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, 2020 United States Department of the Interior Office of the Secretary Law Enforcement Task Force 1849 C Street NW Washington DC 20240 Dear Members of the Secretary’s Law Enforcement Task Force: I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization comprised of more than 2,200
Coalition 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 | Em************@********ps.org Former NPS Employees & Leaders Praise Sen. Bennet for Pushing Legislation to Add Amache National Historic Site to the National Park System Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Urges Swift Senate Passage of Legislation Statement from the Coalition to Protect America’s National
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 or***********@*lm.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 Th************@*ps.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: ES***********@*****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: da****************@****nr.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,
Former National Park Service Leaders Applaud Tracy Stone-Manning’s Confirmation to be the Next Director of the Bureau of Land Management
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, Tracy Stone-Manning was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the next director of the Bureau of Land Management. In reaction to her confirmation, Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued the following statement: “The confirmation of Tracy Stone-Manning to serve as the next
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 With national parks across the country reporting record attendance this summer, Sen. Angus King says there’s one solution Congress could embrace: Create more parks. “If you have a demand problem, one way to beat it is to
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
Coalition Joins Comments on Florida’s Proposed Regional Haze Plan
July 9, 2021 Ashley Kung Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2600 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32301 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Comments on Florida’s Proposed Revisions Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period Dear Ms. Kung: The National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Sierra Club (“Conservation Organizations”)
Coalition Opposes S. 1812 – A Bill to Expand Lincoln Home NHS
July 8, 2021 Subject: Opposition to S. 1812 – A bill to expand Lincoln Home National Historic Site Dear Chairman Manchin and Ranking Member Barrasso: 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, or current National
Coalition Sends Comment Letter Regarding NPS Campground Strategy
July 7, 2021 Dear Mr. Caldwell, We offer these comments as a follow up to our letter of March 9, 2021, regarding the proposed NPS Second Century Campground Strategy. First, we commend the National Park Service (NPS) on the release of the Campground Design Standards that will provide excellent guidance to park managers. The
Coalition Signs On in Opposition to General Management Plan Amendment for Point Reyes National Seashore
June 30, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 RE: Protect Point Reyes National Seashore from industrial agriculture and restore the park for all Americans Dear Secretary Haaland: Our organizations – over 50 in number – have joined together to urge
Member Op-Ed: America the Beautiful initiative is right on time
President Biden’s plan will combat some of the worst impacts of climate change in Colorado By Sheridan Steele – June 30, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed for me just how lucky I am to live in Colorado. As households across the country spent months in lockdown, a trip to the great outdoors provided
Member Op-Ed:Biden’s America the Beautiful Plan will help ensure national parks are protected, accessible
Biden’s America the Beautiful Plan will help ensure national parks are protected, accessible Bill Wade | Special to Tucson Sentinel.com | Jun 29, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has very visibly demonstrated just how important parks are to Americans. With households across the country spending months in lockdown, a trip to the great outdoors provided much
Letter Sent to DOI Expressing Concerns Over Plans to Drill Near Dinosaur NM
June 28, 2021 The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Subject: Proposed Oil and Gas Drilling Adjacent to Dinosaur National Monument under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lease No. UTU-81185 Dear Secretary Haaland, I am writing to you on behalf of over
Member oped: Restore protections to Grand Staircase-Escalante
By Noel Poe | Special to the Tribune | June 22, 2021 Throughout my 37-plus years with the National Park Service, I have had the privilege to work in national parks across the country. While each park is different, one of the common threads linking them together is the dedication of local communities and
OPPOSE Large Scale Pumped Storage Budget Proposal – “Eagle Crest Bailout”
June 25, 2021 Re: OPPOSE Large Scale Pumped Storage Budget Proposal – “Eagle Crest Bailout” Our diverse coalition of organizations representing environmental, community choice aggregation, renewable energy, industrial ratepayer, agricultural, and veteran interests write in strong opposition to a troubling proposal that includes the ratepayer underwriting of the multi-billion-dollar Eagle Crest (also called Eagle
Member oped: Drilling near Dinosaur NM is a Mistake
