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
Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Jim Ireland, Superintendent Bryce Canyon National Park P.O. Box 640201 Bryce, UT 84764 Subject: Comments on Bryce Canyon National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Ireland: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised
Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Pete Webster, Acting Superintendent Glacier National Park PO Box 128 West Glacier, MT 59936 Subject: Comments on Glacier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Acting Superintendent Webster: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised of
Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
September 29, 2021 Mr. Cassius Cash, Superintendent Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Subject: Comments on Great Smoky Mountains NP Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), whose membership is comprised
Coalition Signs On in Support of Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act
September 29, 2021 Dear Representative, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act, particularly the significant investments for national parks through investments in the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP), Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) and Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Project
Coalition Supports Local Vision for Alabama Black Belt NHA
September 30, 2021 Ms. Shannon Estenoz Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Dear Ms. Estenoz: Thank you again for meeting with us on Tuesday, September 28. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss several important issues and concerns with
Member Op-Ed: We still have a chance to save our national parks.
We still have a chance to save our national parks. The Biden administration has launched its America the Beautiful plan to save public lands. By Donald Falvey | Special to The Tribune Sep. 23, 2021, 8:00 a.m. Can the national parks be saved? That’s a strange question isn’t it? But our national parks
Member Op-Ed: Protect national parks before they reach their breaking point
National Parks are at their breaking point. You’ve seen the images; visitors lined up to hike at Zion National Park, heavy traffic at Yellowstone National Park and big crowds in Arches National Park. Although our COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb, visitors are still flocking to national parks. Collectively, we have spent over 70 years
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,
Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 28, 2021 Mike Reynolds, Superintendent Death Valley National Park P.O. Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328 Subject: Comments on the Death Valley National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Reynolds: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members
Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 27, 2021 Ms. Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent Olympic National Park 600 E. Park Avenue Port Angeles, WA 98362 Subject: Comments on the Olympic National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan Dear Superintendent Creachbaum: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition
Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 26, 2021 Mr. Greg Dudgeon, Superintendent Mount Rainier National Park 55210 238th Avenue East Ashford, WA 98304 Subject: Comments on Mt. Rainier National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition
Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan
These comments have also been submitted via the park’s PEPC website. August 25, 2021 Pedro Ramos, Superintendent Everglades National Park 40001 State Road 9336 Homestead, FL 33034-6733 Subject: Comments on Everglades National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Dear Superintendent Ramos: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the
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 Joins Sign On for Oil and Gas Reform
Alaska Wilderness League Action * Azul * Center for Civic Policy * Citizens Caring for the Future * Clean Water Action * Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks * Conservation Voters New Mexico * Earthjustice * Earthworks * Environment America * Environmental Defense Fund * Friends of the Earth * GreenLatinos * Greenpeace USA *
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
NPS Director Nominee Announced
Release Date: August 18, 2021 NPS Director Nominee Announced Today, the White House announced that President Biden plans to nominate Charles Sams to serve as the Director of the National Park Service. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, says this announcement is long overdue. “For the first time in
Coalition Concern Over Air Tour Management Plans
August 16, 2021 Mr. Shawn Benge, Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Subject: National Park Proposed Air Tour Management Plans referred to in Federal Register on July 29, 2021; Document Citation: 86 FR 40897 Document Number: 2021-16182 Dear Acting Director Benge: We are writing to you on behalf
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,
Member Op-Ed: Clean up orphaned wells for Chaco, all national parks
Clean up orphaned wells for Chaco, all national parks BY TOM VAUGHAN/CHACO CULTURE NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, SILVER CITY RESIDENT Published: Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at 3:32pm Updated: Friday, August 6th, 2021 at 3:33pm During my 22 years with the National Park Service, I spent four years as superintendent of Chaco Culture National Historical Park in
Member Oped: Precious landscapes need protection from orphaned wells
Precious landscapes need protection from orphaned wells Aug 8, 2021 By DENNY HUFFMAN From Yosemite National Park in the west to Great Smoky Mountains and Virgin Islands National Parks in the east, I was privileged to work with the National Park Service for 34 years, helping to protect our country’s most treasured natural and
Coalition Joins Partners in Push to Nominate a NPS Director
August 4, 2021 Dear President Biden, We, the undersigned, urge you to nominate a National Park Service (NPS) Director as soon as possible. It’s been over four years since the NPS has had a Senate-confirmed director, an agency whose 20,000 employees oversee 423 of America’s most treasured places — national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks,
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 Signs Letter About Spaceport Camden and Cumberland Island National Seashore.
