Wind Project, DOI-BLM-ID-T030-2021-0015-EIS Dear Project Manager Prestwich: I am writing on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Comments on North Carolina’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
October 15, 2021 Randy Strait NC Division of Air Quality 1641 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1641 Comments submitted via email to: da****************@nc****.gov Re: Conservation Organizations Comments on North Carolina’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) for North Carolina Class I Areas for the Second Planning Period (2019 – 2028) Dear Mr. Strait:
Coalition Supports Charles F. Sams III as The 19th Director of The National Park Service.
October 14, 2021 Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 2,000 current and former National Park Service employees, we would like to express our support for President Biden’s nomination of Charles F. Sams III to serve as the 19th
Coalition Celebrates President Biden’s Restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
WASHINGTON, DC — Late yesterday, it was announced that President Joe Biden will restore protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a national organization representing current, former, and retired National Park Service employees, issued the following
Coalition Supports COMPETES Act
For Immediate Release: 10/7/21 Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@pr********.org Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper — with Senators Heinrich and Rosen as cosponsors — introduced a bill to end noncompetitive leasing. The “Competitive Onshore Mineral Policy via Eliminating Taxpayer-Enabled Speculation” (COMPETES) Act would end the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) practice of selling oil and gas
Coalition Continues Support of Amache Legislation in Committee Hearing
Bennet, Neguse, Buck Welcome Senate Hearing on Bill to Add Amache to the National Park System In June, Bennet Urged the Committee to Hold a Hearing on This Legislation Washington, D.C. – Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D) and Colorado U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse (D) and Ken Buck (R) welcomed the U.S. Senate Committee on
Ticket to paradise? Crowded national parks try reservations, fees
By Rob Hotakainen | 10/04/2021 11:59 AM EST Mount Desert Island, MAINE — With tickets selling out in seconds every day, Herb Cohen figured he was lucky to get a reservation that allowed him to park his car just steps from the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park — the coveted
Comments on Indiana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
October 1, 2021 Via electronic mail Jean Boling Senior Environmental Engineer Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, Air Programs Branch 100 North Senate Avenue, MC 61-53 IGCN 1003 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for Indiana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear
Comments on Canyonlands National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
October 1, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Canyonlands National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is
Comments on Arches National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
October 1, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Arches National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership
Comments on Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management
October 1, 2021 Mr. Patrick Suddath, Superintendent Bandelier National Monument 15 Entrance RD Los Alamos, NM 87544 Subject: Comments on Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Suddath: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former,
Former National Park Service Leaders Applaud Tracy Stone-Manning’s Confirmation to be the Next Director of the Bureau of Land Management
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, Tracy Stone-Manning was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the next director of the Bureau of Land Management. In reaction to her confirmation, Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement: “The confirmation of Tracy Stone-Manning to serve as the next
Comments on Natural Bridges National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Natural Bridges National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership
Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Jim Ireland, Superintendent Bryce Canyon National Park P.O. Box 640201 Bryce, UT 84764 Subject: Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Ireland: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised
Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Pete Webster, Acting Superintendent Glacier National Park PO Box 128 West Glacier, MT 59936 Subject: Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Acting Superintendent Webster: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of
Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Cassius Cash, Superintendent Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Subject: Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised
Coalition Signs On in Support of Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act
September 29, 2021 Dear Representative, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, particularly the significant investments for national parks through investments in the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) and Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Project
Coalition Supports Local Vision for Alabama Black Belt NHA
September 30, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Dear Ms. Estenoz: Thank you again for meeting with us on Tuesday, September 28. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss several important issues and concerns with
Member Op-Ed: We still have a chance to save our national parks.