Dinosaur National Monument Visitor Center By Nick Eason | Special to The Tribune Reflecting upon a 30-year career with the National Park Service (NPS), I’ve had the good fortune of working in some of America’s most iconic landscapes. Of all these prominent places and memories, Dinosaur National Monument is my most treasured and
Member Oped: Let park managers manage their national parks
Donald A. Falvey: Let park managers manage their national parks Zion National Park should restore the timed entry ticket system for its shuttles. By Donald A. Falvey | Special to The Salt Lake Tribune | June 22, 2021, 11:00 a.m. Flashback: A National Park Service superintendent’s conference in the 1990s. The regional director called me
Coalition Supports Bennet’s Reintroduced Oil and Gas Reform Bills
Today, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet reintroduced two bills to tackle the growing orphaned oil well crisis in the short and long term while restoring robust public participation for decisions about whether public lands should be leased for drilling. Underlying these crises is the outdated federal oil and gas leasing system, which for decades has failed
Coalition Continues to Push for Stronger Air Quality Standards
June 10, 2021 President Joe Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Administrator Michael Regan U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 RE: Strengthen the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone and Particulate Matter Dear Mr. President and Administrator Regan, On behalf of our millions of members
Coalition Submits Testimony for National Park and Public Lands Bills
Statement for the Record Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests & Mining Committee on Energy & Natural Resources United States Senate Hearing on Various National Park and Public Lands Bills June 16, 2021 Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Lee, and members of
Coalition Lends Support to Revocation of MBTA “Jan 7” Rule
June 7, 2021 BY ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION Via Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: JAO/3W Falls Church, VA 22041 Re: Docket No. FWS–HQ–MB–2018–0090, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds; Proposed Rule Please accept the following comments submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center (“SELC”) on behalf of
Organizations Request Extension of Comment Period for MI Regional Haze State Plan
Bob Irvine Air Quality Division Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Constitution Hall P.O. Box 30260 Lansing, MI 48909-7760 Re: Requesting Extension of Comment Period for Michigan’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear Mr. Irvine: On behalf of the Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation
Coalition Signs On to OH Regional Haze Public Comment Extension Request
May 20, 2021 Holly Kaloz Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, DAPC Lazarus Government Center P.O. Box 1049 Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049 (614) 644-3632 Re: Conservation Organizations’ Request for an Extension of Comment Period for Ohio’s Regional Haze State Implementation Plan for the Second Implementation Period. Dear Ms. Kaloz: On behalf of the Sierra Club, National Parks
Coalition Supports President Biden’s America the Beautiful Conservation Plan
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Biden’s Ambitious Plan is Needed to Address America’s Climate Crises and Help Protect Our Parks WASHINGTON, DC — Today, President Biden announced his Administration’s new conservation plan, laying out an ambitious effort to conserve more of America’s majestic and beautiful lands, waters, and wildlife, and increase
North Carolina Regional Haze Letter
April 29, 2021 Secretary Dionne Delli-Gatti Michael Abraczinskas, Director, Division of Air Quality North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality 217 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27603 Dear Secretary Delli-Gatti and Mr. Abraczinskas: On behalf of the below-listed community, health, and conservation groups, we are concerned that North Carolina is heading toward violating its obligations under
Coalition Continues to Advocate for NPS COVID-19 Data
April 27, 2021 CAPT Sara B. Newman, DrPH, MCP, USPHS Director, Office of Public Health National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Subject: NPS Covid-19 Response Program and Data Dear Captain Newman: Thank you again for speaking with us last week regarding the National Park Service (NPS) Covid-19 response program and
Coalition Gives Tips for Visiting a National Park This Summer
Natalie B. Compton April 21, 2021 Whether you are a novice or veteran visitor, here’s how to make the most of your trip. Every year, hundreds of millions of people visit America’s beloved national parks. While most visitors seem to have a good time, others could have used some advice
Coalition Signs on to Pennsylvania Regional Haze Letter
April 19, 2021 Mark Hammond, Director Bureau of Air Quality Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Rachel Carson State Office Building 400 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 Re: Regional Haze, Second Planning Period Dear Mr. Hammond: We are writing regarding the Department of Environmental Protection’s implementation plan for regional haze in the second planning period, which the
Coalition Supports 30 x 30 Conservation Goal
April 20, 2021 President Joseph Biden The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Biden: In your inaugural address, you spoke with urgency about the challenges facing our nation: a deadly virus, economic struggle, racial injustices, and climate change. You said, “The cry for survival comes from the planet itself.
