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 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 BLM’s Proposed Rule on Fluid Mineral Leases and the Leasing Process
September 13, 2023 Ms. Tracy Stone-Manning Director, Bureau of Land Management 1849 C St. NW, Room 5646 Washington, DC 20240 Attention: 1004–AE80 Subject: BLM Proposed Rule on Fluid Minerals Leases and Leasing Process, RIN 1004–AE78 Dear Director Stone-Manning: I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit
Coalition Comments Comments on the BLM Nevada 2023 Fourth Quarter Oil and Gas Competitive Lease Sale Draft E.A. and Finding of No Significant Impact
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH UNITED STATES * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * NEVADA WILDLIFE FEDERATION * ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD September 7, 2023 Jon Raby State Director Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Contacts: Melissa Jennings Bureau of Land Management Scott Distel Bureau of Land Management Eugene
Coalition and Others Voice Concerns about Transmission Line Project near Jamestown
August 29, 2023 The Honorable Tommy Beaudreau Deputy Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 RE: Army Corps of Engineers NAO-2012-0080 Dominion Energy Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Proposal Dear Deputy Secretary Beaudreau: We are writing on behalf of the undersigned organizations to express our ongoing concerns about the Army Corps-managed environmental
Coalition Joins Comments on Endangered Species Act Regulatory Revisions
August 21, 2023 Public Comments Processing Attn: FWS–HQ–ES–2021–0104 Attn: FWS–HQ–ES–2021–0107 Attn: FWS–HQ–ES–2023–0018 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: PRB (JAO/3W) 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041–3803 Re: Comments on Endangered Species Act Regulatory Revisions – Dockets FWS–HQ– ES–2021–0104; FWS–HQ–ES–2021–0107; FWS–HQ–ES–2023–0018 The Southern Environmental Law Center (“SELC”) submits the following comments on revisions proposed
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 Celebrates the Designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
Release Date: August 8, 2023 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Emily_Thompson@protectnps.org Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Celebrates the Designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument Today, President Biden used his authority under the Antiquities Act designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand
Coalition Signs on in Opposition to U.S. House of Representatives FY 24 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
July 18, 2023 Dear Chairwoman Granger, 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 2024 (FY24) Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The bill cuts the National Park Service (NPS) budget by $436
Coalition Praises Biden Administration for Hosting Public Meeting Advancing Creation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni N.M.
Coalition Praises Biden Administration for Hosting Public Meeting Advancing Creation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument Mike Murray, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement on the public meeting held by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service in Flagstaff, Arizona, to hear from the
Coalition Joins Over 125 Groups in Call for BLM to Conserve Freshwater Resources as Part of the Public Lands Rule
July 5, 2023 Director Tracy Stone-Manning Bureau of Land Management U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW, Room 5646 Washington, DC 20240 Attention: 1004–AE92 Director Stone-Manning, The undersigned organizations value watershed health, clean water, and healthy streams and rivers and are writing in support of the Conservation and Landscape Health rulemaking. As the
Coalition Supports Phase-Out of Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle on National Wildlife Refuges
June 27, 2023 Subject: Groups Support Phase-Out of Lead Ammunition and Fishing Tackle on National Wildlife Refuges, Urge Opposition to H.R. 615 and S.1185 Dear Representative, We the undersigned organizations are writing in support of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) decision to not allow lead on newly opened National Wildlife Refuge hunting lands
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.
Coalition Comments Comments on the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management 2023 Fourth Quarter Oil and Gas Lease Sale Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH * NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * POWDER RIVER BASIN RESOURCE COUNCIL * ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD * WYOMING OUTDOOR COUNCIL * WYOMING WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION June 20, 2023 Andrew Archuleta State Director Wyoming Bureau of Land Management
Coalition Comments On BLM Proposed Rule on Conservation and Landscape Health
June 16, 2023 Ms. Tracy Stone-Manning Director, Bureau of Land Management 1849 C St. NW, Room 5646 Washington, DC 20240, Attention: 1004–AE92 Subject: BLM Proposed Rule on Conservation and Landscape Health Dear Director Stone-Manning: I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization whose membership is
Support the BLM’s Proposed Public Lands Rule
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 240 million acres – more than 40% – of all US public lands. The BLM’s mission is to manage public lands for multiple uses, including conservation. But for decades, the agency has largely focused on resource extraction (such as oil and gas development) and other uses rather
Coalition Comments On Air Tour Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Mount Rushmore National Memorial
June 14, 2023 Ms. Michelle Wheatley, Superintendent Mount Rushmore National Memorial 13000 Highway 244 Building 31, Suite 1 Keystone, SD 57751 Subject: Proposed Air Tour Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Mount Rushmore National Memorial Dear Superintendent Wheatley: I am writing on behalf of over 2,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition),
Coalition Comments On Haleakalā National Park Air Tour Management Plan
June 13, 2023 Ms. Natalie Gates, Superintendent Haleakalā National Park PO Box 369 Makawao, HI 96768 Subject: Air Tour Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Haleakalā National Park Dear Superintendent Gates: I am writing on behalf of over 2,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), all
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
Organizations Oppose S.1185, Support Sportspeople-Led Conservation and Secretarial Land Stewardship