We still have a chance to save our national parks. The Biden administration has launched its America the Beautiful plan to save public lands. By Donald Falvey | Special to The Tribune Sep. 23, 2021, 8:00 a.m. Can the national parks be saved? That’s a strange question isn’t it? But our national parks
Member Op-Ed: Protect national parks before they reach their breaking point
National Parks are at their breaking point. You’ve seen the images; visitors lined up to hike at Zion National Park, heavy traffic at Yellowstone National Park and big crowds in Arches National Park. Although our COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb, visitors are still flocking to national parks. Collectively, we have spent over 70 years
Coalition Speaks on Need for More Parks and More Funding
More national parks? Summer of overcrowding could spur push By Rob Hotakainen | 09/07/2021 12:43 PM EST Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) speaking at Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor, Maine, in June 2021. Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo With national parks across the country reporting record attendance this summer, Sen. Angus King says there’s one
Coalition Speaks with NPT about Air Tour Management Plans
Traveler’s View: Study Air Tour Management Plans Carefully By Kurt Repanshek – September 6th, 2021 Though we had paddled halfway down Yellowstone Lake into an area of Yellowstone National Park that is managed as wilderness and where it would take you a day or more to reach on foot, we hadn’t entirely escaped the 21st
Coalition Comments On Reforms To Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program
September 2, 2021 The Honorable Joe Manchin Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Raul Grijalva Chairman, House Natural Resources Committee U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 CC: Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi Dear Chairmen Manchin and Grijalva, We are writing on behalf of
Coalition Joins Call to Restore National Monument Protections
August 31, 2021 President Joseph R. Biden Jr. The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden, On behalf of the undersigned organizations and the millions of members and supporters we collectively represent, we urge you to immediately take action to restore national monument protections to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and
Coalition Signs on To Deferred Maintenance Letter
August 30, 2021 Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso, As the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prepares its portion of S. Con. Res. 14, the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition requests $5 billion for the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance needs in our
Member Op-Ed: Our national parks need more funding to keep up with rising number of visitors.
Parks across the country have seen record-breaking numbers of visitors this summer, even as we continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19. I’m sure you’ve seen the images; visitors lined up to hike at Zion National Park, heavy traffic at Yellowstone National Park and big crowds in Arches National Park. Here in Maine,
Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 28, 2021 Mike Reynolds, Superintendent Death Valley National Park P.O. Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328 Subject: Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Reynolds: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members
Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 27, 2021 Ms. Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent Olympic National Park 600 E. Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98362 Subject: Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Creachbaum: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition
Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 26, 2021 Mr. Greg Dudgeon, Superintendent Mount Rainier National Park 55210 238th Avenue East Ashford, WA 98304 Subject: Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition
Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 25, 2021 Pedro Ramos, Superintendent Everglades National Park 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034-6733 Subject: Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Ramos: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the
GAOA Funds Must Be Available to More Units Across the National Park System
August 26, 2021 Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland: Our organizations are writing to express our deep concern about the need to make funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) available to more units across the National Park System.
Coalition Joins Sign On for Oil and Gas Reform
Alaska Wilderness League Action * Azul * Center for Civic Policy * Citizens Caring for the Future * Clean Water Action * Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks * Conservation Voters New Mexico * Earthjustice * Earthworks * Environment America * Environmental Defense Fund * Friends of the Earth * GreenLatinos * Greenpeace USA *
Coalition Speaks with NPR On NPS Mask Mandates
National Parks Requiring Masks For All Visitors Again As of this week, the National Park Service is requiring everyone – regardless of vaccination status – to wear masks in national park facilities, public transport systems and in crowded outside areas. Denise Germann is with Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. She
NPS Director Nominee Announced
Release Date: August 18, 2021 NPS Director Nominee Announced Today, the White House announced that President Biden plans to nominate Charles Sams to serve as the Director of the National Park Service. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, says this announcement is long overdue. “For the first time in
Coalition Concern Over Air Tour Management Plans
August 16, 2021 Mr. Shawn Benge, Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plans referred to in Federal Register on July 29, 2021; Document Citation: 86 FR 40897 Document Number: 2021-16182 Dear Acting Director Benge: We are writing to you on behalf
Member Op-Ed: Off-highway vehicles in national parks is a bad idea
Mike Lee’s bill to allow off-highway vehicles in national parks is a bad idea By Cordell Roy | Special to The Tribune U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, recently introduced two bills in the Senate — S.1526 and S.1527 — that have to do with allowing off-highway vehicle use in our national parks. S.1526,
Member Op-Ed: Clean up orphaned wells for Chaco, all national parks
Clean up orphaned wells for Chaco, all national parks BY TOM VAUGHAN/CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, SILVER CITY RESIDENT Published: Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at 3:32pm Updated: Friday, August 6th, 2021 at 3:33pm During my 22 years with the National Park Service, I spent four years as superintendent of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in
Member Oped: Precious landscapes need protection from orphaned wells
Precious landscapes need protection from orphaned wells Aug 8, 2021 By DENNY HUFFMAN From Yosemite National Park in the west to Great Smoky Mountains and Virgin Islands National Parks in the east, I was privileged to work with the National Park Service for 34 years, helping to protect our country’s most treasured natural and
Coalition Joins Partners in Push to Nominate a NPS Director
August 4, 2021 Dear President Biden, We, the undersigned, urge you to nominate a National Park Service (NPS) Director as soon as possible. It’s been over four years since the NPS has had a Senate-confirmed director, an agency whose 20,000 employees oversee 423 of America’s most treasured places — national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks,
Coalition Submits Letter in Opposition to ATV Use in Utah National Park
July 27, 2021 Subjects: 1) Opposition to S. 1526, a bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah; and 2) Opposition to S. 1527, a bill to amend Title 54, United States Code, to provide that State law shall apply to the use of motor
National Parks Traveler Episode 128: Waiting For A National Park Service Director
A roundtable discussion with Phil Francis from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Kristen Brengel of National Parks Conservation discuss why the National Park Service still is without a Senate-confirmed director. Listen to Episode 128
Coalition Signs Letter About Spaceport Camden and Cumberland Island National Seashore.