Coalition Applauds Secretary’s Orders to Repeal Energy Dominance Policies
Release Date: April 16, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org, 202-758-3936 Coalition Applauds Secretary’s Orders to Repeal Energy Dominance Policies Today, Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, issued two Secretarial Orders (SO) to prioritize action on climate change throughout the Interior Department and to restore transparency and integrity in the Department’s decision-making processes. Secretary
Coalition signs on to Protect National Trails
April 15, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW, MS 5311 Washington, DC 20240 Re: Department of the Interior Oil and Gas Leasing Program Review Under Executive Order 14008 Dear Madam Secretary: Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments related to the Department of
Coalition Signs on To Letter Urging DOI Action to Reform Leasing Program
April 15, 2021 The Honorable Deb Haaland Secretary of the Interior 1849 C Street Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland: Thank you for the opportunity to provide recommendations on the Interior Department’s review of the federal onshore oil and gas program. We wholeheartedly support this review, as the onshore program requires sweeping, top-to-bottom reform – to eliminate
Coalition Submits Comments on DOI Fossil Fuels Program Review
April 12, 2021 The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary of Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Haaland, I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, and current
Coalition Submits Comments on Draft E-Bike Study
April 5, 2021 Jonah Chiarenza Transportation Planner, Transportation Planning Division Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, U.S. DOT Subject: Comments on Draft FHWA study proposal regarding “E-bikes on Public Lands” Dear Mr. Chiarenza: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit
Coalition Joins Letter Sent to Congress Regarding Onshore Oil and Gas Reform
April 1, 2021 CC: Chairmen Sanders, Yarmuth, Wyden, Neal, Manchin, and Grijalva Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader McConnell: President Biden was elected on the promise to take bold action on climate change, and he will need the support of Congress to make good on this promise. Nearly a
Coalition Submits Budget Recommendations for Committee Hearing
The Coalition submitted its FY 2022 NPS Budget Recommendations as part of the official record for the House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing entitled “Building Back Better: Examining the Future of America’s Public Lands.” FY 2022 National Park Service Budget Recommendations from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks EXECUTIVE SUMMARY At a time when
Coalition Applauds President Biden’s American Jobs Plan
WASHINGTON — During his speech in Pittsburgh, PA, President Biden outlined his economic vision for building back better with the American Jobs Plan – a path forward that will deliver on jobs, justice, and climate solutions through more than $2 trillion in investments in people and the economy. The plan invests in public lands
Park Leaders Podcast: Working with Friends Groups
Working with Friends Groups On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Phil Francis joins Jody and Phil Gaines to discuss working with support groups. A retired superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Francis explains how friends groups can help maintain accountability among park rangers and leaders.
Coalition Comments on DOI Public Forum
“We strongly agree with Secretary Haaland’s Interior Department; our nation’s federal oil and gas leasing system is in need of holistic reform,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “It is an outdated system that threatens our climate, wildlife, clean air and water, public lands, and national parks.” President
Coalition Joins Petition to EPA On Regional Haze Guidelines
March 16, 2021 Michael S. Regan, Administrator Office of the Administrator (1101A) United States Environmental Protection Agency William Jefferson Clinton Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 Re: Regional Haze Guidance Petition for Reconsideration: Priority Issues Dear Administrator Regan: National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Appalachian Mountain Club,
Coalition and NPCA Send Letter to Interior Regarding Concerns at Big Cypress National Preserve
March 16, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks US DOI, Office of the Secretary Washington, DC 20240 Mr. Shawn Benge Deputy Director, Operations Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary
Coalition Sends Letter Regarding Concerns over USA Hire
March 11, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife and Parks US DOI, Office of the Secretary Washington, DC 20240 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Estenoz: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization comprised of more than
Coalition Joins Comments on Spaceport Coastal Consistency
March 8, 2021 Mr. Doug Haymans Director Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520 RE: Proposed Coastal Consistency Determination For Spaceport Camden Dear Director Haymans: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s Parks, Georgia Audubon, the National Parks Conservation Association, One Hundred Miles, the Satilla Riverkeeper, and Wild Cumberland,
Coalition Supports Legislation to Reform Oil and Gas Leasing System
Coalition Chair Phil Francis issued the following statement in response to Senator Cortez Masto’s reintroduction of legislation that would prohibit leasing lands for drilling where there is little to no oil and gas potential. “It makes no sense to lease public lands on the doorsteps of our national parks to oil and gas companies,
Coalition Contacts Virginia SHPO Regarding Transmission Line DEIS
Subject: Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Director Langan: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of retired, former, or current National Park Service (NPS) employees. As a group we collectively represent over 40,000 years of experience managing
Coalition Encourages More Diversity Within National Park System
Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. It is also a time to reflect on the work we must do to address the historic, substantial challenges facing people of color in our country today. This is especially true in our national parks, which should