July 9, 2021 Shannon A. Estenoz Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240 RE: Spaceport Camden and Cumberland Island National Seashore Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary Estenoz: We write to raise concerns about Spaceport Camden, a proposed rocket launch site
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: Biden’s “America the Beautiful” plan is well-timed
While the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be on the retreat, our time spent at home has demonstrated just how important the great outdoors are to Americans. After spending months in lockdown, a road trip to a national park — or even a hike through a local park — feels like a much needed physical, emotional,
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 Signs on To GA Regional Haze Letter
June 17, 2021 Karen Hays Branch Chief, Air Protection Branch Georgia Environmental Protection Division 4244 International Parkway, Suite 120 Atlanta, GA 30354-3906 Richard E. Dunn, Director Georgia Environmental Protection Division 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, SE 14th Floor East Tower – Suite 1456 Atlanta, GA 30334-9000 Dear Director Dunn and Chief Hays, On behalf
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
Op-Ed: Rebecca Harriett: A welcome initiative to protect our parks
By Rebecca Harriett Jun 13, 2021 West Virginia is a state that values access to the great outdoors. It’s a place of incredible beauty, full of opportunities to hike, canoe, hunt, fish and swim. And for West Virginians — and Americans across the country — the COVID-19 pandemic has very visibly demonstrated just how important
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
Coalition Joins Sign-on Letter On House Transportation Bill
June 8, 2021 Dear Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the significant investments for national parks, in particular the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) and Federal Lands and Tribal Major Projects Program (FLTMP) in the Investing in a
Coalition Supports Tracy Stone-Manning as BLM Director
The Honorable Chuck Schumer Senate Majority Leader 322 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Mitch McConnell Senate Minority Leader 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senators, For 75 years, the Bureau of Land Management has been tasked with sustaining the “health, diversity, and productivity” of 245 million acres of
Coalition Joins Letter of Concern Regarding Kentucky Air Quality
June 7, 2021 Commissioner Anthony Hatton Melissa K. Duff, Director, Division for Air Quality Department for Environmental Protection 300 Sower Boulevard, 2nd Floor Frankfort, KY 40601 Dear Commissioner Hatton and Director Duff, On behalf of the below-listed community, health, and conservation groups, we are concerned that Kentucky is heading toward failing to meet its obligations
Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY2022 Budget
Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY2022 Budget Date: 6.3.2021 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org Last week, the Biden administration released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2022. The proposal calls for significant investments in the National Park System, including an increase of nearly $381 million (a 12% increase) to the National Park Service (NPS) budget.
Coalition Op-Ed: People are flocking to national parks — yet understaffed parks continue struggling financially
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking a trip out west to visit several national parks in Utah, including Arches and Canyonlands. I have spent years working with national parks; first as a National Park Service (NPS) Ranger and now as the executive director for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks,
Coalition Expresses Support for National Scenic Byways Program
May 25, 2021 Dear Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of the significant investments for national parks, in particular the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) and Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Project Program (NSFLTP), in the Surface
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 Joins Regional Haze Letter Sent to EPA
May 17, 2021 Administrator Michael Regan Environmental Protection Agency Office of the Administrator, Mail Code 1101A 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 Re: Achieving Cleaner Air for our Communities and National Parks through Strong State Regional Haze Plans Dear Administrator Regan: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we, the undersigned
Entry Tickets For National Parks Going Fast
Entry Tickets For National Parks Going Fast By Stephanie Serrano, Mountain West News Bureau If you want to visit Glacier National Park, starting Memorial Weekend you’ll need a ticket to drive through the most popular entrance, but there’s a problem. “The tickets are selling out very quickly,” said Gina Kerzman, a spokesperson for Glacier National
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 Supports Legislation to Establish Amache Site as an NPS Unit
April 18, 2021 Dear Congressman Neguse and Congressman Buck, On behalf of the 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park Service (NPS), I am writing to express our support for the legislation to establish the Amache National
Coalition Applauds Secretary’s Orders to Repeal Energy Dominance Policies
Release Date: April 16, 2021 Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@pr********.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 Urges Senate to Confirm DOI Leadership Nominees
Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Experience of Beaudreau and Estenoz Will Help Advance Biden’s Ambitious Conservation and Climate Agenda WASHINGTON, DC — The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is urging the Senate to confirm Tommy Beaudreau as Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Shannon Estenoz as Assistant Secretary
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 Urges Secretary Haaland to Protect Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
