September 22, 2023 Dear Members of Congress, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, and friends of the coalition write to express our strong support for a continuing resolution to keep our government open until Congress can pass Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) spending bills that invest in our parks, forests and
Coalition Comments on Point Reyes National Seashore Tomales Point Area Plan
September 21, 2023 Craig Kenkel Superintendent 1 Bear Valley Road Point Reyes National Seashore Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 Subject: Comments on Scoping for Tomales Point Area Plan Dear Superintendent Kenkel: I am writing on behalf of over 2,500 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than
Coalition Comments on IG Review of NPS Maintenance Backlog
IG Report: National Park Service Can’t Effectively Manage Maintenance Backlog ByKurt Repanshek September 20th, 2023 The National Park Service can’t successfully manage its multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlog “due to inaccurate and unreliable data” that has made it impossible to accurately state the cost of the backlog, according to the Interior Department’s Inspector General, though the
Coalition Comments on Yosemite Visitor Access Management Plan
September 6, 2023 Cicely Muldoon Superintendent P.O. 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 2,500 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), who collectively represent more than 45,000
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
August 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 AK Native survivors of Minidoka, and descendants of survivors, who were wrongfully incarcerated during World War II. We respectfully ask you to protect
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, Emily_Thompson@protectnps.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, Emily_Thompson@protectnps.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 Emily_Thompson@protectnps.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
Coalition Shares Comments on Debt Ceiling Legislation
Debt Ceiling Agreement Stands To Be Damaging To National Park Service By Kurt Repanshek – June 1st, 2023 Proposed legislation to lift the nation’s debt ceiling stands to be damaging to the National Park Service if passed in its current form, according to a budget analyst for the National Parks Conservation Association. The agreement
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, Emily_Thompson@protectnps.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 Comments on Framing the National Nature Assessment
March 3, 2023 Dr. Chris Avery Chief of Staff U.S. Global Change Research Program 1800 G Street, NW Suite 9100 Washington, DC 20006 Subject: Comments on Framing the National Nature Assessment Dear Dr. Avery: I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, which represents over 2,300 current, former, and
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
NPT: Top Stories Across the Park System in 2022
When unprecedented flooding roars through a national park, shredding major roads that access that park, it rightfully could be pointed to as the top story in the National Park System. And while Yellowstone National Park was that park, not only the flooding, but the lack of human casualties and rapid recovery, rank that story
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
Member Op-Ed: Yes, please stop building on the Mall
Washington Post OpEd November 11, 2022 I agree with Philip Kennicott’s Nov. 7 front-page Critic’s Notebook essay, “Stop building museums on the National Mall. Extend it.” When Congress established the Reserve — national park land on the cross-axis of the National Mall from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and the White House to the
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, 2002 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 Comments on Low Workplace Satisfaction of NPS Employees
National Park Service Continues To Languish In “Best Places To Work” Survey By Kurt Repanshek – July 15th, 2022 National Park Service employees are not convinced the agency is succeeding with its mission, according to the latest Best Places To Work In The Federal Government rankings. The Park Service stood 406th out of 427
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 and Public Lands Conservancy Comment on Tomales Point Area Plan
May 5, 2022 Tomales Point Area Plan Superintendent Point Reyes National Seashore 1 Bear Valley Road Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 To Whom It May Concern: We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Tomales Point Area Plan (TPAP). Tomales Point is an area that has remarkable wilderness qualities. The area is also highly
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
Member Op-Ed: National Parks Can’t Keep Doing More With Less
Letter: National Parks Can’t Keep Doing More With Less by Opinion Contributor February 28, 2022 Sen. Angus King is pushing for additional national parks staffing, and I couldn’t agree more. For too long national parks have been asked to do more with less. Attendance hit new records at national parks across the country
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 | Emily_Thompson@protectnps.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
Coalition Joins Call to Delay Community Meetings Over Proposed Data Center Near Manassas Battlefield
Chair Ann Wheeler Supervisor Victor S. Angry Supervisor Jeanine Lawson Supervisor Yesli Vega Supervisor Pete Candland Supervisor Kenny A. Boddye Supervisor Andrea O. Bailey Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin January 13, 2022 Dear Chair Wheeler, and Supervisors Angry, Lawson, Vega, Candland, Boddye, Bailey, and Franklin: We, the below signers, write to you today to urge
Former Coalition Chair Comments on Funding Imbalance and the Parks
NPT Editor’s note: Without adequate funding, you can’t quickly repair your leaking roof, or hire enough employees to meet your customers’ needs and demands. At the National Park Service, the lack of adequate funding across the board threatens the agency’s mission, landing the issue of park funding on National Parks Traveler’s 3rd Annual Threatened and
Coalition Comments on America the Beautiful Progress Report
Today, the Biden Administration released their America the Beautiful progress report, which provides updates on the progress and accomplishments of meeting our first-ever national conservation goal – and ensuring all Americans have access to the outdoors – by conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to
Coalition Sends Welcome to Director Sams in the Tradition of the Lane Letter
December 17, 2021 Mr. Chuck Sams, Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Director Sams: Congratulations on your confirmation as the 19th director of the National Park Service – arguably our nation’s most popular federal agency! You join a long and honored line of directors of the National Park
Opening Brief Filed In NPS Hunting Rule Litigation
