Public Lands Leaders Sound Alarm on National Parks and Public Lands As Government Shutdown Compounds Effect of Existing Cuts

  For Immediate Release: October 7, 2025 Contact: mo****@*******ms.com Public Lands Leaders Sound Alarm on National Parks and Public Lands As Government Shutdown Compounds Effect of Existing Cuts With Limited Staff and Shrinking Budgets, Public Lands are Stretched Thin; Leaders Warn Early Shutdown Impacts Foreshadow Larger Problems Full Recording and Transcript can be Found Here.

NPT: Veteran Public Lands Managers Lament Government Shutdown’s Impacts

By Kurt Repanshek October 7, 2025 National parks across the country might appear to be operating largely as usual during the government shutdown, but natural and cultural resources are at risk, National Park Service morale is further being crushed, and family finances are at risk while many politicians look the other way, former agency personnel

Coalition Deeply Concerned Over Plan to Keep Parks Open and Understaffed During Shutdown

Coalition members and staff continue to push for national parks  – which are already struggling under the impacts of staffing and budget cuts since January – to be closed in the event of a government shutdown.   NBC Bay Area News – “Why some want national parks closed if government shuts down.“ Cronkite News –

More Than 35 Former National Park Superintendents Urge Secretary Burgum To Close National Parks If There Is A Government Shutdown

More Than 35 Former National Park Superintendents Urge Secretary Burgum To Close National Parks If There Is A Government Shutdown Superintendents state: “Leaving parks open to the public with minimal—or no—park staffing is reckless and puts both visitors and park resources at risk.” In a letter sent to Secretary Burgum today, 38 former National Park

Former NPS Superintendents Urge Secretary Burgum To Close National Parks if Government Shuts Down

September 25, 2025 The Honorable Doug Burgum Secretary Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington D.C., 20240 Dear Secretary Burgum: As former superintendents of national parks across the country, we write to you with an urgent appeal to protect our parks and public lands by closing them if a government shutdown occurs. Past

‘We should all be ashamed’: Huffman calls out reported plan to sanitize National Parks exhibits

‘We should all be ashamed’: Huffman calls out reported plan to sanitize National Parks exhibits Interior Department disputes claims of censorship By ROBERT SCHAULIS  PUBLISHED: September 19, 2025   The Trump administration has come under fire this week for attempting to “sanitize” and “erase history” at National Parks sites throughout the county. On Monday, the

Coalition Statement On Removal of Historical Information from National Parks: “Dangerous And Unprecedented Move”

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 16, 2025  Contact: Sam Nurick | sa*@***************es.com   Coalition To Protect America’s National Parks On Removal of Historical Information from National Parks: “Dangerous And Unprecedented Move”   The Administration is ordering national parks to remove historical information it considers disparaging to America at parks across the country. Following a March

Member Op-Ed: Trump administration cuts to National Park Service threaten NC economy

From the majestic peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the unparalleled beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, millions of Americans visit North Carolina’s national parks each year to enjoy the natural beauty, culture, history, and recreation they offer. I spent more than four decades with the National Park Service, much of it

Federal Judge Rebukes Trump Administration for Firing Essential Federal Employees

Federal Judge Rebukes Trump Administration for Firing Essential Federal Employees In a sharply worded decision issued late Friday, a federal district judge ruled that the Trump Administration broke the law by firing federal workers employed in vital roles protecting public safety and supporting the U.S. economy. Judge William H. Alsup of the Northern District of

Former Coalition EC Member Michael Allen: Trump Is Scrubbing Slavery From Our Historical Sites

OPINION GUEST ESSAY Trump Is Scrubbing Slavery From Our Historical Sites Sept. 5, 2025 By Kevin Sack Mr. Sack is the author of “Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church.” Charles Pinckney’s stature in American history, sufficient to merit his own National Park Service site near Charleston, S.C., has

Member Op-Ed: Ciscomani, others must stand up for our public lands

Ciscomani, others must stand up for our public lands The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: This summer, many of us Arizonans got out to enjoy our public lands. From Grand Canyon National Park and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints Grand Canyon National Monument to Ironwood National Monument and Las Cienegas National

Coalition Comments on Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal

Daniel Cohen Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Legislation U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building, Ground Floor, W12-140 Washington, D.C. 20590-0001 RE: Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468, Comments on Advancing a Surface Transportation Proposal Dear Assistant General Counsel Cohen: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks submits these following recommendations on the

New NYT Report Shows The Deep Crisis in National Parks

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Contact: Sam Nurick | sa*@***************es.com  New NYT Report Shows The Deep Crisis in National Parks Secretary Burgum’s order that parks remain open and accessible has put parks in an impossible situation. A new report in today’s New York Times shows that while the Trump Administration is pushing national

NATIONAL PARKS CALL-IN SHOW

NATIONAL PARKS CALL-IN SHOW Today marks the 109th anniversary of the National Park Service. But drastic budget cuts to the park system leave many people concerned.  Listen to the National Parks Call-In Show here. Tonight’s RadioACTive is a collaboration with Rocky Mountain Community Radio (RMCR), a coalition of 21 non-commercial radio stations in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and

Advocates Urge Colorado to Phase Out Toxic Lead Ammunition and Tackle to Protect Wildlife and Public Health

Colorado Parks and Wildlife 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216 Submitted via: online portal August 8, 2025 RE: Inclusion of a Lead Ammunition and Tackle Phase-Out in CPW’s State Wildlife Action Plan Dear Colorado Parks and Wildlife Planning Team, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and Elaine F. Leslie, PhD, former National Park Service Agency Chief of

America’s National Parks at Breaking Point as Staff Cuts, Budget Slashes Threaten Safety and Preservation

Australian Broadcast Corporation Once ‘America’s best idea’, National Parks are reaching their breaking point US national parks are being forced to stay open despite operating on a “bare-bones” crew after cuts to staff and funding. Rangers say they can’t sustain it. By Maddy Morwood From the towering sandstone canyons in Zion, to the Rocky Mountain

Our National Parks Are at a Crossroads

Aug 4, 2025 By Theresa Pierno, Phil Francis The landmark Great American Outdoors Act funded more than 600 long-overdue repair projects in national parks. Continued investment is needed to finish the rest. Five years ago today, our nation united to protect the places we cherish most. With overwhelming bipartisan Congressional support, President Trump signed the

Park Advocates Warn of Dire Consequences from Staffing Cuts: Report Highlights Risks to Visitor Services, Safety, and Conservation

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, in collaboration with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR), and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), have released an analysis detailing the real-world consequences of further staffing cuts, from slashed visitor services and delayed maintenance to weakened wildfire response and

Coalition Comments on Proposed Parcels for BLM Montana-Dakotas January 2026 Oil and Gas Lease Sale

July 24, 2025 Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas State Office Attention: Hattie Payne 5001 Southgate Drive Billings, MT 59101 Subject:  Scoping comments on parcels under consideration for inclusion in the BLM Montana-Dakotas Q1 January 2026 Oil and Gas Lease Sale (DOI-BLM-MT-0000-2025-0008-EA)  To whom it may concern: Thank you for the opportunity to submit these scoping

Comments on EPA’s Proposal on Regional Haze actions for Texas and Oklahoma

  Comments Submitted via regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-R06-OAR-2025-0197-0041 July 23, 2025 Michael Feldman U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 6, Air and Radiation Division SO2 and Regional Haze Section 1201 Elm Street Suite 500 Dallas, TX  75270 Fe*************@*pa.gov Subject: Comments on EPA’s Proposal on Regional Haze actions for Texas and Oklahoma Dear Mr. Feldman: We are writing on