July 9, 2021 Shannon A. Estenoz Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240 RE: Spaceport Camden and Cumberland Island National Seashore Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Estenoz: We write to raise concerns about Spaceport Camden, a proposed rocket launch site
Coalition Joins Comments on Florida’s Proposed Regional Haze Plan
July 9, 2021 Ashley Kung Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2600 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32301 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Comments on Florida’s Proposed Revisions Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period Dear Ms. Kung: The National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Sierra Club (“Conservation Organizations”)
Coalition Opposes S. 1812 – A Bill to Expand Lincoln Home NHS
July 8, 2021 Subject: Opposition to S. 1812 – A bill to expand Lincoln Home National Historic Site Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National
Coalition Sends Comment Letter Regarding NPS Campground Strategy
July 7, 2021 Dear Mr. Caldwell, We offer these comments as a follow up to our letter of March 9, 2021, regarding the proposed NPS Second Century Campground Strategy. First, we commend the National Park Service (NPS) on the release of the Campground Design Standards that will provide excellent guidance to park managers. The
Coalition Signs On in Opposition to General Management Plan Amendment for Point Reyes National Seashore
June 30, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 RE: Protect Point Reyes National Seashore from industrial agriculture and restore the park for all Americans Dear Secretary Haaland: Our organizations – over 50 in number – have joined together to urge
Member Op-Ed: Biden’s “America the Beautiful” plan is well-timed
While the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be on the retreat, our time spent at home has demonstrated just how important the great outdoors are to Americans. After spending months in lockdown, a road trip to a national park — or even a hike through a local park — feels like a much needed physical, emotional,
Member Op-Ed: America the Beautiful initiative is right on time
President Biden’s plan will combat some of the worst impacts of climate change in Colorado By Sheridan Steele – June 30, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed for me just how lucky I am to live in Colorado. As households across the country spent months in lockdown, a trip to the great outdoors provided
Member Op-Ed:Biden’s America the Beautiful Plan will help ensure national parks are protected, accessible
Biden’s America the Beautiful Plan will help ensure national parks are protected, accessible Bill Wade | Special to Tucson Sentinel.com | Jun 29, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has very visibly demonstrated just how important parks are to Americans. With households across the country spending months in lockdown, a trip to the great outdoors provided much
Letter Sent to DOI Expressing Concerns Over Plans to Drill Near Dinosaur NM
June 28, 2021 The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Subject: Proposed Oil and Gas Drilling Adjacent to Dinosaur National Monument under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lease No. UTU-81185 Dear Secretary Haaland, I am writing to you on behalf of over
Member oped: Restore protections to Grand Staircase-Escalante
By Noel Poe | Special to the Tribune | June 22, 2021 Throughout my 37-plus years with the National Park Service, I have had the privilege to work in national parks across the country. While each park is different, one of the common threads linking them together is the dedication of local communities and
OPPOSE Large Scale Pumped Storage Budget Proposal – “Eagle Crest Bailout”
June 25, 2021 Re: OPPOSE Large Scale Pumped Storage Budget Proposal – “Eagle Crest Bailout” Our diverse coalition of organizations representing environmental, community choice aggregation, renewable energy, industrial ratepayer, agricultural, and veteran interests write in strong opposition to a troubling proposal that includes the ratepayer underwriting of the multi-billion-dollar Eagle Crest (also called Eagle
Member oped: Drilling near Dinosaur NM is a Mistake
Dinosaur National Monument Visitor Center By Nick Eason | Special to The Tribune Reflecting upon a 30-year career with the National Park Service (NPS), I’ve had the good fortune of working in some of America’s most iconic landscapes. Of all these prominent places and memories, Dinosaur National Monument is my most treasured and