The Honorable Senator United States Senate 118th Congress 15 May, 2023 Subject: Organizations Oppose S.1185, Support Sportspeople-Led Conservation and Secretarial Land Stewardship Dear Senator, The undersigned conservation groups are writing in staunch opposition to S.1185 – Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023. S.1185 would prohibit the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture from
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 Members Reflect on Hidden Park Gems
National Parks Traveler Podcast Episode 225 | Hidden National Park Gems By Jess Repanshek – June 4th, 2023 It’s summer. Not officially, but close enough. Many schools have already taken the next few months off, others will soon join the summer break. Summer for many is the peak travel time. Parks are a great
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
Coalition Joins Organizations with Significant Concerns Over I-15 Wildlife Crossings Trailer Bill
May 31, 2023 The Honorable Laura Friedman, Chair Assembly Transportation Committee 1020 N Street Room 112 Sacramento, California 95814 Re: Administration’s “Direct Contracting Public-Private Partnership Authority I-15 Wildlife Crossings” Trailer Bill – Significant Concerns and Request for Amendments Dear Chair Friedman: We write regarding the Administration’s Direct Contracting Public-Private Partnership Authority I-15 Wildlife Crossings
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 Thanks Secretary Haaland for Visit to Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Thanks Secretary Haaland for Visit to Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Earlier today, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, a proposed national monument of 1.1 million acres with cultural connections to at least 12 Tribes and Nations. This Indigenous-led proposal dates back decades to numerous efforts to
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
Coalition Signs Protest for WY BLM Oil and Gas Lease Parcels
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY AUDUBON ROCKIES (WY, CO, UT) * COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH * NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * WILD MONTANA * WYOMING OUTDOOR COUNCIL * WYOMING WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION May 1, 2023 BLM Wyoming State Office Attention: Andrew Archuleta, State Director 5353 Yellowstone Road
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 Submits Comments to BLM Regarding the Lava Ridge Wind Project EIS
April 12, 2023 Lava Ridge Wind Project EIS BLM Shoshone Field Office Attention: Kasey Prestwich 400 West F Street Shoshone, ID 83352 Subject: Lava Ridge Wind Project Draft EIS Comments Dear Mr. Prestwich: I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, which represents over 2,400 current, former, and retired
Coalition Supports Creation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument
Release Date: April 11, 2023 Media Contact: Emily Thompson Emily_Thompson@protectnps.org Coalition Supports Creation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument Today, members of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, with House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), held a virtual press conference to urge
Coalition Comments on the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management Oil and Gas Lease Sale Draft Environmental Assessment
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY AUDUBON ROCKIES (WY, CO, UT) * COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH * NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * POWDER RIVER BASIN RESOURCE COUNCIL * ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD * WYOMING OUTDOOR COUNCIL April 10, 2023 SUBMITTED VIA E-PLANNING Andrew Archuleta State Director Wyoming Bureau
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 Issues Statement on Public Lands Rule
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed new regulations that would advance their mission to manage public lands for multiple use and sustained yield by prioritizing the health and resilience of ecosystems across those lands.The Department of the Interior said in a statement that the proposed Public Lands Rule provides tools for the BLM to improve
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,
National Park Air Tour Management Plans In California Challenged In Court
National Park Air Tour Management Plans In California Challenged In Court By NPT Staff – March 21st, 2023 In the ongoing trend of air tour management plans for national parks being called shoddy and insufficient in their crafting, a lawsuit has been filed challenging tour plans for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Point Reyes National
Coalition Celebrates New National Monument Designations
Release Date: March 21, 2023 Coalition Celebrates New National Monument Designations Today, President Biden used his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Southern Nevada and the Castner Range National Monument in West Texas. Mike Murray, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued this
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 for the Record Concerning FY 2024 NPS Appropriations
Statement for the Record Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations United States House of Representatives FY 2024 Appropriations for the National Park Service, Department of the Interior March 17, 2023 Chairman Simpson, Ranking Member Pingree, and
Coalition Joins Over 40 Organizations in Opposition to H.R. 1335: Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act
March 9, 2023 Re: House National Resources Committee Markup on H.R. 1335 Dear Chairman Westerman, Ranking Member Grijalva, and members of the House Natural Resources Committee, On behalf of more than 40 organizations and our millions of members and supporters, we write to you to express our strenuous opposition to H.R. 1335: Transparency, Accountability, Permitting,
Coalition Comments on Bureau of Land Management Idaho Renewable Energy Strategy
March 10, 2023 Bureau of Land Management Idaho State Office 1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise, Idaho 83709 Subject: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Renewable Energy Strategy Dear Idaho State Office: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). Our membership is comprised entirely of National
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 Signs on to Recommendations of the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program
February 27, 2023 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, D.C. 20240 RE: Recommendations for the Rulemaking to Revise Existing Regulations for the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program Dear Secretary Haaland: Thank you for your leadership in recently issuing guidance on the important federal onshore oil and
