The Honorable Steve Daines Chairman Subcommittee on National Parks Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Angus King Ranking Member Subcommittee on National Parks Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Senator Jon Ossoff U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 Senator Raphael Warnock U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
Former Big Bend Superintendents Urge DHS to Protect the Park While Strengthening Border Security
June 15, 2026 The Honorable Markwayne Mullin Secretary United States Department of Homeland Security 1880 2nd Street Southwest Washington, DC 20024 Dear Secretary Mullin: We write to you again, following up on our letter from May 21, 2026. We are six former superintendents and a former deputy superintendent of Big Bend National Park, with
Court Blocks Censorship and Erasure of American History and Science at National Parks
Court Blocks Censorship and Erasure of American History and Science at National Parks Boston – A U.S. District Court has issued an order stopping the Trump-Vance administration from censoring American history and science and ordering the restoration of unlawfully censored information displayed in America’s largest classroom – our national parks. The preliminary injunction comes in
Judge Blocks National Parks From Removing ‘Negative’ Signs
Judge Blocks National Parks From Removing ‘Negative’ Signs The ruling accused the Trump administration of engaging in censorship by taking down materials at parks across the country. By Maxine Joselow Reporting from Washington Published June 12, 2026 Updated June 13, 2026, 5:39 p.m. ET A federal judge on Friday temporarily blocked the National Park Service
Coalition Testifies in Support of the Great American Outdoors Act 250
Coalition Executive Council (EC) member Mike Ward testified before the Committee on Natural Resources at a legislative field hearing on a Discussion Draft of the “Great American Outdoors Act 250.” The hearing examined legislation reauthorizing and reforming the Great American Outdoors Act to enhance public access, improve infrastructure, and create new outdoor recreation opportunities in one
Border Wall Waiver at Big Bend an Assault on Texas Values
Border Wall Waiver at Big Bend an Assault on Texas Values On Monday, the Trump Administration issued a preliminary federal notice waiving a range of federal laws to allow border-related infrastructure in and around Big Bend National Park. This is a devastating development opposed by Texans and Americans from across the political spectrum. Cheryl Shreier,
As park fees go to DC, Yellowstone, Grand Teton face $1.5B backlog
June 5, 2026 by Angus M. Thuermer Jr Interior Department says it has ‘many funding sources available’ to cover road repairs, water and wastewater systems, trails and campgrounds. Major national park units in Wyoming face a combined $1.6 billion maintenance backlog for roads, trails, sewerage and more, as critics say locally generated fees are being
Conservation groups urge BLM to further scale back Wyoming oil and gas lease sale
Conservation groups urge BLM to further scale back Wyoming oil and gas lease sale A coalition of conservation organizations submitted comments on the Bureau of Land Management’s Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact for the Wyoming BLM’s Third Quarter 2026 competitive oil and gas lease sale. The proposed sale initially analyzed
National parks crisis hits home
National parks crisis hits home by Tara McClellan McAndrew June 4, 2026 National parks are facing a triple whammy – underfunding, reduced staffing, and what some call unprecedented federal oversight. Central Illinois is home to three National Park Service (NPS) sites, including the Lincoln Home, and they’ve been affected, too. While effects vary by park,
Park Service orders removal of ‘woke’ quotes at Boston’s Bunker Hill monument
Park Service orders removal of ‘woke’ quotes at Boston’s Bunker Hill monument A visitor complaint prompted a review of quotes that are anti-war, pro-immigrant or highlight American hypocrisy on slavery ahead of the monument’s 251st anniversary celebration. By Jake Spring, The Washington Post June 4, 2026 The National Park Service has ordered the removal of
Animal Welfare and Public Health Groups File Petition in Colorado to Ban Lead Ammunition for Hunting
For Immediate Release June 4, 2026 Contact: Lindsey von Busch at 732.284.9089| li*****@******************on.org Animal Welfare and Public Health Groups File Petition in Colorado to Ban Lead Ammunition for Hunting Lead poisons and kills dozens of wildlife species and is also an acute threat to hunting families and others eating wild game shot with the toxic, irreducible
Parks Are Proof Campaign
Parks Are Proof Campaign The #ParksAreProof campaign highlights how science-based management, conservation, and stewardship have helped national parks protect biodiversity, ecosystems, and cultural resources—while also demonstrating what is at stake if parks are not adequately supported in the future. This campaign includes detailed reports, media outreach, and congressional engagement to advocate for sustained investment in park