Member Oped: Let park managers manage their national parks
Donald A. Falvey: Let park managers manage their national parks Zion National Park should restore the timed entry ticket system for its shuttles. By Donald A. Falvey | Special to The Salt Lake Tribune | June 22, 2021, 11:00 a.m. Flashback: A National Park Service superintendent’s conference in the 1990s. The regional director called me
Coalition Supports Bennet’s Reintroduced Oil and Gas Reform Bills
Today, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet reintroduced two bills to tackle the growing orphaned oil well crisis in the short and long term while restoring robust public participation for decisions about whether public lands should be leased for drilling. Underlying these crises is the outdated federal oil and gas leasing system, which for decades has failed
Coalition Signs on To GA Regional Haze Letter
June 17, 2021 Karen Hays Branch Chief, Air Protection Branch Georgia Environmental Protection Division 4244 International Parkway, Suite 120 Atlanta, GA 30354-3906 Richard E. Dunn, Director Georgia Environmental Protection Division 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE 14th Floor East Tower – Suite 1456 Atlanta, GA 30334-9000 Dear Director Dunn and Chief Hays, On behalf
Coalition Continues to Push for Stronger Air Quality Standards
June 10, 2021 President Joe Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Administrator Michael Regan U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 RE: Strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone and Particulate Matter Dear Mr. President and Administrator Regan, On behalf of our millions of members
Coalition Submits Testimony for 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 June 16, 2021 Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Lee, and members of
Op-Ed: Rebecca Harriett: A welcome initiative to protect our parks
By Rebecca Harriett Jun 13, 2021 West Virginia is a state that values access to the great outdoors. It’s a place of incredible beauty, full of opportunities to hike, canoe, hunt, fish and swim. And for West Virginians — and Americans across the country — the COVID-19 pandemic has very visibly demonstrated just how important
Coalition Lends Support to Revocation of MBTA “Jan 7” Rule
June 7, 2021 BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: JAO/3W Falls Church, VA 22041 Re: Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2018–0090, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds; Proposed Rule Please accept the following comments submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center (“SELC”) on behalf of
Coalition Joins Sign-on Letter On House Transportation Bill
June 8, 2021 Dear Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the significant investments for national parks, in particular the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) and Federal Lands and Tribal Major Projects Program (FLTMP) in the Investing in a
Coalition Supports Tracy Stone-Manning as BLM Director
The Honorable Chuck Schumer Senate Majority Leader 322 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Minority Leader 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senators, For 75 years, the Bureau of Land Management has been tasked with sustaining the “health, diversity, and productivity” of 245 million acres of
Coalition Joins Letter of Concern Regarding Kentucky Air Quality
June 7, 2021 Commissioner Anthony Hatton Melissa K. Duff, Director, Division for Air Quality Department for Environmental Protection 300 Sower Boulevard, 2nd Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 Dear Commissioner Hatton and Director Duff, On behalf of the below-listed community, health, and conservation groups, we are concerned that Kentucky is heading toward failing to meet its obligations
Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY2022 Budget
Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY2022 Budget Date: 6.3.2021 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org Last week, the Biden administration released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2022. The proposal calls for significant investments in the National Park System, including an increase of nearly $381 million (a 12% increase) to the National Park Service (NPS) budget.