Reform the Federal Oil and Gas Program
February 23, 2023 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of Interior Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, We are writing on behalf of over 2,300 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, and
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 Comments on BLM’s Proposed Programmatic EIS for Solar Energy Development
February 16, 2023 Bureau of Land Management Solar Energy PEIS Scoping 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Dear Solar Energy Scoping Team: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). Our membership is comprised entirely of National Park Service (NPS) retirees, former and current employees,
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
Coalition Joins Scoping Comments on Parcels for the BLM Montana-Dakotas June 2023 Oil and Gas Lease Sale
THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD * SIERRA CLUB * THE MONTANA WILDLIFE FEDERATION * WILD MONTANA February 9, 2023 Sonya Germann State Director Bureau of Land Management, Montana/Dakotas Project Contacts: Tessa Wallace Bureau of Land Management Christine
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
Inside the Fight to Fly Over National Parks
Inside the Fight to Fly Over National Parks Saturday, January 14, 2023 The race is on to get the government to curtail flight tours critics say are disruptive and risky. Daniel Modlin Bryce Canyon National Park in southwestern Utah is renowned for its hoodoos, thin spire-like rock formations that etch their way out of the
Coalition Talks Climate Change and National Parks with NPT
Climate Change’s Grip On The National Parks By Kurt Repanshek Water, the universal solvent, is eroding parts of the National Park System. It is slowly overcoming Cape Hatteras National Seashore and has done significant damage to Yellowstone and Death Valley national parks, as well as Mojave National Preserve and Vicksburg National Military Park.
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 Celebrates Passage of National Heritage Area Act
Date: 12.22.22 Contact: Emily Thompson Today, the National Heritage Area Act (S. 1942) passed the House with a remarkable level of bi-partisan support. The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday. It now heads to President Biden’s desk for signature. Mike Murray, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement
Coalition Statement on FY2023 Omnibus Funding Bill
Date: 12.21.22 Contact: Emily Thompson Congress has introduced an omnibus funding bill for fiscal year 2023, which calls for a much-needed increase of more than $210 million to the National Park Service (NPS). The bill also includes $1.5 billion in critically needed supplemental disaster funding for parks across the country still dealing with the
Coalition EC Member Talks Climate Change and the Gullah Geechee Corridor
Vanishing land: Climate change displaces Black families along Gullah-Geechee corridor By Melba Newsome Special to The Post and Courier Nov 26, 2022 Editor’s note: This story is supported by grants from the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting’s Connected Coastlines Climate Reporting initiative and Internews’ Earth Journalism Network. PINEY GROVE, N.C. — Connie McCoy has
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 Speaks with Citizen Times About ATMP Concerns at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National Park Service finalizes air tour management plan for Smokies; group has concerns Ryan Oehrli Asheville Citizen Times The National Park Service announced Dec. 7 in a news release that it has completed its plan, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, to preserve “wilderness character” in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but a
Coalition Applauds President Biden’s Pledge to Protect Avi Kwa Ame
Release Date: November 30, 2022 Coalition Applauds President Biden’s Pledge to Protect Avi Kwa Ame Today, President Biden pledged to protect Avi Kwa Ame at the Tribal Nations Summit, a commitment which takes the culturally and naturally significant landscape one step closer to a national monument designation. Mike Murray, Chair of the Coalition to Protect
Member Op-Ed: Congress should pass the CORE Act now
Nov 27, 2022 By BRUCE NOBLE So the election is over and the dust is beginning to settle. And yet so much remains unclear. For example, what will happen to the long-suffering CORE Act? Also of critical importance, what if the CORE Act fails to pass by the time this session of Congress ends
Coalition Continues to Take Action on Transmission Line Project Near Jamestown
November 23, 2022 Michael Connor Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 441 G Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20314 RE: NAO-2012-0080 Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Proposal Meeting Request Dear Assistant Secretary Connor: We, the undersigned groups with special expertise on this matter, continue to have significant concerns about the Army Corps-managed environmental
NPT: NPS Must Take A Closer Look At Air Tours
Traveler’s View: NPS Must Take A Closer Look At Air Tours By Kurt Repanshek – November 21st, 2022 The National Park Service needs to do environmental studies on air tours/NPS file It’s not an understatement that the National Park Service frequently, if not continually, struggles with its original mandate: to conserve park resources and
Coalition Signs on In Support of Protection for Mature Forests
To: The Honorable John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Cc: The Honorable Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President & National Climate Advisor The Honorable John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation The Honorable Tom Vilsack, United States Secretary of Agriculture The Honorable Deb Haaland, United States Secretary
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
Coalition Supports Reform to the Antiquated Federal Oil and Gas Leasing System
November 16, 2022 U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St., NW Washington, D.C. 20240 RE: Initiating a Rulemaking to Reform the Federal Oil and Gas Leasing System To the Honorable Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland: The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management recently announced plans to offer more than 260,000 acres
Coalition Members Sign On In Support of the Antiquities Act
November 15, 2022 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, We are writing on behalf of over 2,200 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS).