Coalition Continues to Submit FOIA Requests for COVID 19 Numbers
February 5, 2021 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer, P.O. Box 25287 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Denver, CO 80225 Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request Dear Ms. Wilson: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law No. 114-185) submitted on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. This
Coalition Member and Former NPS Director Leads The Restoration Project
The Restoration Project has produced a tactical plan previously shared with the Biden transition team and now made public. The Restoration Project: Reversing the Environmental Harms of the Trump Administration is available at https://rproject.world/. You can also read an accompanying op-ed in the Guardian. The project was led by Jon Jarvis (former National Park Service Director under
Success Story: Safeguarding the Protection Ranger Profession
In June 2016, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a classification appeal involving an encumbered position in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, tasked primarily with performing investigative work, from the 0025 Park Ranger (Protection) occupational series, to the 1801, General Inspections, Investigation, Enforcement and Compliance series. In issuing this appeal, OPM stated that
Coalition EC Member Joins NPCA for a Park Talk
From Bear Dens to the Oval Office, a Park Talk with Sheridan Steele. The former Acadia National Park superintendent talks about his 38 years with the Park Service and his new book. The park talk can be watched here and more information on the book can be found here.
Coalition Speaks With Outside Magazine on Biden Presidency and Parks
By Emily Pennington What a Biden Presidency Means for the National Parks From day one, the new administration has showed itself to be in favor of protecting the wild spaces and species we love. On January 20, during the first few moments of his first day in office, standing at a podium, President Biden asserted
Member Oped: To Protect Our Parks, Hit Pause On Leasing
1/26/21 Our national parks are America’s crown jewels and as former directors of the National Park Service (NPS), it has been an honor to dedicate our careers to the stewardship of places like Yellowstone, Arches and Everglades National Parks. These are places that inspire pride and provide an opportunity for adventure and reflection, and
Coalition Supports Halt On New Oil and Gas Drilling On Public Lands and Waters
1.25.2021 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden President of the United States The Honorable Debra Haaland Secretary-designate Department of the Interior Dear President Biden and Secretary-designate Haaland, Congratulations on your election victory. We look forward to working with you to preserve and protect America’s national parks. We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of
Coalition Files Join Amicus Brief in Opposition to Rollback Rule
The Clean Air Act’s program of pollution reduction also seeks to protect natural resources and ecosystems, including those conserved by national parks. The Act generally directs the EPA to take regulatory action to reduce air pollution where emissions would endanger “public health and welfare.” Moreover, the CAA explicitly protects the unique vulnerability of national
Coalition Strongly Opposes National Garden of American Heroes
1.22.21 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Estenoz, We are writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees
Coalition Applauds Federal Mask Mandate
January 22, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@********ps.org, 202-758-3936 Coalition Applauds Federal Mask Mandate President Biden recently signed an Executive Order that requires all federal employees and contractors, as well as visitors, to wear masks in federal buildings and on federal lands. It also directs those on federal property to maintain physical distance, and adhere
Second Century Action Coalition Releases Priorities for National Parks
Priorities for the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition For more than a century, our national parks have remained America’s favorite places, important pieces of our natural and cultural heritage set aside for future generations to explore and enjoy. In 2019, 328 million park visitors spent an estimated $21 billion in local gateway communities while
Coalition Signs On to Letter Regarding Proposed Point Reyes GMP
Center for Biological Diversity * Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks * Sierra Club * Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC) * Marin Audubon Society * Resource Renewal Institute * National Parks Conservation Association * Save Our Seashore * Action for Animals * Alameda Creek Alliance * All-Creatures.org * Animal Legal Defense Fund * Animals Are Sentient
This Land is Our Land: Restoring Our National Parks
THIS LAND IS OUR LAND RESTORING THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND OUR NATIONAL PARKS: RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) is a non-profit organization composed of more than 2,300 retired, former and current employees of the National Park Service (NPS
Coalition Signs On To Restoration and Stimulus Letter
January 12, 2021 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden President-Elect of the United States Dear President-Elect Biden: As your team works to address the current public health crisis and develop an economic recovery plan, you have an opportunity to create a large number of green, long-term jobs performing vital conservation and restoration work. Similar to the
Coalition Condemns Insurrection at the Capitol
The Coalition issued the following statement in the wake of today’s events in Washington, D.C.: “A peaceful transition of power lies at the heart of our democracy. It is the foundation of our country. If we don’t protect that American ideal, all of our other efforts to preserve and protect America’s Best Idea, our national parks,
Coalition Mourns the Loss of Director Everhardt
Coalition Chair Phil Francis recently spoke with The Ashville Citizen Times and Jackson Hole Daily about the recent death of former NPS Director Gary Everhardt. You can read more from the Coalition in our recent press release as well.