Coalition Op-Ed: People are flocking to national parks — yet understaffed parks continue struggling financially
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking a trip out west to visit several national parks in Utah, including Arches and Canyonlands. I have spent years working with national parks; first as a National Park Service (NPS) Ranger and now as the executive director for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks,
Coalition Expresses Support for National Scenic Byways Program
May 25, 2021 Dear Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the significant investments for national parks, in particular the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) and Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Project Program (NSFLTP), in the Surface
Organizations Request Extension of Comment Period for MI Regional Haze State Plan
Bob Irvine Air Quality Division Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Constitution Hall P.O. Box 30260 Lansing, MI 48909-7760 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for Michigan’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear Mr. Irvine: On behalf of the Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation
Coalition Signs On to OH Regional Haze Public Comment Extension Request
May 20, 2021 Holly Kaloz Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, DAPC Lazarus Government Center P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 (614) 644-3632 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Request for an Extension of Comment Period for Ohio’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear Ms. Kaloz: On behalf of the Sierra Club, National Parks
Coalition Joins Regional Haze Letter Sent to EPA
May 17, 2021 Administrator Michael Regan Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Administrator, Mail Code 1101A 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 Re: Achieving Cleaner Air for our Communities and National Parks through Strong State Regional Haze Plans Dear Administrator Regan: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we, the undersigned
Entry Tickets For National Parks Going Fast
Entry Tickets For National Parks Going Fast By Stephanie Serrano, Mountain West News Bureau If you want to visit Glacier National Park, starting Memorial Weekend you’ll need a ticket to drive through the most popular entrance, but there’s a problem. “The tickets are selling out very quickly,” said Gina Kerzman, a spokesperson for Glacier National
Coalition Supports President Biden’s America the Beautiful Conservation Plan
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Biden’s Ambitious Plan is Needed to Address America’s Climate Crises and Help Protect Our Parks WASHINGTON, DC — Today, President Biden announced his Administration’s new conservation plan, laying out an ambitious effort to conserve more of America’s majestic and beautiful lands, waters, and wildlife, and increase
North Carolina Regional Haze Letter
April 29, 2021 Secretary Dionne Delli-Gatti Michael Abraczinskas, Director, Division of Air Quality North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 217 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27603 Dear Secretary Delli-Gatti and Mr. Abraczinskas: On behalf of the below-listed community, health, and conservation groups, we are concerned that North Carolina is heading toward violating its obligations under
Coalition Continues to Advocate for NPS COVID-19 Data
April 27, 2021 CAPT Sara B. Newman, DrPH, MCP, USPHS Director, Office of Public Health National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Subject: NPS Covid-19 Response Program and Data Dear Captain Newman: Thank you again for speaking with us last week regarding the National Park Service (NPS) Covid-19 response program and
Coalition Gives Tips for Visiting a National Park This Summer
Natalie B. Compton April 21, 2021 Whether you are a novice or veteran visitor, here’s how to make the most of your trip. Every year, hundreds of millions of people visit America’s beloved national parks. While most visitors seem to have a good time, others could have used some advice
Coalition Signs on to Pennsylvania Regional Haze Letter
April 19, 2021 Mark Hammond, Director Bureau of Air Quality Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Rachel Carson State Office Building 400 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 Re: Regional Haze, Second Planning Period Dear Mr. Hammond: We are writing regarding the Department of Environmental Protection’s implementation plan for regional haze in the second planning period, which the
Coalition Supports 30 x 30 Conservation Goal
April 20, 2021 President Joseph Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Biden: In your inaugural address, you spoke with urgency about the challenges facing our nation: a deadly virus, economic struggle, racial injustices, and climate change. You said, “The cry for survival comes from the planet itself.