Coalition Joins Comments In Support of Guidance to Disallow Renewable Energy Tax Credits Near Japanese American Incarceration Sites
November 4, 2022 Notice 2022-49 — Certain Energy Generation Incentives Comments Submitted electronically via Federal eRulemaking Portal (www.regulations.gov) Internal Revenue Service U.S Department of Treasury P.O. Box 7604 Washington, DC 20044 Dear Internal Revenue Service: On behalf of our 20 respective organizations and 21 local and regional chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League, we
Bears Ears National Monument Monument Management Plan Scoping Comments October 2022
Grand Canyon Trust – Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance – The Wilderness Society – Western Watersheds Project – National Parks Conservation Association – Center for Biological Diversity – Conservation Lands Foundation – WildEarth Guardians – Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks – Wildlands Network – Natural Resources Defense Council Bears Ears National Monument Monument Management Plan
Coalition Signs Letter Opposing the Prince William Digital Gateway
October 31, 2022 Prince William County Board of Supervisors 1 County Complex Ct. Prince William, VA 22192 Dear Chair Ann Wheeler and Members of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors: We, the undersigned thirty (30) organizations, write to you today regarding Comprehensive Plan Amendment #CPA2021-00004, the PW Digital Gateway. On behalf of our millions
Coalition Joins Request for Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton James River Transmission Line Pre-decisional Referral
Dear Deputy Secretary Beaudreau: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Cultural Heritage Partners, Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, the National Parks Conservation Association, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Preservation Virginia have requested that the U.S. Department of Interior and the National Park Service file a pre-decisional referral to the Council on
What is the Antiquities Act?
This week, President Biden used his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. This new monument will protect the stories and experiences of the U.S. Army’s famed 10th Mountain Division, who trained at Camp Hale and distinguished themselves in combat during World War II. It will also help to
Coalition Celebrates Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument Designation
October 12, 2022 Coalition Celebrates Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument Designation Today, President Biden used his power under the Antiquities Act to create the Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument. The site, located in Colorado, protects a World War II-era military training ground, as well as striking landscapes and wildlife habitat along the Continental Divide
Coalition Joins E-bike Letter Sent to Secretary Haaland
American Hiking Society, Back Country Horsemen of America, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, California Wilderness Coalition, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Colorado Mountain Club, Colorado Wildlands Project, Conservation Lands Foundation, Conservation Northwest, Environmental Action Committee of West Marin, Friends of the Bitterroot, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, High Country Conservation Advocates, Idaho Conservation League, Keep
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 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 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 Comments on Dominion Energy’s James River Project
September 12, 2022 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC 20240 Subject: NAO-2012-00080, Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Project, James River Transmission Line Dear Assistant Secretary Estenoz: We are writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Cultural Heritage Partners, Duke Environmental
Coalition Thanks Secretary Haaland for Visit to Avi Kwa Ame
Release Date: September 7, 2022 Contact: Emily Thompson Coalition Thanks Secretary Haaland for Visit to Avi Kwa Ame Earlier today, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited Avi Kwa Ame in Nevada to meet with Tribal and local community members about the sacred landscape. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks has joined Tribal and local
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 Joins Call to Protect Old-Growth Forests
Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Haaland, We are writing on behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country to comment specifically on how you should define—and manage— mature and old-growth trees and forests to provide the greatest climate, biodiversity, and drinking water benefits for the United States. President Biden correctly identified these forests
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
Advocacy Actions Update: Spaceport Camden and Mt. Rushmore Fireworks
Spaceport Camden In 2021, the Coalition and its partners were active in expressing concerns with efforts of the Camden County, Ga., government to purchase and build a spaceport on a large industrial site owned by Union Carbide Corporation. The County had signed a contract to purchase the land; however, the National Park Service and
Coalition Celebrates Final Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Celebrates Final Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act “Climate change is the greatest threat facing America’s national parks,” said Michael Murray, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “The Inflation Reduction Act (Act) will provide an historic investment in our country’s response to that threat, and
Op-Ed: Our National Parks Still Need Fixing
Our National Parks Still Need Fixing By Theresa Pierno and Michael Murray, opinion contributors – 08/07/22 Two years ago, we witnessed a historic moment for our national parks with the passage of the Great American Outdoors Act — the biggest investment our country has made in our parks in more than 50 years. Even during
Find the best National Park to sleep under the stars!
Sleep under the stars Monday for Global Sleep Under the Stars Day. Linda Mazzu, former Superintendent of Bryce Canyon National Park, helped Bryce to achieve “dark sky’ status and explains it to FOX Weather and tells us the best places to sleep under stars.
Celebrate the Great American Outdoors Act
July 27, 2022 Dear Senator, Two years ago on August 4th, the Great American Outdoors Act, one of the most historic pieces of legislation passed for national parks and public lands, became law. This victory would not have happened without your steadfast leadership. We hope to celebrate this major achievement with you next Thursday.