Coalition Joins Partners Opposition to House FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill

July 21, 2025 Dear Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro and Appropriations Committee Members, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition urge you to oppose the U.S. House of Representatives Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The Administration’s actions have severely hampered the National Park Service’s (NPS)

Coalition Joins Over 260 Organizations in Opposing Elimination of NPS Community Assistance Programs

July 11, 2025 The Honorable Mike Simpson Chair Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies House Committee on Appropriations 2358-B Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Tom Cole Chair House Committee on Appropriations H-307 The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Chellie Pingree Ranking Member Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

House Appropriations Bill Would Decimate National Parks And Deepen An Existing Crisis That Is Already Impacting Visitors And Parks Safety

House Appropriations Bill Would Decimate National Parks And Deepen An Existing Crisis That Is Already Impacting Visitors And Parks Safety For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 15, 2025  Contact: Doug Gordon | do**@***************es.com Today, a key House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee will mark-up the Fiscal Year 2026 bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, which would

SEEC Institute and Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Release New Report Detailing Climate Change Impacts on America’s National Parks

SEEC Institute and Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Release New Report Detailing Climate Change Impacts on America’s National Parks FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 07/15/2025 Washington, D.C. – Today, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Institute (SEEC Institute) and the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks released a new report, America’s Best Idea in Peril:

Supreme Court Ruling Greenlights Mass Layoffs, Parks Groups Warn National Parks and Thousands of Park Staff in Jeopardy

July 9, 2025   Supreme Court Ruling Greenlights Mass Layoffs, Parks Groups Warn National Parks and Thousands of Park Staff in Jeopardy New Analysis Highlights Real-World Impacts of Ongoing Staffing Cuts to National Parks Washington, D.C. — In a decision with sweeping consequences, the U.S. Supreme Court has lifted a lower court injunction blocking President

Supreme Court Intervenes to Allow Trump’s Unlawful Reorganization of the Federal Government to Continue as Case Proceeds

Supreme Court Intervenes to Allow Trump’s Unlawful Reorganization of the Federal Government to Continue as Case Proceeds Court Uses Shadow Docket to Lift Lower Court’s Pause of Unconstitutional Overhaul of Vital Departments and Agencies July 8, 2025 CONTACT: pr***@**************rd.org Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court has granted another emergency stay request from the Trump-Vance

Conservation Groups Urge Full Environmental Review of Dominion Energy’s Proposed Power Line Expansion Through Manassas Battlefield

National Park Service Jessica Bowron, Comptroller, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Bowron, We, the twelve undersigned organizations, are writing to share our concerns regarding a forthcoming permit request from Dominion Energy for a proposed right-of-way (ROW) expansion for a transmission line through Manassas

Coalition Participates in Meeting with Arizona Daily Star Editorial Board: Preserve our public lands

Arizona Daily Star Editorial: Preserve our public lands Jun 26, 2025 When word came down about Utah Sen. Mike Lee’s plan, inserted into the Big Beautiful whatever, to mandate the sale of between 0.5% and 0.75% of all Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands in 11 Western states over the next five

NPR: Asked to flag ‘negative’ National Park content, visitors gave their own 2 cents instead

JUNE 26, 2025 3:16 PM ET HEARD ON ALL THINGS CONSIDERED   By Chloe Veltman   Signs installed earlier this month in national parks across the country asking visitors to share feedback on “any signs or other information that are negative about past or living Americans” are eliciting all sorts of reactions. But comments viewed

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Blasts DOI’s Biased Regulatory Reform Effort Favoring Industry Over Conservation

ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION – NO HARD COPY TO FOLLOW Submitted on-line via: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/DOI-2025-0005-0001 June 30, 2025 U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Subject: DOI Request for Information (RFI) regarding Regulatory Reform To Whom It May Concern: I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect

Coalition Rallies Media to Defend National Parks Amid Trump-Era Threats and Budget Cuts

From its first days, the Trump Administration has threatened a number of drastic cuts to national parks and public lands more broadly. They have slashed staffing, attempted the largest ever reduction in the park service budget, and tried to sell off millions of acres of public lands – all while forcing the parks to remain

Coalition Urges Rejection of President’s FY26 Budget Proposal Slashing Over $1.2 Billion from NPS

June 13, 2025 Dear Members of Congress, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, and other organizations are alarmed by the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget that proposes over $1.2 billion in cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) and urge you to reject it. If enacted, it would be

Coalition Talks with The Hill on Proposed Cuts to NPS

Trump’s cuts to National Park Service rankle Republicans By Rachel Frazin – 06/09/25 6:00 AM ET President Trump’s proposed cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) are troubling some Republicans. The Trump administration has proposed a 30 percent cut to the park service’s operations and staffing budgets. In addition, the administration’s budget calls for transferring

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Calls President’s Budget “Deeply Problematic And Dangerous”

For Immediate Release: June 2, 2025 Contact: Doug Gordon | do**@***************es.com Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Calls President’s Budget “Deeply Problematic And Dangerous” In response to the President’s budget proposal for the Department of Interior, which would cut 33% of the Department of Interior budget, including a 36% cut to the National Park Service

NPCA, ANPR, and CPANP Strongly Oppose OPM’s Proposed Civil Service Rule

June 2, 2025 Charles Ezell Acting Director, Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20415 Re: “Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service,” Proposed Rule, 90 Fed. Reg. 17182, Docket ID: OPM-2025-0004 Dear Acting Director Ezell, The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR) and Coalition

Coalition on California National Parks and Call to Action

Yosemite and Other CA National Parks Underfunded, Understaffed this Summer Mina Kim May 29, 2025 The Trump administration’s budget and staffing cuts to national parks could mean longer lines, closed visitor centers and fewer search and rescue workers this summer, according to former parks staff and advocates. The cuts are also compromising scientific research and

Coalition Letter: The Historic Preservation Fund Needs Full and Robust Funding

The Honorable Lisa Murkowski Chair Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Jeff Merkley Ranking Member Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Mike Simpson Chair Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee United States House of Representatives Washington,

Retired National Park Leaders Raise the Alarm Before Start of Summer Travel Season: Cuts to Public Lands Will Impact Californians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2025 Retired National Park Leaders Raise the Alarm Before Start of Summer Travel Season: Cuts to Public Lands Will Impact Californians California — Today, retired national park leaders are calling attention to how cuts to public lands will impact California residents this summer. Over the last several months, the federal

Coalition Sends Letter in Support of Full Funding for National Heritage Areas

March 11, 2025 The Honorable Lisa Murkowski Chair Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Jeff Merkley Ranking Member Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Mike Simpson Chair Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee United States House

Coalition Joins Comments Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act

May 19, 2025 Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Docket: FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034 Re: Comments Regarding Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act: 90 Fed. Reg. 16102 (April 17, 2025) Dear Secretary Burgum and Secretary Lutnick: These comments are filed by Earthjustice on behalf of the sixty-six undersigned organizations. The undersigned organizations and their members work

Six Questions to Ask Secretary Burgum at Hearings This Week

May 19 2025   This week, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum will testify in front of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday May 20 and in front of the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday May 21.   This administration has made devastating cuts to national parks staff, setting up a potential crisis.