Coalition Supports Legislation to Establish Amache Site as an NPS Unit
April 18, 2021 Dear Congressman Neguse and Congressman Buck, On behalf of the 1,900 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), I am writing to express our support for the legislation to establish the Amache National
Coalition Applauds Secretary’s Orders to Repeal Energy Dominance Policies
Release Date: April 16, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@pr********.org, 202-758-3936 Coalition Applauds Secretary’s Orders to Repeal Energy Dominance Policies Today, Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, issued two Secretarial Orders (SO) to prioritize action on climate change throughout the Interior Department and to restore transparency and integrity in the Department’s decision-making processes. Secretary
Coalition signs on to Protect National Trails
April 15, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW, MS 5311 Washington, DC 20240 Re: Department of the Interior Oil and Gas Leasing Program Review Under Executive Order 14008 Dear Madam Secretary: Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments related to the Department of
Coalition Signs on To Letter Urging DOI Action to Reform Leasing Program
April 15, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior 1849 C Street Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland: Thank you for the opportunity to provide recommendations on the Interior Department’s review of the federal onshore oil and gas program. We wholeheartedly support this review, as the onshore program requires sweeping, top-to-bottom reform – to eliminate
Coalition Urges Senate to Confirm DOI Leadership Nominees
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Experience of Beaudreau and Estenoz Will Help Advance Biden’s Ambitious Conservation and Climate Agenda WASHINGTON, DC — The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is urging the Senate to confirm Tommy Beaudreau as Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Shannon Estenoz as Assistant Secretary
Coalition Submits Comments on DOI Fossil Fuels Program Review
April 12, 2021 The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, and current
Coalition Urges Secretary Haaland to Protect Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
Ahead of Haaland’s Visit to Utah’s Monuments, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says These Lands Need Stronger Protections. WASHINGTON, DC — Later this week, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will travel to Utah to meet with stakeholders, Tribes, and elected leaders as part of the national monuments review announced by President Biden. Ahead
Coalition Submits Comments on Draft E-Bike Study
April 5, 2021 Jonah Chiarenza Transportation Planner, Transportation Planning Division Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, U.S. DOT Subject: Comments on Draft FHWA study proposal regarding “E-bikes on Public Lands” Dear Mr. Chiarenza: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit
Coalition Joins Letter Sent to Congress Regarding Onshore Oil and Gas Reform
April 1, 2021 CC: Chairmen Sanders, Yarmuth, Wyden, Neal, Manchin, and Grijalva Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader McConnell: President Biden was elected on the promise to take bold action on climate change, and he will need the support of Congress to make good on this promise. Nearly a
Coalition Submits Budget Recommendations for Committee Hearing
The Coalition submitted its FY 2022 NPS Budget Recommendations as part of the official record for the House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing entitled “Building Back Better: Examining the Future of America’s Public Lands.” FY 2022 National Park Service Budget Recommendations from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At a time when
Coalition Applauds President Biden’s American Jobs Plan
WASHINGTON — During his speech in Pittsburgh, PA, President Biden outlined his economic vision for building back better with the American Jobs Plan – a path forward that will deliver on jobs, justice, and climate solutions through more than $2 trillion in investments in people and the economy. The plan invests in public lands
Park Leaders Podcast: Working with Friends Groups
Working with Friends Groups On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Francis joins Jody and Phil Gaines to discuss working with support groups. A retired superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Francis explains how friends groups can help maintain accountability among park rangers and leaders.
Coalition Signs on to Appropriations and Infrastructure Letters
March 26, 2021 Dear Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of robust investments for national parks in the upcoming surface transportation or larger infrastructure package. In particular, the coalition supports $400 million a year for both the national
Coalition Comments on DOI Public Forum
“We strongly agree with Secretary Haaland’s Interior Department; our nation’s federal oil and gas leasing system is in need of holistic reform,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “It is an outdated system that threatens our climate, wildlife, clean air and water, public lands, and national parks.” President
Coalition Joins Petition to EPA On Regional Haze Guidelines
March 16, 2021 Michael S. Regan, Administrator Office of the Administrator (1101A) United States Environmental Protection Agency William Jefferson Clinton Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 Re: Regional Haze Guidance Petition for Reconsideration: Priority Issues Dear Administrator Regan: National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Appalachian Mountain Club,
Coalition and NPCA Send Letter to Interior Regarding Concerns at Big Cypress National Preserve
March 16, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks US DOI, Office of the Secretary Washington, DC 20240 Mr. Shawn Benge Deputy Director, Operations Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary
Coalition Celebrates Deb Haaland’s Confirmation as Interior Secretary
“We applaud today’s historic confirmation of Deb Haaland as the new Secretary of the Interior. We look forward to having a public lands champion in the office and will work to support her efforts to combat the challenges facing our national parks and public lands,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect
Coalition Sends Letter Regarding Concerns over USA Hire
March 11, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks US DOI, Office of the Secretary Washington, DC 20240 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Estenoz: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization comprised of more than