New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Federal Oil and Gas Reform to Protect Cultural Landscapes Surrounding National Parks
July 28, 2022 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, Archaeology Southwest and The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP) released a report on the threats oil and gas development pose to ancestral homelands and sacred sites of Tribes within and adjacent to national parks in the United States. The report looks at five national parks
Member Op-Ed: Yosemite’s sequoias survived the latest wildfire. Not all national parks will be so lucky.
OPINION – Posted to the LA Times July 25, 2022 BY MARK BUTLER Watching these past weeks as firefighters battled to stop wildfire from spreading into Yosemite National Park’s famous Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia trees was an urgent reminder of the large-scale threat climate change poses to our national parks. Unfortunately, fires like
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 Nevada’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
July 25, 2022 Andrew Tucker Nevada Division of Environmental Protection 901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 4001 Carson City, NV 8970 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Comments on the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Planning Period Dear Mr. Tucker: National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club and Coalition to
Coalition Comments On Hawaii Draft Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
Hawaii has two Class I areas, Haleakalā National Park on Maui Island and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island. DOH-CAB evaluated the following four sources, and proposed the following actions: Based on NPCA’s research, we know these sources contribute to visibility impairment at Hawaii’s Class I areas. As discussed below, we urge DOH-CAB to
Coalition Comments On Idaho Draft Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
Idaho’s two Class I areas, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve and Yellowstone National Park. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve protects a vast “weird and scenic landscape” with remarkable and diverse volcanic features, sagebrush steppe ecosystems, and wilderness, which provides opportunities to explore, understand, and value the rugged and remote
Coalition Joins Comments Regarding the Oklahoma’s Draft Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
July 1, 2022 Melanie Foster Air Quality Division Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality P.O. Box 1677 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677 Re: Public Comments of Conservation Organizations on Oklahoma’s Draft Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Period Dear Ms. Foster: Please accept these public comments submitted jointly by the Coalition to Protect America’s
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 Leads Effort in Support of Additional FY23 NPS Funding
American Hiking Society * Appalachian Mountain Club * Appalachian Trail Conservancy * Chesapeake Conservancy * Connecticut Forest & Park Association Continental Divide Trail Association * Environmental Action Committee of West Marin * East Bay Regional Park District * Endangered Species Coalition Evangelical Environmental Network * Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Friends of Saguaro National Park *
Coalition Submits Testimony on Various National Parks Bills
Statement for the Record Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Committee on Natural Resources House of Representatives Hearing on Various National Park bills June 14, 2022 Chairman Neguse, Ranking Member Fulcher, and members of the Subcommittee, I am Michael
Coalition Comments on California’s Proposed State Implementation Plan Regional Haze – Round Two
Access Fund * Central Valley Young Environmental Advocates Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks * National Parks Conservation Association * Outdoor Alliance California June 13, 2022 Liane Randolph Chair, California Air Resources Board 1001 I St. Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Comments on California’s Proposed State Implementation Plan Regional Haze Round Two Dear Ms. Randolph, On behalf
Member Op-Ed: When will it be over for the CORE Act?
Jun 8, 2022 By BRUCE NOBLE Legendary baseball player and coach Yogi Berra once famously said “it ain’t over till it’s over.” That phrase aptly applies to the CORE Act. Just when I think I’ve written my final words about the CORE Act and it’s safely headed toward the finish line, I find there’s
Coalition Submits Testimony on FY23 NPS Appropriations
Statement for the Record Michael B. Murray Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations United States Senate FY 2023 Appropriations for the National Park Service, Department of the Interior June 8, 2022 Chairman Merkley, Ranking Member Murkowski, and
Coalition Recognizes Antiquities Act Anniversary
Coalition Recognizes Antiquities Act Anniversary On June 8, 1906, the Antiquities Act was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt. This landmark legislation authorizes the President of the United States to proclaim national monuments on federal lands that contain historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, or other objects of historic or scientific interest. In honor
Coalition Signs on To Letter Urging National Monument Designation for Castner Range
June 7th, 2022 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, On behalf of the 92 undersigned organizations and the millions of members and supporters we collectively represent, we urge you to designate Castner Range as a national monument through the powers granted to your office under the
Coalition Participates in Panel on Protecting Cahokia Mounds
United States Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site: Past, Present, and Future Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site, located in Collinsville, Illinois, is the pre-eminent example of a cultural, religious, and economic center of the Mississippian culture (800–1350), which extended throughout the Mississippi Valley and the southeastern United
Coalition Submits Comments on Alaska Regional Haze Plan
May 24, 2022 Rebecca Smith Division of Air Quality Department of Environmental Conservation P.O. Box 111800 Juneau, Alaska 99811-1800 Re: Organizational Comments on Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) Dear Ms. Smith: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and National Parks Conservation Association (“Organizations”) submit the following
Coalition Signs on In Support of the NPF Reauthorization Act
May 23, 2022 Dear Members of the Senate Energy Natural Resources Committee and House of Representatives 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 committees to swiftly move the bill and ensure final
Coalition Joins Protest of June 2022 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale Parcels