Coalition Opposes Rescinding the Definition of Harm under the Endangered Species Act

Electronic Submission – No Hard Copy to Follow Submitted via – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/17/2025-06746/rescinding-the-definition-of-harm-under-the-endangered-species-act May 19, 2025 Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Subject: Document FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034-0001, Rescinding the Definition of Harm under the Endangered Species Act Dear Secretary Burgum and Secretary Lutnick: I am writing on

Judge Blocks Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government

Judge Blocks Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government PRESS RELEASE MAY 9, 2025 Case Reflects Largest and Most Significant Challenge to President’s Authority to Remake Government without Congressional Approval Washington, D.C. – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California San Francisco Division today issued a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration’s

Member Oped: Protect our national parks, don’t exploit them

May 7, 2025 Opinion by Mike Soukup National Parks are a beautiful reflection of our country’s magnificent national and cultural heritage.  Their protection is a high form of patriotism and worldwide source of inspiration.  National Parks also generate significant revenue for national, regional, and local economies.  From all angles National Parks are a good deal

5 Former Directors of the National Park Service Send Letter to Secretary Burgum Stating His Recent Order Is “Contradictory With The Law And The Intent Of Congress”

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 8, 2025  Contact: Doug Gordon | do**@***************es.com 5 Former Directors of the National Park Service Send Letter to Secretary Burgum Stating His Recent Order Is “Contradictory With The Law And The Intent Of Congress” Letter Also Signed By 8 Deputy Directors  Today, nearly every living former Director of the National

NPS Retirees: Our Public Lands Are Not For Sale

Release Date: May 7, 2025 NPS Retirees: Our Public Lands Are Not For Sale Reconciliation Package Includes the Potential Sale of Public Lands Washington, D.C. — In the middle of the night, Republicans in the House Committee on Natural Resources introduced a last-minute amendment to the budget reconciliation package allowing for land sell-offs in Nevada

Former NPS Directors and Leaders to Burgum: Ensure the Protection of our National Parks

May 8, 2025 The Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC, 20240 Dear Secretary Burgum: As former senior leaders of the National Park Service (NPS), we are writing to express our concerns about Secretarial Order 3426, which states that, “that all park units remain open and accessible to

Coalition Opposed to Ambler Road Provisions In Budget Reconciliation Bill

  May 6, 2025 The Honorable Bruce Westerman Chairman Committee on Natural Resources Washington, D.C. 20515 The Honorable Jared Huffman Ranking Member Committee on Natural Resources Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman: I am writing to you today on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization

House Committee On Natural Resources Reconciliation Bill Will Endanger Public Lands

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2025 Contact: Doug Gordon | do**@***************es.com House Committee On Natural Resources Reconciliation Bill Will Endanger Public Lands  Coalition To Protect America’s National Parks Urges Committee To Reject Bill That Prioritizes The Interests Of Oil and Gas Industry Over the Interest Of Taxpayers  In response to bill language put out by

UPDATE: Coalition of Unions, Non-Profit Groups, and Local Governments Seek Emergency Relief in Challenge to Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government

UPDATE: Coalition of Unions, Non-Profit Groups, and Local Governments Seek Emergency Relief in Challenge to Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government PRESS RELEASE MAY 2, 2025 Reorganization and Massive Reductions in Force Across Federal Agencies Violate Core Constitutional Concepts of Separation of Powers Case Reflects Largest and Most Significant Challenge to President’s Authority to Remake Government

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Calls Reports of Large Scale RIFs At National Park Service “Worst Case Scenario”

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Calls Reports of Large Scale RIFs At National Park Service “Worst Case Scenario” In response to reports that the Interior Department has begun a reduction in force (RIF) that will be “deep and blunt” at the National Park Service, Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America’s

Coalition to Sec. Burgum: Uphold Roosevelt’s “Conservation Ethic” and Defer Leasing Near Theodore Roosevelt NP

ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION – NO HARD COPY TO FOLLOW April 28, 2025 The Honorable Doug Burgum, Secretary Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: Proposed oil and gas leasing on BLM lands adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park Dear Secretary Burgum: I am writing to you today on behalf of the

Massive Coalition of Unions, Non-Profit Groups, and Local Governments File Omnibus Challenge to Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government

Published by Democracy Forward April 28, 2025 Statements: Massive Coalition of Unions, Non-Profit Groups, and Local Governments File Omnibus Challenge to Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government APRIL 28, 2025 A coalition that includes nationwide labor organizations, vital non-profit groups, and local cities and counties in California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington all united today to

RIFs At National Park Service Would Make A Dire Situation Far Worse

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2025 RIFs At National Park Service Would Make A Dire Situation Far Worse In response to reports that the Interior Department has begun a process that is likely to lead to a reduction in force (RIF) at the National Park Service, Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect

Ahead of National Park Week, New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez & National Park Advocates Warn of Staffing Crisis

Ahead of National Park Week, New Mexico Rep. Gabe Vasquez & National Park Advocates Warn of Staffing Crisis As Millions of Americans Head to Public Lands, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Vet Voice Foundation Call Out Dangerous Staffing Cuts and Political Interference in Park Operations, Oppose Public Lands Sell-off Full Recording and Transcript

Our Nation’s National Parks Are Barreling Towards A Crisis

  As we head into the holiday weekend, and the start of National Park Week –  and with the busy summer season on the horizon –  the Trump Administration is trying to assure Americans that despite the administration’s cuts to staff and  attempts to gut resources, national parks are operating as normal. Don’t believe their

Coalition Supports Legislation to Establish Chesapeake National Recreation Area

Van Hollen, Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Establish Chesapeake National Recreation Area   WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) renewed his effort in Congress to create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The CNRA Act proposes to unite a series of voluntarily contributed park areas and iconic Bay properties under the operation of the National

Coalition Statement Responding to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:       Nick Voutsinos, nv********@****me.org   Tim Kauffman, ti**********@**ge.org  Erik Molvar, em*****@***************ds.org  Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org  Christian Hall, pr***@*********************rs.org Matt Corridoni, ma************@******ts.org Cade Cannedy, ca**********@***********es.org Naveed Shah, na****@***********se.us  April 8, 2025 Coalition Statement Responding to U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Public Service Unions, Small Business, Veterans and Conservation Organizations, and Rule of Law Advocates Vow

Coalition Stands With Senators Heinrich and Hickenlooper in Defending Parks and Public Lands

Release Date: April 5, 2025 Media Contact: Emily Thompson   Coalition Stands With Senators Heinrich and Hickenlooper in Defending Parks and Public Lands During last night’s vote-a-rama, the Senate dismissed the bipartisan amendment from Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) opposing the sale of public lands to pay for the reconciliation bill. Emily

Coalition Speaks on Interior Secretary’s Order for National Parks To Be Open And Accessible

UPDATE | Interior Secretary Orders National Parks To Be Open And Accessible By Kurt Repanshek April 3, 2025 Editor’s note: This includes reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum late Thursday afternoon ordered that the National Park Service ensure that the National Park System “is properly staffed to support

Letter to Secretary Burgum on Concerns Over Transparency and Military at Big Bend NP

  April 3, 2025 The Honorable Doug Burgum Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Burgum: We are writing to you today with a sense of urgency on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and the Association of National Park Rangers. Our organizations offer

NPT: Why Our Nation’s Most Vulnerable Species Are At Risk

By Rita Beamish March 29, 2025 President Trump’s zest for rapidly shrinking the government is triggering anxiety about conservation priorities that have been embedded for more than five decades in the country’s national parks and wildlife refuges. Amid the staffing whiplash — chaotic firings and reinstatement of rangers, scientists, and other civil servants — America’s

Member Op-Ed: In The National Park Service, No Deep State, Only Deep Concern For The Future Of America’s Best Idea

  Op-Ed | In The National Park Service, No Deep State, Only Deep Concern For The Future Of America’s Best Idea By Sheridan Steele Firing federal employees without regard for the importance of their work or the consequence of their loss is not smart — or justified. Identifying and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse is