For decades, the National Park Service (Service) consistently declared that it must manage the National Park System in Alaska primarily for conservation, and that Congress’ allowance of sport hunting on National Preserves (Preserves) did not alter that conservation mandate. The Service codified that position in 2015, adopting regulations that barred predator reduction efforts as well
Coalition Joins Comments Regarding Migratory Bird Treaty Act
BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS–HQ–MB–2021-0105 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: PRB/3W 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 Re: Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2021-0105; Migratory Bird Permits; Authorizing the Incidental Take of Migratory Birds Please accept the following comments submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center (“SELC”) on behalf of
Coalition Joins Comments On Threat To Minidoka National Historic Site
November 24, 2021 Commissioners California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 Submitted via email to: ESJActionPlan@cpuc.ca.gov Attention: Monica Palmeira, Analyst – Environmental & Social Justice Action Plan Dear Commissioners: On behalf of Japanese American, Asian American Pacific Islander and partner organizations, we write to express our support for
Member Oped: Sams the Right Man for Our National Parks
Guest Opinion: Sams the right man for our National Parks Jim Hammett The National Park Service has a morale problem. The agency has been underfunded for decades and the previous administration politicized the mission of the NPS, turning employees into political pawns in the process. Now, the NPS is dealing with record-breaking crowds
NPT Episode 141: Is Charles Sams The Next National Park Service Director?
By Kurt Repanshek – October 24th, 2021 We are on the cusp of having the first Senate-confirmed director of the National Park Service since Jonathan Jarvis retired at the end of the Obama administration in January 2017. Since then there’s been a revolving cast of individuals serving as acting director. But now the Biden Administration
Ticket to paradise? Crowded national parks try reservations, fees
By Rob Hotakainen | 10/04/2021 11:59 AM EST Mount Desert Island, MAINE — With tickets selling out in seconds every day, Herb Cohen figured he was lucky to get a reservation that allowed him to park his car just steps from the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park — the coveted
Comments on Indiana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
October 1, 2021 Via electronic mail Jean Boling Senior Environmental Engineer Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, Air Programs Branch 100 North Senate Avenue, MC 61-53 IGCN 1003 Indianapolis, IN 46204-2251 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for Indiana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear
Comments on Arches National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
October 1, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Arches National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership
Comments on Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management
October 1, 2021 Mr. Patrick Suddath, Superintendent Bandelier National Monument 15 Entrance RD Los Alamos, NM 87544 Subject: Comments on Bandelier National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Suddath: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former,
Comments on Natural Bridges National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Natural Bridges National Monument Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership
Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Jim Ireland, Superintendent Bryce Canyon National Park P.O. Box 640201 Bryce, UT 84764 Subject: Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Ireland: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised
Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Pete Webster, Acting Superintendent Glacier National Park PO Box 128 West Glacier, MT 59936 Subject: Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Acting Superintendent Webster: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of
Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Cassius Cash, Superintendent Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Subject: Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised
Coalition Signs On in Support of Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act
September 29, 2021 Dear Representative, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, particularly the significant investments for national parks through investments in the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) and Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Project
Coalition Supports Local Vision for Alabama Black Belt NHA
September 30, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Dear Ms. Estenoz: Thank you again for meeting with us on Tuesday, September 28. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss several important issues and concerns with
Member Op-Ed: Protect national parks before they reach their breaking point
National Parks are at their breaking point. You’ve seen the images; visitors lined up to hike at Zion National Park, heavy traffic at Yellowstone National Park and big crowds in Arches National Park. Although our COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb, visitors are still flocking to national parks. Collectively, we have spent over 70 years
Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 28, 2021 Mike Reynolds, Superintendent Death Valley National Park P.O. Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328 Subject: Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Reynolds: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members
Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 27, 2021 Ms. Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent Olympic National Park 600 E. Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98362 Subject: Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Creachbaum: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition
Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 26, 2021 Mr. Greg Dudgeon, Superintendent Mount Rainier National Park 55210 238th Avenue East Ashford, WA 98304 Subject: Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition
Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 25, 2021 Pedro Ramos, Superintendent Everglades National Park 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034-6733 Subject: Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Ramos: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the
NPS Director Nominee Announced
Release Date: August 18, 2021 NPS Director Nominee Announced Today, the White House announced that President Biden plans to nominate Charles Sams to serve as the Director of the National Park Service. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, says this announcement is long overdue. “For the first time in
Coalition Concern Over Air Tour Management Plans
August 16, 2021 Mr. Shawn Benge, Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plans referred to in Federal Register on July 29, 2021; Document Citation: 86 FR 40897 Document Number: 2021-16182 Dear Acting Director Benge: We are writing to you on behalf