The administration’s proposal for a massive fee increase in 17 national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Arches and Rocky Mountain, goes too far and may have major implications on park visitation and the economies of gateway communities. The fee increases are part of an effort to address the deferred maintenance backlog in the NPS, but the money raised will only cover a small percentage of the billions of dollars required. While creative solutions are required to solve this problem, the proposal as it stands does not adequately address it. Click “Read More” for more information.
Bakersfield Californian: Maintenance, repairs greatly needed in our national parks
Executive Council member, Dave Graber, spoke out in his local newspaper, the Bakersfield Californian, about the significant need to address the NPS maintenance backlog. Graber says, “Congress has a chance to turn the maintenance backlog around. If passed, the bipartisan National Park Legacy Act (S.751/H.R.2584) will ensure that there is dedicated funding for park maintenance in each year’s budget.” Click “Read More” to read Dave’s editorial.
NYT: Drilling Near Dinosaur National Monument Draws Criticism
The Coalition spoke out against drilling rights near Dinosaur National Monument. Executive Council member, Mike Murray, described them as “indefensible,” and part of a new wave of “signs and signals” about the administration’s policy intentions. Click “Read More” for more information.
Over 350 Coalition Members Sign On & Express Disappointment in Zinke’s Monument Review
This fall, over 350 former employees of the National Park Service joined the Coalition’s sign-on letter expressing extreme disappointment with the results of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recent review of national monuments. The recommendations from Zinke – which included downsizing several monuments – came at the conclusion of an unprecedented 4-month review of over two-dozen monuments designated since 1996, which was initiated by an April Executive Order from President Trump. Efforts by the Trump Administration to remove protections from national monuments or significantly downsize them would be unprecedented and are likely to be met with a quagmire of legal challenges. Click “Read More” to read the letter sent to Secretary Ryan Zinke.
Coalition Statement on NPS Work Environment Survey
In response to the NPS Work Environment Survey, the Coalition released a statement expressing our concern on the results and our cautious optimism of the first steps that have been taken to address the far reaching harassment issues in the service. The NPS’s future success depends on taking comprehensive and effective steps to make cultural changes in the workplace. The first steps that have been taken are positive, but it must be a long-term and continuous strategy to make an impact.
Over 350 Coalition Members Sign On & Express Disappointment in Zinke’s Monument Review
October 17, 2017 The Honorable Ryan Zinke, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Executive Order 13792 (National Monument Review) Dear Secretary Zinke: We are writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). With over 1,400 members, the Coalition is composed entirely
Coalition Statement on Congressman Bishop’s Bill to Weaken the Antiquities Act
House Natural Resource Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) has introduced legislation that would dismantle key provisions of the Antiquities Act, which has been used by Republican and Democratic presidents alike to protect some of America’s most iconic and beloved parks and public lands. Click “Read More” to see our statement opposing the bill.
Member OP-ED: Coalition’s letter to the editor of the Helena (MT) Independent Record
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s recent claim that 30 percent of department employees are “not loyal to the flag” is not only ludicrous but also deeply insulting to the hundreds of dedicated Interior employees who live and work in Zinke’s home state of Montana. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter to the editor of the Helena (MT) Independent Record.
Coalition Statement on Executive Order 13792 (National Monument Review)
Today, we learned that the Trump Administration may be preparing to remove protections for millions of acres of public lands and oceans that were designated as national monuments under the authority of the Antiquities Act. This initiative is unprecedented, ill-advised and unlikely to withstand legal scrutiny. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks has already voiced our support for the protection and preservation of the monuments that were subject to this review. From the beginning of this review process, it seemed obvious that
Coalition Joins In Strongly Opposing H.R. 3354
Sept 13, 2017 Dear Member of Congress, On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we write in strong opposition to H.R. 3354, the Fiscal Year 2018 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (“Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, 2018”). Due to funding cuts, environmentally damaging policy riders, and the bill’s
Coalition Participates in Telepresser on Oil & Gas Development
In August 2017, three Coalition members participated in a telepresser with members of the press focused on oil & gas development around national parks. This call was held to urge Secretary Zinke, DOI and BLM not to lease lands next to any national monuments or national parks, and instead ensure that the lands around our
Coalition Comments on Zinke’s Statement About Contracting Out Services in Parks
The Coalition is concerned regarding Secretary Zinke’s stated desire to contract out some services in various parks. We are especially concerned about the reported focus on potential outsourcing of campground management. Please click “Read More” to see our letter to Secretary Zinke.