 Reinstatement of Probationary Employees is Welcome News, but Grave Concerns Linger

Release Date: March 20, 2025 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org, 202-758-3936  Reinstatement of Probationary Employees is Welcome News, but Grave Concerns Linger Following a series of court orders, including a ruling in the Coalition’s joint lawsuit against the Office of Personnel Management for the illegal firing of probationary-status employees, the National Park Service (NPS) began

Coalition Comments on NPS Proposed Rule on Powered Micromobility Devices

ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION – NO HARD COPY TO FOLLOW Submitted on-line at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/16/2024-31578/powered- micromobility-devices#open-comment March 17, 2025 Jay Calhoun National Park Service Division of Regulations, Jurisdiction and Special Park Uses MS-2472 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Subject: NPS Proposed Rule on Powered Micromobility Devices, (RIN) 1024-AE79 Dear Mr. Calhoun: I am writing on behalf

Coalition Issues Statement on Continuing Resolution

  Release Date: March 14, 2025 Media Contact: Amy Fehir, am*********@********ps.org, 202-758-3936 Coalition Issues Statement on Continuing Resolution With a shutdown averted by the passage of a Continuing Resolution (CR) Phil Francis, Chair of the Executive Council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement: “While we are thankful a shutdown

Coalition Joins Protest on Expansion of Domestic Mining on Public Lands

March 12, 2025 Dear Chairman Lee, Ranking Member Heinrich, and the members of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, the undersigned organizations write regarding the expansion of domestic mining on public lands and to share our concerns with the erosion of vital guardrails being proposed

Coalition Testifies Before House Committee on FLASH Act

Statement for the Record Bob Krumenaker Retired National Park Service Superintendent Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River US House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on HR 1820 (Rep. Ciscomani) Federal Lands Amplified Security for the Homeland (FLASH) Act March 11, 2025 INTRODUCTION Good morning Chairman Tiffany,

NPS Visitation Hit Record High in 2024 While the Current Administration Continues to Slash Jobs

  NPS Visitation Hit Record High in 2024 While the Current Administration Continues to Slash Jobs The National Park Service (NPS) reported a record 331.9 million recreation visits in calendar year 2024, an increase of 6.36 million recreation visits from 2023. “This is a clear indication of how much Americans love their national parks,” said

Coalition Joins NY Historic Preservation Organizations Speaking Out Against Rewriting of History

On February 13, the National Park Service removed all instances of the words Transgender and Queer from the Stonewall National Monument website, as well as other sites and resources referencing LGBTQ+ history. In 1999, Stonewall was the first site in the country listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to LGBTQ+

The Coalition and Association of National Park Rangers Protest Termination of Probationary NPS Employees

The Honorable Jessica Bowron Acting Director National Park Service SENT VIA EMAIL Dear Acting NPS Director Bowron, As the CEOs of our respective non-profit organizations, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and the Association of National Park Rangers, we have been closely following the recent decision to terminate probationary employees from the NPS. Our

Coalition Joins 495 Groups Protesting Recent Mass Firing of Federal Employees Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service

February 28, 2025 United States Senators and Representatives, On behalf of our members, supporters, and volunteer stewards, we write with significant concerns regarding the recent mass firing of federal employees still within their probationary periods, particularly those individuals who had been employed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS),

Coalition Comments on Parcels for Inclusion in the BLM Montana-Dakotas 2025 Third Quarter Oil and Gas Lease Sale

February 28, 2025 Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas State Office Attention: Hattie Payne 5001 Southgate Drive Billings, MT 59101 Subject: Scoping comments on parcels under consideration for inclusion in the BLM Montana-Dakotas 2025 Third Quarter (September) Oil and Gas Lease Sale (DOI-BLM-MT-0000-2025-0001-EA)  To whom it may concern: Thank you for the opportunity to submit these

Federal Court Finds Firing of Probationary Federal Employees Illegal

February 27, 2025 Federal Court Finds Firing of Probationary Federal Employees Illegal Judge Alsup calls probationary federal employees “the lifeblood of our government” SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, presided over by Judge William H. Alsup, granted a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management

Member Op-Ed: They Don’t Know What They Don’t Know

They Don’t Know What They Don’t Know opening the Going to-the- Sun Road, clearing trails, opening backcountry sites and facilities and preparing visitor centers may be delayed BY CHIP WEBER & JEFF MOW FEBRUARY 25, 2025 Much has been written and broadcast recently regarding the impacts of the Trump administration and particularly the Department of

Coalition Joins Over 260 Groups in Opposition to House Budget Resolution

United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 February 24, 2025 Dear Representatives, As you prepare to take up a budget resolution as the first step in the reconciliation process, our organizations from the democracy, good government, labor, immigration, energy, environment, tax, budget, health, gender justice, human needs and other sectors representing millions of people

Coalition Joins Group of Unions, Small Businesses, Veterans, and Conservation Organizations and Seeks Injunction to Prevent Unlawful Firings

Coalition of Unions, Small Businesses, Veterans, and Conservation Organizations Seek Injunction to Prevent Unlawful Firings Amended Complaint also Targets Illegal “Five Things” Email February 24, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – In their lawsuit attempting to block the unlawful mass terminations of probationary federal employees, some of the nation’s largest and most influential public service unions,

Coalition Joins Amicus Brief to Protect Wilderness Battlefield

Washington, DC – Today, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks filed a joint amicus brief, accompanied by a motion for leave to file such brief, in a pivotal legal challenge intended to protect Wilderness Battlefield, an area of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National

Coalition Supports Maryland Bill HB-741 – Phase-Out Lead Ammunition

February 19, 2025 The Honorable Marc Korman, Chair Environment & Transportation Committee 250 Taylor House Office Building Annapolis, MD 21401 Re: HB 741 – Hunting – Nonlead Ammunition, et al., FAVORABLE Dear Chairman Korman, Vice Chair Boyce and Members of the Committee: Thank you for this opportunity to weigh in on this important issue on behalf

Coalition Joins 247 Organizations Opposing Bills Which Would Effectively Repeal the Antiquities Act of 1906

RE: Oppose S.220/H.R.521, which would effectively repeal the Antiquities Act of 1906 Dear Senators and Members of Congress, On behalf of the 247 undersigned organizations and our millions of members across the country, we write to strongly urge you to OPPOSE any legislative attempts to repeal or undermine the Antiquities Act, including S.220/H.R.521 recently introduced

USA Today: How National Park Service layoffs could stretch some parks to their limits

How National Park Service layoffs could stretch some parks to their limits By Eve Chen National parks have not been spared in the wave of federal government layoffs, and that could impact park visits heading into their busy season. “We could be putting several park units in very bad, sticky situations where they can’t manage

NPT: One-Thousand National Park Service Staff Fired, Seasonal Hiring Resuming

UPDATE | One-Thousand National Park Service Staff Fired, Seasonal Hiring Resuming By Kurt Repanshek February 14, 2025 Editor’s note: This updates with additional comment from a recently retired National Park Service division chief, a union official, and New Mexico’s congressional delegation. This is a developing story, be sure to check back for more updates. One-thousand

SFGATE.com: U.S. senators issue dire warning for national parks

U.S. senators issue dire warning for national parks By Ashley Harrell, National Parks Bureau Chief Feb 7, 2025 Twenty-two democratic and independent U.S. senators sent a letter Friday morning to newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum imploring him to reconsider drastic measures taken by the Trump administration to reduce the workforce of