The Wilderness Society, Rocky Mountain Wild, Wild Montana, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, National Audubon Society, Audubon Rockies, and Friends of the Earth respectfully protest all parcels in the June 2022 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sales. The Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, and accompanying documents contain several major flaws that undergird
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 Comments on Proposed Arkansas Regional Haze Plan
Erika Droke Department of Energy and Environment 5301 Northshore Drive North Little Rock, AR 72118 April 28, 2022 RE: Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, and Sierra Club Comments on Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality’s Proposed Regional Haze Planning Period II State Implementation Plan Dear Ms. Droke: Please accept these
Open Letter Regarding Alabama’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
Lance LeFleur, Director Ron Gore, Chief of Air Division Alabama Department of Environmental Management P.O. Box 301463 Montgomery, AL 36130-1463 Dear Director LeFleur and Chief Gore: Alabama is one of the most biodiverse states in the country. Our remarkable ecosystems and beautiful scenery make Alabama an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and drive our tourism
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 Statement Following Lease Sales Announcement
Release Date: April 18, 2022 Coalition Statement Following Lease Sales Announcement Last week, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced that it will institute new reforms for its onshore oil and gas leasing program. DOI also announced that, as mandated by court order, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will resume onshore oil
Request for Additional NEPA Analysis for the Q1 2022 Lease Sales
COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS * CONSERVATION COLORADO * EARTHJUSTICE * ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND * FRIENDS OF THE EARTH * LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS * MONTANA WILDLIFE FEDERATION * NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION * NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL * PUBLIC CITIZEN * * ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD* * SIERRA CLUB * WILD MONTANA * THE
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 Comments: Air Tour Management Plan Alternatives for Haleakalā National Park
April 1, 2022 Ms. Natalie Gates, Superintendent Haleakalā National Park PO Box 369 Makawao, HI 96768 Subject: Potential Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Alternatives for Haleakalā National Park Dear Superintendent Gates: 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 40,000 years
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 Joins Comments on Montana’s Regional Haze Plan
March 21, 2022 Rhonda Payne Montana Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Bureau 1520 E 6th Avenue Helena, MT 59620-0901 Re: Montana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the 2nd Implementation Period Dear Ms. Payne: On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we respectfully submit this comment letter on Montana’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for
Member Op-Ed: The Reality of Locality for Federal Workers in Colorado
Mar 7, 2022 By BRUCE NOBLE Although it may not be obvious to everyone, we are fortunate to have high-quality federal employees working for our land management agencies here on the Western Slope of Colorado. The reason for that is pretty evident — this area is considered a good place to live. More strong candidates
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 Written Comments on American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas
March 3, 2022 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: Comments on American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas, Docket No. DOI-2021-0016 Dear Secretary Haaland: I am writing on behalf of over 2,100 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Coalition Reaches out to Director Sams Regarding HR Concerns
February 17, 2022 Mr. Charles Sams, Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 2024 Dear Director Sams: I am writing on the behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of more than 2,100 retired, former and current employees of the National Park
Coalition Submits Statement for GAOA Hearing
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 & Natural Resources Hearing to review the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act February 9, 2022 Chairman Manchin, Ranking Member Barrasso, and members of the Subcommittee, I am
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
Organizations Send Notice of Intent to Sue EPA Over Failure of Regional Haze Plans
February 7, 2022 Via Certified and Electronic Mail Michael Regan, Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ariel Rios Building 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Mail Code 1101A Washington, DC 20460 Re: Notice of Intent to File Suit Under the Clean Air Act for Failure to Make Statutory Completeness Determinations and Findings of Failure to Submit Regional
CPANP Seeking A Part Time Staff Assistant
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP) seeks an organized and highly motivated self-starter to serve as a part time Staff Assistant. The position must be based in Washington, D.C. and will work to ensure that staff requests and requirements are handled and that task such as document organization, calendar planning, and inventory
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 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 Submits Comments to BLM on Orphaned Wells
January 24, 2022 Ms. Tracy Stone-Manning, Director Bureau of Land Management 760 Horizon Drive Grand Junction, CO 81506 orphanedwells@blm.gov Dear Director Stone-Manning: 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
Coalition Participates in American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas Listening Session
DOI Listening Session – 30×30 Initiative January 21, 2022 FINAL ORAL STATEMENT Good morning, my name is Russell Galipeau and I represent the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. I am speaking from the ancestral lands of the Chumash. Our national parks along with congressionally designated Wilderness Areas should serve as core conservation areas,
Coalition Joins Sign-On for Strong Appropriations Bill
January 20, 2022 Dear Chairman Leahy, Vice Chairman Shelby, Chairwoman DeLauro, and Ranking Member Granger: On behalf of our tens of millions of members and supporters across the country, we urge you to swiftly approve Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) appropriations. Our groups are dedicated to better conserving our environment and natural resources and protecting
PETITION TO REDUCE THE RATE OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION ON PUBLIC LANDS
BEFORE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR _____________________________________________________ PETITION TO REDUCE THE RATE OF OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION ON PUBLIC LANDS AND WATERS TO NEAR ZERO BY 2035 January 19, 2022 Submitted By 361 CLIMATE, CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, PUBLIC HEALTH, INDIGENOUS, FAITH-BASED, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS _____________________________________________________ “No more