Coalition Comments on Secretary Zinke’s Review of 27 National Monuments
After a serving only a few months as Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke is conducting a problematic review that will determine the fate of 27 national monuments. Whatever Mr. Zinke decides will inevitably define his legacy as the chief steward of America’s public lands. Click “Read More” to see our comment letter to the Secretary.
Coalition Statement on President’s Budget
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is alarmed at the extent the National Park Service’s budget will be reduced should the President’s budget be adopted. While we have not seen how the Interior Department’s overall 11.7% cut will be allocated between agencies within Interior, should a cut of that magnitude be levied against the NPS and its parks, there will by widespread reductions in programs, operating hours, seasonal and permanent staff, and visitor services.
Coalition Opposes BLM Oil & Gas Leasing Near Zion National Park
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to issue leases in June 2017 for oil and gas development on parcels less than two miles from the west boundary of Zion National Park. Click “Read More” to see our comment letter to BLM.
Proposed Dominion Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project
December 23, 2016 Colonel Jason Kelly US Army Corps of Engineers Commander, Norfolk District 803 Front Street Norfolk VA 23510-1096 RE: Proposed Dominion Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Colonel Kelly: This follows up on our January 26, 2016, letter opposing Dominion Virginia Power’s (Dominion) proposed Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton project. Based upon credible new evidence,
Eagle Crest “Gen-Tie” Project Will Have Significant Impact on Joshua Tree NP – An EIS Should be Prepared
BLM has issued an environmental assessment (EA) for the next phase of a controversial electric energy production facility to be located immediately adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. The EA falls short in its analysis of potentially significant impacts to the park and its wildlife and groundwater resources. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s comments to the BLM.
OP-ED: The Old Dominion deserves better from Dominion Electric
By Pat Tiller October 28, 2016 Pat Tiller, who retired in 2005 after 30 years with the National Park Service, is a lecturer on historic preservation at George Washington University. We must soon make a choice for which future generations of Virginians and Americans will forever hold us responsible. Dominion Virginia Power plans to
Say “No” to Soda Mountain Solar
The Bureau of Land Management has given the go ahead to a massive solar energy development proposed by Soda Mountain Solar, LLC that would be constructed less than a mile from the boundary of Mojave National Preserve. The project threatens important wildlife habitat and migration corridors. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter opposing the project to the San Bernadino County Board of Supervisors.
Say “No” to Oil Refinery at Theodore Roosevelt NP
Meridian Energy Group proposes to construct and operate an oil refinery approximately three miles from the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter opposing the refinery that was sent to the Billings County (ND) Commissioners.
Member OP-ED: Protecting America’s Parks
This spring, after nearly 10 years of thinking, talking, searching and hoping, a dream came true for many of us who spent our careers working in national parks. On March 3, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks announced the establishment of the Park Institute of America in collaboration with the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Click “Read More” for the full article.
Coalition Comments on Director’s Order #21 – Philanthropic Partnerships
The NPS has proposed changes in its servicewide policies related to philanthropic partnerships and fundraising. While the draft guidance is a step in the right direction, it has a number of shortcomings that need to be addressed to make it more effective for both the NPS and its philanthropic partners. Click “Read More” to see our comments.
Coalition Supports Proposed Changes to Virginia’s Powerline Approval Process
February 5, 2016 The Honorable Terry G. Kilgore Virginia House of Delegates General Assembly Building, Room 704 Capital Square Richmond, Virginia 23219 RE: Support HB 908: Electrical Transmission Lines; Minimize Effects on Historic Resources Dear Del. Kilgore, The undersigned organizations are writing to request your support of legislation, HB 908, introduced by Delegate Randy Minchew,
Say “No” to Pipelines Through Parks
Current law requires specific Congressional approval before an oil or gas pipeline can be built through any unit of the National Park System. However, a proposed amendment to an energy bill being considered in the U.S. Senate would eliminate this requirement and promote the construction of natural gas pipelines through parks. The Coalition and other conservation groups strongly oppose the pipelines-through-parks amendment. Click “Read More” to see our joint letter to members of the U.S. Senate.
Coalition Opposes James River Transmission Line Project
Colonial National Historical Park – James River Transmission Line Proposal The Coalition has joined the fight in opposing Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed new high-voltage transmission line across the James River near historic Jamestown. The proposal includes 17 huge transmission towers, as tall as the Statue of Liberty and topped with flashing red lights, that would