Coalition Supports Letter Sent to Secretary Burgum on NPS Staffing Concerns

Coalition Supports Letter Sent to Secretary Burgum on NPS Staffing Concerns   The Coalition issued a statement of support for a letter sent today, calling on Secretary Burgum to, “immediately reissue seasonal employment offers for the National Park Service, officially rescind damaging and short-sighted deferred resignation and early retirement offers, and to instead work to

Coalition Speaks in Defense of Parks and Public Lands

A series of secretarial orders were recently issued, including Secretarial Order 3418 “Unleashing American Energy,” which mandates that the Department of the Interior launch an initial review of all lands withdrawn from fossil fuel and mining development, including hundreds of our national monuments. Phil Francis, Chair of the Executive Council of the Coalition to Protect

National Parks at Risk: The Impact of Federal Job Cuts

Release Date: January 31, 2025 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org, 202-758-3936 National Parks at Risk: The Impact of Federal Job Cuts As the current Administration moves to eliminate federal jobs, Phil Francis, Chair of the Executive Council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement: “Our members represent more than 50,000

Coalition Speaks with LA Times: As Trump cuts federal jobs, even national parks are on the chopping block

As Trump cuts federal jobs, even national parks are on the chopping block By Jack Dolan LA Times Staff Writer Jan. 30, 2025 3 AM PT As the Trump administration rushes to cut spending and eliminate federal jobs, even the people who work at the national parks — among the country’s most beloved and least politicized

Coalition Defends Antiquities Act

Release Date: January 17, 2024 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org, 202-758-3936  Coalition Defends Antiquities Act Today, U.S. Representatives Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Mark Amodei (NV-02) introduced legislation that would strip presidential authority to designate national monuments under the Antiquities Act. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement:

Coalition Applauds Designation of Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments

Release Date: January 7, 2025 Media Contact: Emily Thompson Em************@********ps.org 202-758-3936 Coalition Applauds Designation of Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments Today, President Biden used his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, both located in California. Following the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Executive

Coalition Joins Litigation to Protect Old Spanish National Historic Trail

          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2024 Contact: Laura Dumais (202) 792-1277 ld*****@**er.org; Chandra Rosenthal (303) 898-0798 cr********@**er.org; John Hiscock, (435) 689-1620, jo**********@***il.com Lawsuit to Safeguard Old Spanish National Historic Trail Multiple Encroachments Doom Old Spanish Trail to Death of Thousand Cuts Washington, DC —The Old Spanish National Historic Trail is

Coalition Joins Comments Urging Congress to include Federal Public Lands’ Considerable Needs in the Disaster Relief Package

Senator Chuck Schumer, Majority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Senator Patty Murray, Chair, Committee on Appropriations Senator Jeff Merkley, Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, & Related Agencies Congresswoman Tom Cole, Chair, Committee on Appropriations Congressman Mike Simpson, Chair, Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, & Related Agencies Congressman Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House Congressman Hakeem Jeffries,

Coalition and NPCA Provide Comments on Arches Visitor Access and Experience Plan.

  November 23, 2024 Delivered via the Planning, Environment & Public Comment Portal Lena Pace, Superintendent 2282 SW Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 RE: Visitor Access and Experience Plan and Environmental Assessment Dear Superintendent Pace, On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), we write

Coalition and Over 60 Environmental Organizations Urge Congress to Advance Bipartisan Funding Increases in FY 2025 with No Poison Pill Riders

November 21, 2024 United States Senate U.S. House of Representatives Dear Members of Congress, The 64 undersigned groups write to you today to urge you to follow the Senate Appropriations Committee’s lead and advance bipartisan, sensible funding increases for environmental programs in Fiscal Year 2025 free of new poison pill policy riders or attacks on

Conservation Organizations Comments on the Proposed Stationary Source Permit to Operate for WestRock Virginia, LLC – Covington

  August 30, 2023 Erin Rau Air Permit Writer DEQ Blue Ridge Regional Office 901 Russell Drive Salem, VA 24153 Re: Conservation Organizations Comments on the Proposed Stationary Source Permit to Operate for WestRock Virginia, LLC – Covington Dear Ms. Rau: National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and Virginia Conservation Network

Coalition Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bison Management

  September 5, 2023 Cameron Sholly, Superintendent Attn: Bison Management Plan P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 Subject:  Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Bison Management Dear Superintendent Sholly: I am writing on behalf of more than 2,500 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more

Coalition Signs on in Support of Additional Protections for Minidoka NHS

          October 10, 2023 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland: We are Japanese American and Alaska Native survivors, who were wrongfully incarcerated during World War II at Minidoka. We are joined by Minidoka descendants and allies. We

Coalition Submits Comments on Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan and Environmental Assessment

    July 31, 2023   Mr. Patrick Suddath, Superintendent Bandelier National Monument 15 Entrance RD Los Alamos, NM 87544   Subject:  Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan and Environmental Assessment   Dear Superintendent Suddath:    I am writing on behalf of over 2,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks

Coalition Celebrates Designation of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument

Release Date: July 25, 2023 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org Coalition Celebrates Designation of the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument Today, on the anniversary of Emmett Till’s birth, President Biden used his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate a new national monument honoring Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley. The Monument will span

Coalition Strongly Opposes H.R. 3025 – To provide for no net increase in the total acreage of Federal land in the Virgin Islands National Park

  Statement for the Record Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Federal Lands, Committee on Natural Resources U.S. House of Representatives Hearing on H.R. 3025, to provide for no net increase in the total acreage of Federal land in the Virgin Islands National Park on

Coalition Supports Expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

  Release Date: June 26, 2023 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org Coalition Supports Expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Today, Representative Judy Chu and Senator Alex Padilla of California have asked President Biden to use his authority under the Antiquities Act to add over 109,000 acres to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

New Report by Former National Park Service Leaders Highlights the Lasting Impact of National Monuments and Sites in Need of Protection

New Report by Former National Park Service Leaders Highlights the Lasting Impact of National Monuments and Sites in Need of Protection An Updated Report by Former National Park Service Leaders is Released on the 117th Anniversary of the Antiquities Act, a Critical Tool to Protect and Conserve America’s Public Lands WASHINGTON, DC — In an

Coalition Joins Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon NM NGO Letter of Support

Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument Support June 6, 2023 President Joe Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden: We express our strong support for the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition and its request that you issue a proclamation to establish the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand

Coalition Applauds Protections for Chaco Landscape

  Release Date: June 5, 2023 Media Contact: Emily Thompson Em************@********ps.org 202-758-3936 Last week, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland ordered a 20-year mineral withdrawal of public lands within a 10-mile radius of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park (NHP). This action will help to protect the cultural and historic resources surrounding Chaco Culture NHP

Letter of Support for the Proposed Rule on Hunting and Trapping in Alaska’s National Preserves

  May 30, 2023 The Honorable Shannon Estenoz 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 Proposed Rule on Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves in Alaska Dear Assistant Secretary Estenoz: As former federal and state officials who are

Coalition Joins Opposition to HR 1380 (PARC Act)

Alliance for the Wild Rockies • Animals Are Sentient Beings • Bitterroot Audubon • Blue Ridge Land Conservancy • Bozeman Broadband, Great Old Broads for Wilderness • California Chaparral Institute • Californians for Western Wilderness • Center for Biological Diversity • Central Virginia Land Conservancy • Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks • Conservation Congress

Coalition Chair on Conservation and Air Tours at Mount Rushmore

Aerial tours of Mount Rushmore could soon be grounded There is currently a proposal by the National Parks Service and the Federal Trade Aviation Administration seeking public input on whether air tours for Mount Rushmore and the Badlands should be eliminated. By Juliana Alford Published: May. 16, 2023   RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – When