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 Joins Comments on Oil Mitigation Plan at Big Cypress
December 7, 2021 Superintendent Tom Forsyth Big Cypress National Preserve 33100 Tamiami Trail E Ochopee, FL 34141 Submitted via email to Thomas_Forsyth@nps.gov and online via National Park Service portal at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ Re: Comments on Proposal for Modification of Burnett Oil Co., Inc.’s Existing Plan of Operations (9B Permit) for the Nobles Grade 3D Seismic
Member Oped: NPS Director Sams is Right For the Job
NPS nominee Sams is right for the job Dec 5, 2021 By SARAH BRANSOM Our national parks are in jeopardy. These incredible spaces are threatened by the impacts of climate change, which are causing rising tides and hotter fires and endangering species. We are facing dramatic losses of wild lands and waterways, which
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
Comments on Proposed revisions of 40 CFR Sections 1502, 1507, and 1508
November 19, 2021 Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place Washington, D.C. 20503 Subject: Proposed revisions of 40 CFR Sections 1502, 1507, and 1508 Dear Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ): I am writing to you on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization
Member Oped: Sams the Right Man for Our National Parks
Guest Opinion: Sams the right man for our National Parks Jim Hammett The National Park Service has a morale problem. The agency has been underfunded for decades and the previous administration politicized the mission of the NPS, turning employees into political pawns in the process. Now, the NPS is dealing with record-breaking crowds
Coalition Signs on Letter Urging Administration to Overhaul Federal Fossil Fuel Program
November 15, 2021 President Joseph R. Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden, You have promised the most ambitious climate agenda of any U.S. administration. During the first nine months of your administration, you have taken many essential actions to deliver on those promises. We applaud your leadership
Comments On Indiana’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
Ms. Jean Boling Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Air Quality, Room 1003 100 North Senate Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 November 15, 2021 RE: Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Just Transition Northwest Indiana, Hoosier Environmental Council, Izaak Walton League, and Save the Dunes Comments
Coalition Signs on in Support of Extending Comment Periods for Oil and Gas Leasing Proposals
November 10, 2021 Tracy Stone-Manning Director, Bureau of Land Management 1849 C St., NW, Rm. 5665 Washington, D.C. 20240 Re: Request for Extension of Comment Periods on BLM Oil & Gas Leasing Proposals Dear Director Stone-Manning: Congratulations on your recent confirmation as Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We look forward to engaging
Coalition Joins Partners in Request to DOI to Remove Land Acquisition Provisions from IRB Charter
November 5, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, We, the undersigned organizations, are enthusiastic supporters of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the important work it does to bolster the Administration’s America the Beautiful agenda. We commend your
Coalition Joins Letter Regarding Transmission Line Project Over James River
November 12, 2021 RE: NAO-2012-00080 Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Proposal Dear Mr. Nelson and Mr. Meade: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) plans to issue a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the proposed Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton 500kV transmission line across the James River in Virginia, notwithstanding numerous unresolved objections. According to the permitting dashboard
Coalition Signs on in Support of Wildlife Overpasses
November 11, 2021 The Honorable Gavin Newsom Governor, State of California 1303 10th Street, Suite 1173 Sacramento, CA 9581 Re: Directing Caltrans to Add Necessary Wildlife Overpasses to Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project Governor Newsom: We write to request that your administration ensures that the proposed Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project (“Project”) includes three
Comments on Air Tour Management Plans for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
November 10, 2021 Subject: Comments on Air Tour Management Plans for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Dear Superintendents Joss, Kenkel, and Brouillette: I am writing on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National
Coalition Supports Extension of Comment Period for WV’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
November 9, 2021 Laura M. Crowder Director, Division of Air Quality W.V. Department of Environmental Protection 601 57th St. SE Charleston, WV 25304 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for West Virginia’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period Dear Ms. Crowder: On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association,
Coalition Supports BLM Decision to Defer Leases
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a press release today, announcing the agency’s intention to defer a number of leases from upcoming onshore oil and gas lease sales. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, said, “the Bureau of Land Management took a good first step by deferring some of our
Coalition Signs on to National Monument Thank You Letter
October 18, 2021 Dear President Biden, Secretary Haaland, Secretary Raimondo, Secretary Vilsack, Chair Mallory, Ms. Gina McCarthy, and Administrator Spinrad. On behalf of the undersigned organizations and the millions of members and supporters we collectively represent, we enthusiastically thank you for your actions restoring full protections to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and
Comments Regarding the Proposed Lava Ridge Wind Project
October 20, 2021 Kasey Prestwich, Project Manager Lava Ridge Wind Energy EIS BLM Shoshone Field Office 400 West F Street Shoshone, ID 83352 Subject: Scoping Comments on Lava Ridge Wind Project, DOI-BLM-ID-T030-2021-0015-EIS Dear Project Manager Prestwich: I am writing on behalf of over 2,000 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Comments on North Carolina’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan
October 15, 2021 Randy Strait NC Division of Air Quality 1641 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1641 Comments submitted via email to: daq.publiccomments@ncdenr.gov Re: Conservation Organizations Comments on North Carolina’s Proposed Regional Haze State Implementation Plan (SIP) for North Carolina Class I Areas for the Second Planning Period (2019 – 2028) Dear Mr. Strait:
Coalition Supports Charles F. Sams III as The 19th Director of The National Park Service.