Coalition Supports Senate Bill to Reform Fiscal Aspects of Leasing System
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Contact: Pr***@Ro***.gov (Rosen) Contact: Ka*************@Gr******.Gov (Grassley) Rosen, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Fair Returns for Public Lands Act to Ensure Taxpayers Get Fair Share for Oil and Gas Leasing on Public Lands Legislation Would Reform Antiquated Law That Governs Royalties And The Leasing Of Public Land To Ensure Oil And Gas Companies Pay
Coalition Signs on to Support the Fair Return for Public Lands Act
March 9, 2021 Dear Senator: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we the undersigned urge you to support the Fair Return for Public Lands Act, introduced by Senators Rosen and Grassley. Federal revenue-generating policies for onshore oil and gas production have not kept pace and have fallen well behind the policies of
Coalition Joins Comments on Spaceport Coastal Consistency
March 8, 2021 Mr. Doug Haymans Director Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520 RE: Proposed Coastal Consistency Determination For Spaceport Camden Dear Director Haymans: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s Parks, Georgia Audubon, the National Parks Conservation Association, One Hundred Miles, the Satilla Riverkeeper, and Wild Cumberland,
Coalition Submits Letter on NPS Second Century Campground Strategy
March 9, 2021 Dear Acting Director Benge, On behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS), I am writing to provide the Coalition’s concerns related to the NPS Second Century Campground Strategy. Coalition
Coalition Supports Legislation to Reform Oil and Gas Leasing System
Coalition Chair Phil Francis issued the following statement in response to Senator Cortez Masto’s reintroduction of legislation that would prohibit leasing lands for drilling where there is little to no oil and gas potential. “It makes no sense to lease public lands on the doorsteps of our national parks to oil and gas companies,
Coalition Signs on to Letter Supporting an End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing
March 4, 2021 Dear Senator: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we the undersigned organizations urge you to support the End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2021 introduced by Senator Cortez Masto on March 4, 2021. If passed, this bill would end the practice of leasing low
Coalition Continues to Support Haaland as Interior Secretary Nominee
Coalition Continues to Support Haaland as her Nomination for Interior Secretary Heads to a Full Senate Confirmation Vote WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance the nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior Department to a full Senate confirmation vote. In reaction
Coalition Submits Letter of Support for the Amache Special Resource Study
February 19, 2021 Mr. Jeremy Sweat Regional Chief of Planning and Compliance National Park Service 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Lakewood, CO 80228 Dear Mr. Sweat: On behalf of the 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
Coalition Contacts NPS Regarding Transmission Line DEIS
Subject: Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Acting Director Benge: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees. As a group we collectively represent over 40,000 years of
Coalition Contacts ACHP Regarding Transmission Line DEIS
Subject: Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Director Fowler: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees. As a group we collectively represent over 40,000 years of experience
Coalition Contacts Virginia SHPO Regarding Transmission Line DEIS
Subject: Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Director Langan: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees. As a group we collectively represent over 40,000 years of experience managing
Coalition Encourages More Diversity Within National Park System
Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. It is also a time to reflect on the work we must do to address the historic, substantial challenges facing people of color in our country today. This is especially true in our national parks, which should
Coalition Statement On NPS Employees And COVID-19
Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued a statement regarding the safety of National Park Service (NPS) frontline employees as the country continues to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: “We applaud the Biden administration’s decision to require the Federal workforce and individuals interacting with the Federal workforce to
Coalition Praises DOI’s Actions To Restore Intent Of LWCF
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the Department of the Interior repealed former Secretary David Bernhardt’s Secretarial Orders on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which imposed unnecessary, top-down requirements that delayed the National Park Service’s ability to address its over $5 billion backlog of land acquisition needs. The Interior Department’s action today restores
Coalition Submits Comments On Army Corps’ DEIS
February 10, 2021 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 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). As a
Coalition Continues to Submit FOIA Requests for COVID 19 Numbers
February 5, 2021 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 Member and Former NPS Director Leads The Restoration Project
The Restoration Project has produced a tactical plan previously shared with the Biden transition team and now made public. The Restoration Project: Reversing the Environmental Harms of the Trump Administration is available at https://rproject.world/. You can also read an accompanying op-ed in the Guardian. The project was led by Jon Jarvis (former National Park Service Director under
Success Story: Safeguarding the Protection Ranger Profession
In June 2016, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a classification appeal involving an encumbered position in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, tasked primarily with performing investigative work, from the 0025 Park Ranger (Protection) occupational series, to the 1801, General Inspections, Investigation, Enforcement and Compliance series. In issuing this appeal, OPM stated that
Coalition EC Member Joins NPCA for a Park Talk
From Bear Dens to the Oval Office, a Park Talk with Sheridan Steele. The former Acadia National Park superintendent talks about his 38 years with the Park Service and his new book. The park talk can be watched here and more information on the book can be found here.