Coalition Joins Comments Regarding Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Dr. Eric Kershner Attn: FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service MS: JAO/1N 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 er***********@*ws.gov Re: Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds Dear Dr. Kershner: The Southern Environmental Law Center submits these comments on behalf of the 31 undersigned organizations, which work
Former NPS Director Gary E. Everhardt Passes Away
December 29, 2020 Former NPS Director Gary E. Everhardt Passes Away Gary Everhardt, former director of the National Park Service (NPS), passed away on the evening of December 27, 2020. His death followed the passing of his wife Nancy, on December 23, 2020. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of both Gary and
National Parks Traveler Episode 98: Looking Back At 2020 In The Parks
By Kurt Repanshek – December 27th, 2020 7:00am In this, our last episode for 2020, we look back on the past 12 months in the parks with Phil Francis of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and Kristen Brengel from the National Parks Conservation Association. And we also take a peek at the task ahead for the Biden
Coalition Calls on DOI for Transparency and Leadership
The Washington Monument Was Shut Down After Secretary Bernhardt, Who Had Been “Giving Private, Nighttime Tours,” Tests Positive for Coronavirus A recent internal Interior report revealed that over 2,000 Department of the Interior (DOI) employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and 17 have died. And while the pandemic continues to rage across the country, Secretary Bernhardt
Coalition Weighs In on Bernhardt’s Reckless Behavior
By Washington Post – Juliet Eilperin and Darryl Fears Interior shuts Washington Monument after interior secretary tests positive for the coronavirus Park Service staff say they may have been exposed when David Bernhardt led a private, after-hours tour Officials have taken the extraordinary step of closing the Washington Monument starting Friday as a precaution after
Coalition Comments on CO Air Quality Regulator’s Reversal of Decision
Colorado Air Quality Regulator Reverses Decision to Retire Coal Plants Early Air Quality Control Commission sides with corporate polluters over decision to force the early retirement of three coal plants. Denver, CO – Today, the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted to reverse its decision to accelerate the retirements of three Colorado coal units
Coalition Joins 500+ Organizations in Letter to President-Elect Biden
December 15, 2020 President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. Biden-Harris Transition Team 1401 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20001 Re: Day one promise to ban new federal fossil fuel leasing and permitting on public lands and waters Dear President-elect Biden, Congratulations on winning the presidential election and thank you for your slate of promised executive actions
Coalition Urges Clean Air Protections
The Coalition submitted comments in support of the Air Quality Control Commission’s (AQCC) recent decision to reduce air pollution by accelerating the retirement dates of coal-fired power plants in Colorado through the regional haze rulemaking. Nine polluting coal plants would retire by 2028 — sharply reducing the pollution that causes haze in Rocky Mountain National
Coalition Submits Letter in Support of National Defense Authorization Act
November 19, 2020 Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Manchin, Chairman Inhofe and Ranking Member Reed, Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop, Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry, On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 1,900 current and former National Park Service employees, we would like to
Coalition Supports Inclusion of Wildlife Overcrossings in XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project Design
Re: Adding Necessary Wildlife Overcrossings to XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project Design Treasurer Ma, Director Omishakin and Director Bonham: We write to request that your agencies coordinate to ensure that the proposed XpressWest High-Speed Rail Project (“Project”) includes wildlife overcrossings, which are necessary to avoid the permanent blockage of critical California wildlife corridors resulting from the
Coalition Testimony: Hearing on Various National Park and Public Lands Bills
Statement for the Record Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests & Mining Committee on Energy & Natural Resources United States Senate Hearing on Various National Park and Public Lands Bills November 18, 2020 Senator Lee, Senator Wyden, and members of
Coalition Speaks Out On NPS Alaska Jurisdiction Rule
For immediate release: 11/16/20 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; (202) 819-8622 The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a final rule that has gone far beyond a precedent set in Sturgeon v. Frost, a case in which the Supreme Court held that the NPS could not enforce a System-wide regulation prohibiting the operation of a hovercraft
Coalition: The Secretary Bernhardt’s Attempt to Undermine LWCF is Unacceptable