October 14, 2021 Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 2,000 current and former National Park Service employees, we would like to express our support for President Biden’s nomination of Charles F. Sams III to serve as the 19th
Coalition Celebrates President Biden’s Restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
WASHINGTON, DC — Late yesterday, it was announced that President Joe Biden will restore protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a national organization representing current, former, and retired National Park Service employees, issued the following
Coalition Continues Support of Amache Legislation in Committee Hearing
Bennet, Neguse, Buck Welcome Senate Hearing on Bill to Add Amache to the National Park System In June, Bennet Urged the Committee to Hold a Hearing on This Legislation Washington, D.C. – Today, Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D) and Colorado U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse (D) and Ken Buck (R) welcomed the U.S. Senate Committee on
Ticket to paradise? Crowded national parks try reservations, fees
By Rob Hotakainen | 10/04/2021 11:59 AM EST Mount Desert Island, MAINE — With tickets selling out in seconds every day, Herb Cohen figured he was lucky to get a reservation that allowed him to park his car just steps from the summit of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park — the coveted
Comments on Canyonlands National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
October 1, 2021 Ms. Patricia Trap, Superintendent National Park Service Southeast Utah Group 2282 Resource Blvd. Moab, UT 84532 Subject: Comments on Canyonlands National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Trap: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is
Comments on 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
Coalition Speaks on Need for More Parks and More Funding
More national parks? Summer of overcrowding could spur push By Rob Hotakainen | 09/07/2021 12:43 PM EST Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) speaking at Acadia National Park in Winter Harbor, Maine, in June 2021. Robert F. Bukaty/AP Photo With national parks across the country reporting record attendance this summer, Sen. Angus King says there’s one
Coalition Speaks with NPT about Air Tour Management Plans
Traveler’s View: Study Air Tour Management Plans Carefully By Kurt Repanshek – September 6th, 2021 Though we had paddled halfway down Yellowstone Lake into an area of Yellowstone National Park that is managed as wilderness and where it would take you a day or more to reach on foot, we hadn’t entirely escaped the 21st
Coalition Comments On Reforms To Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program
September 2, 2021 The Honorable Joe Manchin Chairman, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Raul Grijalva Chairman, House Natural Resources Committee U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 CC: Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi Dear Chairmen Manchin and Grijalva, We are writing on behalf of
Coalition Joins Call to Restore National Monument Protections
August 31, 2021 President Joseph R. Biden Jr. The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden, On behalf of the undersigned organizations and the millions of members and supporters we collectively represent, we urge you to immediately take action to restore national monument protections to Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and
Coalition Signs on To Deferred Maintenance Letter
August 30, 2021 Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso, As the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources prepares its portion of S. Con. Res. 14, the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition requests $5 billion for the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance needs in our
Member Op-Ed: Our national parks need more funding to keep up with rising number of visitors.
Parks across the country have seen record-breaking numbers of visitors this summer, even as we continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19. I’m sure you’ve seen the images; visitors lined up to hike at Zion National Park, heavy traffic at Yellowstone National Park and big crowds in Arches National Park. Here in Maine,
GAOA Funds Must Be Available to More Units Across the National Park System
August 26, 2021 Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland: Our organizations are writing to express our deep concern about the need to make funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) available to more units across the National Park System.
Coalition Speaks with NPR On NPS Mask Mandates
National Parks Requiring Masks For All Visitors Again As of this week, the National Park Service is requiring everyone – regardless of vaccination status – to wear masks in national park facilities, public transport systems and in crowded outside areas. Denise Germann is with Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. She
Coalition Concern Over Air Tour Management Plans
August 16, 2021 Mr. Shawn Benge, Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plans referred to in Federal Register on July 29, 2021; Document Citation: 86 FR 40897 Document Number: 2021-16182 Dear Acting Director Benge: We are writing to you on behalf
Member Op-Ed: Off-highway vehicles in national parks is a bad idea
Mike Lee’s bill to allow off-highway vehicles in national parks is a bad idea By Cordell Roy | Special to The Tribune U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, recently introduced two bills in the Senate — S.1526 and S.1527 — that have to do with allowing off-highway vehicle use in our national parks. S.1526,
Coalition Submits Letter in Opposition to ATV Use in Utah National Park
July 27, 2021 Subjects: 1) Opposition to S. 1526, a bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah; and 2) Opposition to S. 1527, a bill to amend Title 54, United States Code, to provide that State law shall apply to the use of motor
National Parks Traveler Episode 128: Waiting For A National Park Service Director
A roundtable discussion with Phil Francis from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Kristen Brengel of National Parks Conservation discuss why the National Park Service still is without a Senate-confirmed director. Listen to Episode 128