Coalition Applauds Biden’s Executive Actions on Climate Crisis
Moments ago, President Biden took bold executive action by signing a slate of executive orders that would help to protect America’s national parks and public lands and tackle the climate crisis. Specifically, the president ordered a pause on new oil and gas leasing on federal land and laid out a ten-year goal of conserving
Coalition Speaks With Outside Magazine on Biden Presidency and Parks
By Emily Pennington What a Biden Presidency Means for the National Parks From day one, the new administration has showed itself to be in favor of protecting the wild spaces and species we love. On January 20, during the first few moments of his first day in office, standing at a podium, President Biden asserted
Member Oped: To Protect Our Parks, Hit Pause On Leasing
1/26/21 Our national parks are America’s crown jewels and as former directors of the National Park Service (NPS), it has been an honor to dedicate our careers to the stewardship of places like Yellowstone, Arches and Everglades National Parks. These are places that inspire pride and provide an opportunity for adventure and reflection, and
Coalition Supports Halt On New Oil and Gas Drilling On Public Lands and Waters
1.25.2021 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden President of the United States The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary-designate Department of the Interior Dear President Biden and Secretary-designate Haaland, Congratulations on your election victory. We look forward to working with you to preserve and protect America’s national parks. We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of
Coalition Files Join Amicus Brief in Opposition to Rollback Rule
The Clean Air Act’s program of pollution reduction also seeks to protect natural resources and ecosystems, including those conserved by national parks. The Act generally directs the EPA to take regulatory action to reduce air pollution where emissions would endanger “public health and welfare.” Moreover, the CAA explicitly protects the unique vulnerability of national
Coalition Strongly Opposes National Garden of American Heroes
1.22.21 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Estenoz, 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
Coalition Applauds Federal Mask Mandate
January 22, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@pr********.org, 202-758-3936 Coalition Applauds Federal Mask Mandate President Biden recently signed an Executive Order that requires all federal employees and contractors, as well as visitors, to wear masks in federal buildings and on federal lands. It also directs those on federal property to maintain physical distance, and adhere
NPCA and Coalition Submit Recommendations on GAOA and Deferred Maintenance Implementation
Great American Outdoors Act: Deferred Maintenance Implementation Considerations and Recommendations January 2021 The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was an extraordinary accomplishment for repairing and conserving our national parks. It is critical that implementation of the law is successful to ensure wise, efficient, transparent use of federal dollars; to meet congressional intent; and to
Second Century Action Coalition Releases Priorities for National Parks
Priorities for the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition For more than a century, our national parks have remained America’s favorite places, important pieces of our natural and cultural heritage set aside for future generations to explore and enjoy. In 2019, 328 million park visitors spent an estimated $21 billion in local gateway communities while
Coalition Signs On to Letter Regarding Proposed Point Reyes GMP
Center for Biological Diversity * Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks * Sierra Club * Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) * Marin Audubon Society * Resource Renewal Institute * National Parks Conservation Association * Save Our Seashore * Action for Animals * Alameda Creek Alliance * All-Creatures.org * Animal Legal Defense Fund * Animals Are Sentient
Coalition Files Another FOIA Request for COVID-19 Infection Numbers in NPS
January 19, 2021 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 Requests Extended Comment Period for Spaceport Camden
January 14, 2021 Ms. Kelie Moore Federal Consistency Coordinator Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way Suite 300 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 RE: Proposed Coastal Consistency Determination for Spaceport Camden Dear Ms. Moore: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Georgia Audubon, the Georgia Conservancy, the National Park Conservation Association, One
This Land is Our Land: Restoring Our National Parks
THIS LAND IS OUR LAND RESTORING THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND OUR NATIONAL PARKS: RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) is a non-profit organization composed of more than 2,300 retired, former and current employees of the National Park Service (NPS
Coalition Signs On To Restoration and Stimulus Letter
January 12, 2021 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden President-Elect of the United States Dear President-Elect Biden: As your team works to address the current public health crisis and develop an economic recovery plan, you have an opportunity to create a large number of green, long-term jobs performing vital conservation and restoration work. Similar to the
Coalition Condemns Insurrection at the Capitol
The Coalition issued the following statement in the wake of today’s events in Washington, D.C.: “A peaceful transition of power lies at the heart of our democracy. It is the foundation of our country. If we don’t protect that American ideal, all of our other efforts to preserve and protect America’s Best Idea, our national parks,