NPT Update: National Parks Proposing To Ban, Significantly Cut Back Commercial Air Tours

  By Kurt Repanshek – May 15th, 2023 NPT Editor’s note: This updates with comments from Mike Murray, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Proposed air tour management plans for units of the National Park System released Monday range from a ban on the overflights to greatly reduced numbers of allowed flights,

Coalition Joins NPT for a Conversation About the Debt Ceiling Crisis and National Parks

  National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 222 Debt Ceiling Crisis And The Parks By Jess Repanshek – May 14th, 2023 While spring is slowly giving way to summer in many parts of the country, with visitors gaining more and more access to the National Park System, a stand-off in Washington over the country’s debt ceiling

Statement for the Record of Michael B. Murray, Chair of the Executive Council, CPANP to Committee on Natural Resources Legislative Hearing on the “Save Our Sequoias Act”

  Statement for the Record Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Committee on Natural Resources United States House of Representatives Legislative Hearing on H.R. 2989, the “Save Our Sequoias Act” May 10, 2023 Chairman Westerman, Ranking Member Grijalva, and members of the Committee, I am Michael B.

Statement for the Record of Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council to The National Parks Committee on The President’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request for the National Park Service

  Statement for the Record Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on National Parks Committee on Energy and Natural Resources United States Senate The President’s Budget Request for the National Park Service for Fiscal Year 2024 May 10, 2023 Chairman King, Ranking Member Daines, and members

Support for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument

    May 9, 2023 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington D.C. 20240 The Honorable Brenda Mallory Chair of the Council on

Coalition Opposes Legislation That Weakens Endangered Species Act

Dear Chairman Westerman, Ranking Member Grijalva, On behalf of our organizations and our millions of members and supporters, we write to express our strong opposition to the seven pieces of legislation being marked up on April 27th in the House Natural Resources Committee. Collectively these bills weaken the Endangered Species Act by eliminating vital protections

Coalition Supports Extending Funding for the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund

  April 17, 2023 Dear Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse and other Members of the Federal Lands Subcommittee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition write in support of extending funding for the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, as part of the Great American Outdoors Act, for at

Coalition Submits Statement for the Record To Senate Committee on Appropriations Regarding FY 2024 NPS Appropriations

  Statement for the Record Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies United States Senate FY 2024 Appropriations for the National Park Service, Department of the Interior April 10, 2023 Chairman Merkley, Ranking Member Murkowski, and members of

Coalition Joins Comments on Revised NPS Alaska Bear Hunting Rule

  March 27, 2023 Sarah Creachbaum Regional Director National Park Service Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Ave. Anchorage, AK 99501 Re: National Park Service Proposed Rule; RIN 1024-AE70 Dear Director Creachbaum: Trustees for Alaska submits these comments on behalf of the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, Alaska Wilderness League, Alaskans FOR Wildlife, Animal Legal Defense Fund,

The Coalition Supports Budget Priorities of Second Century Action Group

  Priorities for the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition for FY24 The National Park Service (NPS) needs the financial resources to ensure both domestic and international visitors have the experience they deserve. For more than a century, our national parks have remained America’s favorite places, important pieces of our natural and cultural heritage set

Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY 2024 Budget

  For release: March 9, 2023 Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY 2024 Budget Today, President Biden released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2024. The proposal calls for $3.8 billion to the National Park Service (NPS) budget, an increase from FY 2023. If enacted, this funding would help to address

Coalition Submits Comment on E.A. for Revisiting Sport Hunting and Trapping on National Preserves in Alaska

  March 8, 2023 Sarah Creachbaum, Regional Director National Park Service, Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Subject:  Environmental Assessment for Revisiting Sport Hunting and Trapping on National Preserves in Alaska Dear Regional Director Creachbaum: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).

Coalition Comments on Proposed Rule: Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves in Alaska

    March 8, 2023   Sarah Creachbaum, Regional Director National Park Service, Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501   Subject:  Proposed Rule: Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves in Alaska   Dear Regional Director Creachbaum:   I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National

Coalition Provides Additional Comments on Cumberland Island National Seashore Proposed Visitor Use Management Plan

  March 7, 2023 Superintendent Gary Ingram Cumberland Island National Seashore 101 Wheeler Street St. Marys, Georgia 31558 Dear Superintendent Ingram: On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Center for Biological Diversity, Georgia Audubon, Center for Sustainable Coast, Satilla Riverkeeper, and Ogeechee Riverkeeper, Southern Environmental Law Center writes

Coalition Joins Comments to Protect Japanese American Historic Sites from Renewable Energy Siting

Solar Energy PEIS Scoping Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20006 March 1, 2023 Dear BLM: Thank you for the opportunity to submit scoping comments relating to the solar and wind energy programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS). We support administrative decisions to protect the Minidoka National

Member Op-Ed: Checking In On America The Beautiful

  Checking In On America The Beautiful By Mike Murray, Chair of the Executive Council of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Two years ago, as part of our preparation for President Biden’s incoming administration, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks prepared a report that identified recommended changes in direction for our national

Coalition Joins Comments on NPS Workplace Issues and Employee Morale

March 1, 2023 The Honorable Charles F. Sams, III Director, National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Subject: NPS workplace issues and employee morale Dear Director Sams: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, the Association of National Park Rangers, and the National Parks Conservation Association recently formed a joint workgroup to

Coalition Speaks with NPT About Recreation.gov Fees

  Lawsuit Alleges Recreation.Gov Is Cluttered With “Junk Fees,” Seeks Millions In Refunds By Lori Sonken and Kurt Repanshek Recreation.gov, a national portal for accessing recreational activities on federal lands, is cluttered with unauthorized and possibly illegal “junk fees” that potentially generate hundreds of millions of dollars for a government contractor hired to operate the

Coalition Requests BLM Extend the Comment Period for the Lava Ridge Wind Project by 30 days

  February 13, 2023 Mr. Kasey Prestwich, Project Manager Shoshone Field Office Bureau of Land Management 400 W. F St. Shoshone, ID 83352 Subject: Lava Ridge Wind Project Comment Period Dear Mr. Prestwich: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). Our membership is comprised of over

Wilderness Battlefield Coalition letter to Planning Commission

  February 7, 2023  Orange County Planning Commission: Donald Brooks, Chair J. Jason Capelle, Vice Chair J. Bryan Nicol George Yancey Adam Bryington Re: REZ 22-03, Wilderness Crossing Dear Members of the Planning Commission: We are writing on behalf of the Wilderness Battlefield Coalition and of our thousands of members across Virginia and Orange County.