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, Secretary David Bernhardt announced that the Interior Department would issue new orders that will impose unnecessary, top-down requirements that will potentially delay the National Park Service’s ability to address its over $5 billion backlog of land acquisition needs. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition
Coalition Slams DOI Over Its LWCF Funding Projects List
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the Department of the Interior published a list of projects it intends to allocate with the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s support. The list comes a week after the deadline, which the Trump administration inexplicably missed. As per the guidance laid out in
Coalition: NEPA Directive a “Waste of Taxpayer Money.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/10/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 Coalition Calls NEPA Directive a “Waste of Taxpayer Money.” The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo directing federal agencies to prioritize aligning their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures with the finalized Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations.
The Election Might Be Over—But Our Work As Travelers Isn’t
November 9, 2020 BY MEGAN SPURRELL November 9, 2020We spent days waiting for the 2020 election results, knowing that the final call would impact the world we live in, and, crucially, how we travel. At long last, we know that Joseph R. Biden is the president-elect—and Kamala Harris the first female, Black, and Indian-American vice
Coalition Talks Parks Post-Election
Phil Francis spoke with Conde Nast Traveler about how the election results could impact the travel industry. “Our national parks and public lands are meant to be enjoyed by all Americans and they will always need advocates, regardless of the election results. As a non-partisan organization, we will continue to fight to protect our
Coalition Pushes for More Description Regarding GAOA Maintenance List
Coalition Chair Phil Francis spoke with National Parks Traveler regarding DOI’s “priority list for tackling deferred maintenance projects in the National Park System and other public lands with funds generated through the Great American Outdoors Act.” While the list was presented to Congress, it failed to provide detailed descriptions of the projects. “It just seems to
Coalition Concerned Over Failure to Hit LWCF Project Deadline
As per the guidance laid out in the Dingell Act of 2019 and the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, the Department of the Interior was required to publish a list of allocations for the full and permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by November 2, 2020. The Trump Administration missed this
Coalition Signs on to Comments Regarding USFS Proposed Revision to Oil and Gas Regs
November 2, 2020 Submitted via regulations.gov USDA-Forest Service Attn: Director-MGM Staff 1617 Cole Boulevard, Building 17 Lakewood, CO 80401 Re: Proposed revisions to Oil and Gas Resources regulations, 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart E RIN 0596-AD33 To Whom It May Concern: The undersigned submit these comments on the proposed rule issued by the Forest Service
Coalition Discusses the Future of the NPS in NPT Podcast
November 1st, 2020 How might the 2020 presidential election impact the National Park Service? Former National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis, Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, and Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, discuss that question. Listen to the Podcast
Coalition Signs on To Comments Involving Utah Oil and Gas Lease Sales
Bureau of Land Management Utah State Office Attn: Angela Wadman 440 W 200 S #500 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 October 27, 2020 To the Bureau of Land Management: The undersigned organizations are writing to provide public comment on the Supplemental Analysis for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Related to Oil and Gas Leasing in Utah
Decision to Open Up Tongass National Forest to Development is Devastating
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks slammed President Trump’s decision to open up Tongass National Forest to logging and industry, jeopardizing the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. This forest has been called the “lungs of the country,” and is home to numerous and diverse species and old-growth forest. Phil Francis, Chair of the
Coalition Continues Advocacy Through Virtual Meetings
The Coalition has participated in several meetings with the Office of Management and Budget that have been focused on issues that impact our national parks and public lands. The discussions included topics such as the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act and the use of science as a guiding principle of park stewardship. These meetings
Coalition Opposes Proposed Revisions to Endangered Species Act Habitat Rules
October 8, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW Washington, DC 20240 RE: Proposed Revisions to Endangered Species Act Habitat Rules Dear Secretary Bernhardt: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we urge you to withdraw the two recent proposed rules related to habitat
Coalition Signs on to DOI Letter Regarding Pendley
October 06, 2020 By Mary Jo Brooks – The National Wildlife Federation Coalition of Conservation Organizations Deliver Letter to Secretary Bernhardt Calling for Immediate Review WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation, the National Audubon Society, and 58 other conservation organizations have called on Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to retract all management plans, decisions, rulemakings, and regulations