Coalition Comments on NPS National Long Range Transportation Plan

    February 2, 2023 Denver Service Center National Park Service (NPS) Planning, Design and Construction Management Office 12795 West Alameda Parkway Lakewood, CO 80228-2838 Subject: Comments on NPS National Long Range Transportation Plan Dear Denver Service Center: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). Our

New Report Details National Parks At Risk Due to Continued Oil and Gas Development on Adjacent Public Lands

New Report Details National Parks At Risk Due to Continued Oil and Gas Development on Adjacent Public Lands Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Warns that National Parks Face Imminent Risk WASHINGTON, DC – According to a new report from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, four national parks – Carlsbad Caverns, Chaco Culture,

Coalition Comments on Day Use Visitor Access Strategy for Rocky Mountain National Park

  January 31, 2023 Darla Sidles Superintendent Rocky Mountain National Park 1000 U.S. Highway 36 Estes Park, CO 80517 Subject: Comments on Day Use Visitor Access Strategy for Rocky Mountain National Park Dear Superintendent Sidles: We are writing to you on behalf of over 2,300 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition),

Coalition Signs on to Comments Regarding the Monument Management Plan for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument

January 27, 2023 Brittany Petersen Marine Monument Superintendent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA 01035  Re: Comments on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Intent to Prepare a Draft Monument Management Plan for the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument Dear Ms. Petersen, On

Coalition Comments on Visitor Access Management Plan for Yosemite National Park

  January 25, 2023 Cicely Muldoon Superintendent Post Office Box 577 Yosemite National Park, CA 95389 Subject: Comments on Visitor Access Management Plan for Yosemite National Park Dear Superintendent Muldoon: I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,300 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than

Coalition Comments on Visitor Access Management Plan for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

  January 24, 2023  Superintendent Clayton Jordan Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 47050 Generals Highway Three Rivers, CA 93271 Subject: Comments on Visitor Access Management Plan for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Dear Superintendent Jordan: I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,300 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National

Coalition Joins in Support of Virginia Senate Bill Prohibiting Construction of Industrial Data Centers Within One Mile of a National Park, State Park or other Historically Significant Site

January 19, 2023 Senate Committee on Local Government Senate Room 3, The Capitol 1000 Bank St Richmond, VA 23218 Dear Chair Lewis, and Senators Hanger, Stanley, Favola, DeSteph, Dunnavant, McPike, Howell, Spruill, Morrissey, Bell, Hashmi, Kiggans, Reeves, and Hackworth: We are writing to you today on behalf of the undersigned 18 environmental and historic preservation

Coalition Joins Scoping Comments on Upcoming WY Oil and Gas Lease Sale

AUDUBON ROCKIES * COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH * NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY * NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * POWDER RIVER BASIN RESOURCE COUNCIL * ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD * THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY * WYOMING OUTDOOR COUNCIL * WYOMING WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION January 19, 2023 Andrew Archuleta

NPT: Native American Alliance Wants More Say In Managing National Parks

Native American Alliance Wants More Say In Managing National Parks By Kurt Repanshek – January 18th, 2023 A Native American group wants to see Indigenous groups given more say in how national parks are managed and wants “sacred places within the parks” returned to the relevant Native American communities. A petition drive led by the

Coalition Comments on the Cumberland Island N.S. Visitor Use Management Plan

  Superintendent Gary Ingram Cumberland Island National Seashore 101 Wheeler Street St. Marys, Georgia 31558 Re: Cumberland Island National Seashore Proposed Visitor Use Management Plan Dear Superintendent Ingram: On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, Georgia Chapter Sierra Club, Georgia Audubon, Center

Coalition Joins Partners in Expressing Deep Concerns Over Proposed Leasing Plans for Clara Barton NHS

December 9, 2022 Dear Superintendent Charles Cuvelier: We are a group concerned with the future of the Clara Barton National Historic Site. Many of us are professional historians of the United States with considerable expertise in women’s history, public history, U.S. history from before the Civil War to its aftermath to the Progressive Era, the

Coalition Signs on In Support of Additional Funding for Disaster Relief in FY23 Appropriations Omnibus Bill

November 14th, 2022 RE: Include public lands disaster relief in the next FY23 funding vehicle Dear Senators and Representatives: We, the undersigned organizations, representing millions of Americans, are dismayed by the devastation this year’s natural disasters have caused to communities throughout the country and commend the bipartisan aid you have provided for their needs to

National Parks Traveler: News Roundup Looking At Air Tours, GAOA, And More

Is the National Park Service failing to adequately evaluate air tours over national parks, how is the Great American Outdoors Act performing in the National Park System, and continuing visitation issues in the parks are the topics that will be discussed in this coming Sunday’s podcast at the National Parks Traveler. Both the National Parks

Comments on the 2023-2028 Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and Draft EIS

    October 6, 2022 Ms. Kelly Hammerle Chief, National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 45600 Woodland Road Sterling, VA 20166 Re: Comments on the 2023-2028 Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Docket ID: BOEM-2022-0031) Ms. Hammerle: The Southern

Coalition Comments on Ongoing Use of Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle in Units of The National Park System

      October 6, 2022 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 Subject:  Ongoing use of toxic lead ammunition and fishing tackle in units of the National Park System Dear Assistant Secretary Estenoz: I am writing to you

Coalition Comments on Ruling Regarding Alaska Hunting Practices

  Oct. 3, 2022 District Court concludes that rule allowing destructive hunting practices on national preserves in Alaska is arbitrary, sends it back to agencies to revise A federal District Court in Alaska ruled on Sept. 30 that a National Park Service rule allowing hunting practices like baiting brown bears in national preserves in Alaska

Potential Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Alternatives for Mount Rushmore National Memorial

  October 3, 2022 Ms. Michelle Wheatley, Superintendent Mount Rushmore National Memorial 13000 Highway 244 Building 31, Suite 1 Keystone, SD 57751 Subject: Potential Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Alternatives for Mount Rushmore National Memorial Dear Superintendent Wheatley: I am writing on behalf of over 2,200 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who

Badlands National Park Air Tour Management Plan Potential Alternatives Newsletter

  October 3, 2022 Mr. Eric Veach, Superintendent Badlands National Park 25216 Ben Reifel Road Interior, SD 57750 Subject: Badlands National Park Air Tour Management Plan Potential Alternatives Newsletter Dear Superintendent Veach: First, welcome to the National Park Service as the new superintendent of Badlands National Park! We hope you will find working within the

Coalition and Partners Continue Fight Against Development Near Manassas National Battlefield Park

Senator Mark Warner Senator Tim Kaine Representative Don Beyer Representative Gerry Connolly Representative Abigail Spanberger Representative Jennifer Wexton Representative Rob Wittman September 20, 2022 Dear Virginia Senators and Northern Virginia Representatives, As many of you know, the proposed Prince William Digital Gateway (PWDG) is a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) in Prince William County to designate

Coalition Comments On Big Cypress National Preserve Supplemental Draft Backcountry Access Plan, Wilderness Study, and Environmental Impact Statement

  September 20, 2022 Mr. Tom Forsyth, Superintendent Big Cypress National Preserve 33100 Tamiami Trail East Ochopee , FL 34141 Subject: BICY Supplemental Draft Backcountry Access Plan/Wilderness Study/EIS Dear Superintendent Forsyth: I am writing on behalf of over 2,200 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than 45,000

Coalition Joins Support for NPF Reauthorization Act

September 19, 2022 Dear Members of the Senate Energy Natural Resources Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the National Park Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2022 and urge the committee to swiftly move the bill and ensure final passage. National parks unite our country as evidenced

Coalition Joins Support for Supplemental NPS Disaster Recovery Funding

September 19, 2022 Dear Senators Schumer, McConnell, Leahy and Shelby and Representatives Pelosi, McCarthy, DeLauro and Granger, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, urge inclusion of at least $1.7 billion in disaster relief for our national parks in the next FY23 spending bill. The extent of this year’s natural disasters

Coalition Speaks with NPT on NPS Tribal Co-stewardship Policy

  National Park Service Broadens Tribal Involvement In Stewardship Of Parks By Kurt Repanshek – September 14th, 2022 Editor’s note: This updates with comments from Professor Robert Keiter, the Wallace Stegner Professor of Law, University Distinguished Professor, and founding Director of the Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources, and the Environment at the University of

Coalition Supports Designation of Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument

Vet Voice Foundation P.O. Box 11559 Portland OR 97211 President Joseph R. Biden The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We are writing to urge you to use the powers granted to you under the Antiquities Act to designate the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument in Colorado. As you know, this request was

Coalition Sends Letter of Support for 1908 Springfield Race Riot Study

  September 2, 2022 Mr. Tokey Boswell Associate Regional Director Facilities, Planning, and Infrastructure National Park Service 601 Riverfront Drive Omaha, NE 68102 Subject: Special Resource Study for 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site Dear Mr. Boswell: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) is pleased to submit the following comments to the National Park

The Coalition Applauds and Supports the National Park Service System Plan

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks applauds and supports the National Park Service System Plan, and its findings. This report addresses many of the concerns expressed in This Land is Our Land; Restoring Our National Parks, a document the Coalition prepared for the Biden Administration as they transitioned into office. Our organization, as

Coalition Signs On To Support Secretary Deb Haaland issued Secretarial Order 3407 (single-use plastics)

August 25, 2022 Dear Secretary Haaland: Thank you for your bold leadership within the federal government to reduce harmful single-use plastics. We support your Secretarial Order (No. 3407), issued on World Oceans Day, which will phase out the procurement, sale, and distribution of single-use plastic products and packaging across the U.S. Department of the Interior

Coalition’s Comments to the DOI’s Law Enforcement Task Force

  July 28, 2020 United States Department of the Interior Office of the Secretary Law Enforcement Task Force 1849 C Street NW Washington DC 20240 Dear Members of the Secretary’s Law Enforcement Task Force: I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization comprised of more than 2,200

Coalition Supports Cesar Chavez National Historic Park

June 2022 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Alex Padilla United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Raul Ruiz United States Congress Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senators Padilla and Feinstein and Congressman Ruiz: Thank you for your commitment to honoring the visibility of our diverse American history in

Coalition Comments on Fire Island National Seashore Off Road Vehicle Civic Engagement Newsletter

  May 19, 2022 Superintendent Alexcy Romero Fire Island National Seashore 120 Laurel Street Patchogue, New York 11772 Subject: Comments on Fire Island National Seashore Off Road Vehicle Civic Engagement Newsletter Dear Superintendent Romero: I am writing on behalf of over 2,200 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent

NPT: The National Park System’s Crippling Maintenance Backlog

  National Parks Traveler Episode 170 The National Park System’s Crippling Maintenance Backlog By Kurt Repanshek – May 15th, 2022 In today’s podcast, we’re looking out across the National Park System, and at the National Park Service, in advance of the Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional launch to summer, to explore how things are on

Coalition Comments on NPS Deferred Maintenance

UPDATE | National Park System’s Deferred Maintenance Bill Nearly $22 Billion By Kurt Repanshek – May 9th, 2022 Editor’s note: This updates with reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. In the roughly three years since the National Park Service under the Trump administration decided it wasn’t helpful to announce the dollar amount

Coalition Works With House Committee On Housing Legislation

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks worked closely with the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, & Public Lands, to develop appropriate language for a bill that authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into partnerships to develop housing, and for other purposes. This bill amends existing park

Over 300 Coalition Members Sign On in Support of National Monuments

              April 19, 2022 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden President of the United States The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of the Interior The Honorable Brenda Mallory Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality Dear President Biden, Secretary Haaland, and Chair Mallory: We are writing on behalf of over 2,100

Coalition Applauds Congresswoman Escobar’s Letter of Support for Castner Range

  Release Date: April 5, 2022 Media Contact: Emily Thompson Coalition Applauds Congresswoman Escobar’s Letter of Support for Castner Range Following Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland’s visit to Castner Range, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar sent a letter to President Biden requesting he use the Antiquities Act to designate Castner Range a national monument. “We thank

Coalition Speaks with NPT About Funding for Cultural and Historic Parks

  Funding Lags for Historic, Cultural Parks Compared to Large, Popular Parks By Lori Sonken James Van Evers remembers sitting on bunkbeds, chewing bubble gum cigars his father gave him, and riding Heidi, the German Shepherd, in the backyard, but that’s about all he recalls from his childhood home in Jackson, Mississippi. His family moved

Coalition Submits Comments on Air Tour Management Alternatives for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

  March 28, 2022 Ms. Rhonda Loh, Superintendent Hawaii Volcanoes National Park P.O. Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 Subject: Potential Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Alternatives for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Dear Superintendent Loh: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who

Coalition Sends Letter Regarding GRCA Backcountry Permit Fees

            March 10, 2022 Mr. Edward Keable, Superintendent Grand Canyon National Park PO Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ  86023 Dear Superintendent Keable: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than 40,000 years of national park

Coalition Comments – Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail Revised Environmental Assessment.

            March 9, 2022 Mr. Alan Sumeriski Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN  37738 Subject:  Comments on Revised Environmental Assessment for Proposed Wears Valley Mountain Bike Trail System Dear Acting Superintendent Sumeriski: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition

Coalition Submits Comments on Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Plan

  March 4, 2022 Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Plan Superintendent 1300 Cruz Bay Creek St. John, VI 00830 Re: Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Plan Newsletter comments Dear Superintendent Fields: We are writing on behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and its 1.6 million members and supporters nationwide, and the Coalition to

Coalition Submits Comments on Visitor Experience and Improvement Authority Proposed Rule

              March 1, 2022 Commercial Services Program National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Mail Stop 2410, Attn: VEIA Rule Comments Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 1024-AE47 Dear NPS Commercial Services Program: I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition

Coalition Joins Sign On Commending GAOA Hearing

  February 8, 2022 Dear Chairman King, Ranking Member Daines and Members of the Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition (Coalition), thank the Subcommittee on National Parks for hosting the important upcoming hearing on the Great American Outdoors Act. We commend the historic bipartisan support for this bill and

Coalition Praises Bennet’s Push to Pass Amache Legislation

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, February 7, 2022 CONTACT: Emily Thompson | Em************@********ps.org Former NPS Employees & Leaders Praise Sen. Bennet for Pushing Legislation to Add Amache National Historic Site to the National Park System Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Urges Swift Senate Passage of Legislation Statement from the Coalition to Protect America’s National

NPT: Room To Grow? For Parks In The Eastern US, More Than You Realize

  As the first major step towards reaching its goal to “conserve, connect, and restore” 30 percent of the nation’s land and water by 2030, the Biden administration released its “America the Beautiful” report in 2021, laying out the broad principles guiding the effort, but lacking specific details on which lands, exactly, need to be

Coalition Submits Comments on Ironman Race Permit Request at Blue Ridge Parkway

  January 29, 2022 Ms. Tracy Swartout, Superintendent Blue Ridge Parkway 199 Hemphill Knob Rd Asheville, NC 28803 Dear Superintendent Swartout: I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,100 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 Expresses Strong Concern Over Potential Development Near Manassas National Battlefield Park

    January 25, 2022 Chair Wheeler and Members of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, I am writing you today on behalf of the Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks, a non-profit organization composed of more than 2,100 retired, former and current employees of the National Park Service (NPS), who collectively have over

Coalition Joins Call Urging Passage of Final FY 22 Appropriations Bills

  January 24, 2022 Dear Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Shelby, Chairwoman DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, urge passage of final Fiscal Year 2022 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills to address significant park understaffing and related operational

Coalition Joins Request for Pre-Decisional Referral for Historic Jamestown Transmission Lines Project

January 19, 2022 Charles F. Sams III Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: NAO-2012-00080 Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Proposal Request for Pre-Decisional Referral to CEQ Dear Director Sams: Congratulations on your appointment as the Director of the National Park Service. We look forward to working with you. We, the undersigned, urge