Coalition Joins Over 100 Organizations in Opposition to OMB Training Memo
Re: OMB circular M-20-34, “Training in the Federal Government,” and the September 22nd Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping October 1, 2020 Dear Senators and Representatives: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we write with deep concern about — and strong opposition to — the September 4th 2020
Coalition Testifies at House Oversight Committee Hearing
Statement of James G. Northup Executive Council Member, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Committee on Natural Resources U.S. House of Representatives September 29, 2020 Representative Cox, Representative Gohmert, and Members of the Subcommittee; Good Afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. My name is Jim
Coalition Joins Comments On Oil and Gas Leasing Near Chaco Culture
September 25, 2020 BLM Farmington Field Office, Attn.: Sarah Scott, Project Manager, 6251 College Blvd, Suite A, Farmington, NM87402 Re: Comments on the Farmington Mancos-Gallup Draft RMP Amendment and EIS Dear Ms. Scott: Please accept the following comments on the Farmington Mancos-Gallup Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from Archaeology
Coalition Calls on DOI to Halt All Oil and Gas Lease Sales
September 28, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, On behalf of our over 1,800 members, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), urges you to halt all oil and gas lease sales as our country continues to navigate the
Coalition Signs On to Public Comment Extension Letter
The Honorable Sonny Perdue Secretary U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250 The Honorable Vicki Christiansen Chief U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service 201 14th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20227 September 24, 2020 Dear Secretary Perdue and Chief Christiansen: Given the ongoing public health crisis as a result of COVID-19, the
Coalition Voices Support for Senator Bennet’s Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Bills
September 21, 2020 Today, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet introduced two bills to tackle the growing orphaned oil well crisis in the short and long term while restoring robust public participation and Tribal consultation during decisions about whether public lands should be leased for drilling. Underlying these crises is the outdated federal oil and gas
Coalition Joins Comments on “Habitat” Definition Under ESA
September 3, 2020 Gary Frazer Assistant Director for Endangered Species Ecological Services Program U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 2204 Samuel D. Rauch, III Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 2091 Re: Comments on Proposed
NPS FOIA Response: Closure of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
On August 18 the Coalition submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the NPS regarding the closure of portions of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial on August 17 to allow for filming of a Republican Campaign advertisement featuring Vice President Mike Pence. A copy of our request can be found HERE. The NPS recently responded
Member Oped: Great American Outdoors Act is worth celebrating, especially in Maine
In a year full of unexpected challenges and extreme partisanship, I am particularly grateful for a cause for celebration. The recent Great American Outdoors Act has provided just such an opportunity. With an eye on the future, both houses of Congress have passed legislation recognizing the importance of preserving and protecting our irreplaceable natural
Coalition Joins Protest of Oil and Gas Lease Sales
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance – Center for Biological Diversity – Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks – Great Old Broads for Wilderness – Living Rivers – National Parks Conservation Association – Natural Resources Defense Council – Old Spanish Trail Association – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club – Waterkeeper
Coalition: Acting Director Does Not Understand How Parks Operate
Margaret Everson, the recently named Acting Director of the National Park Service, has stated that a lack of park employees due to the pandemic should not be a reason to limit access to parks. Ms. Everson went on to instruct NPS Regional Directors that, “staffing limitations should not be a constraining factor in providing
Coalition Submits FOIA Requests
August 19, 2020 The Coalition submitted two FOIA requests this month. The first was yet another request sent to the NPS, asking for the number of COVID-19 cases to date among Park Service employees. We have not received an NPS response to this request, nor any of the previous requests. Our second FOIA request relates
Coalition Condemns Decision to Open Arctic Refuge to Drilling
The Trump administration announced its plan to open up portions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and gas development, a move that overturns six decades of protections for the largest remaining stretch of wilderness in the United States. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said that the department will auction