Ahead of Haaland’s Visit to Utah’s Monuments, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says These Lands Need Stronger Protections. WASHINGTON, DC — Later this week, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will travel to Utah to meet with stakeholders, Tribes, and elected leaders as part of the national monuments review announced by President Biden. Ahead
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 Signs on to Appropriations and Infrastructure Letters
March 26, 2021 Dear Members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, write in support of robust investments for national parks in the upcoming surface transportation or larger infrastructure package. In particular, the coalition supports $400 million a year for both the national
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 Celebrates Deb Haaland’s Confirmation as Interior Secretary
“We applaud today’s historic confirmation of Deb Haaland as the new Secretary of the Interior. We look forward to having a public lands champion in the office and will work to support her efforts to combat the challenges facing our national parks and public lands,” said Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect
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 Supports Senate Bill to Reform Fiscal Aspects of Leasing System
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Contact: Pr***@Ro***.gov (Rosen) Contact: Ka*************@Gr******.Gov (Grassley) Rosen, Grassley Introduce Bipartisan Fair Returns for Public Lands Act to Ensure Taxpayers Get Fair Share for Oil and Gas Leasing on Public Lands Legislation Would Reform Antiquated Law That Governs Royalties And The Leasing Of Public Land To Ensure Oil And Gas Companies Pay
Coalition Signs on to Support the Fair Return for Public Lands Act
March 9, 2021 Dear Senator: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we the undersigned urge you to support the Fair Return for Public Lands Act, introduced by Senators Rosen and Grassley. Federal revenue-generating policies for onshore oil and gas production have not kept pace and have fallen well behind the policies of
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 Submits Letter on NPS Second Century Campground Strategy
March 9, 2021 Dear Acting Director Benge, On behalf of over 1,900 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), I am writing to provide the Coalition’s concerns related to the NPS Second Century Campground Strategy. Coalition
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 Signs on to Letter Supporting an End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing
March 4, 2021 Dear Senator: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we the undersigned organizations urge you to support the End Speculative Oil and Gas Leasing Act of 2021 introduced by Senator Cortez Masto on March 4, 2021. If passed, this bill would end the practice of leasing low
Coalition Continues to Support Haaland as Interior Secretary Nominee
Coalition Continues to Support Haaland as her Nomination for Interior Secretary Heads to a Full Senate Confirmation Vote WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources voted to advance the nomination of Rep. Deb Haaland for Secretary of the Interior Department to a full Senate confirmation vote. In reaction
Coalition Submits Letter of Support for the Amache Special Resource Study
February 19, 2021 Mr. Jeremy Sweat Regional Chief of Planning and Compliance National Park Service 12795 W. Alameda Parkway Lakewood, CO 80228 Dear Mr. Sweat: On behalf of the 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the National Park
Coalition Contacts NPS Regarding Transmission Line DEIS
Subject: Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Acting Director Benge: 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
Coalition Contacts ACHP Regarding Transmission Line DEIS
Subject: Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Director Fowler: 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
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 Statement On NPS Employees And COVID-19
Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, issued a statement regarding the safety of National Park Service (NPS) frontline employees as the country continues to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic: “We applaud the Biden administration’s decision to require the Federal workforce and individuals interacting with the Federal workforce to
Coalition Praises DOI’s Actions To Restore Intent Of LWCF
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, the Department of the Interior repealed former Secretary David Bernhardt’s Secretarial Orders on the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) which imposed unnecessary, top-down requirements that delayed the National Park Service’s ability to address its over $5 billion backlog of land acquisition needs. The Interior Department’s action today restores
Coalition Submits Comments On Army Corps’ DEIS
February 10, 2021 Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WRR) 803 Front Street Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011 Subject: CENAO-WRR NAO-2012-00080, Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Dear Mr. Steffey: I am writing on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). As a
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 Applauds Biden’s Executive Actions on Climate Crisis
Moments ago, President Biden took bold executive action by signing a slate of executive orders that would help to protect America’s national parks and public lands and tackle the climate crisis. Specifically, the president ordered a pause on new oil and gas leasing on federal land and laid out a ten-year goal of conserving
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************@pr********.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
NPCA and Coalition Submit Recommendations on GAOA and Deferred Maintenance Implementation
Great American Outdoors Act: Deferred Maintenance Implementation Considerations and Recommendations January 2021 The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was an extraordinary accomplishment for repairing and conserving our national parks. It is critical that implementation of the law is successful to ensure wise, efficient, transparent use of federal dollars; to meet congressional intent; and to
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
Coalition Files Another FOIA Request for COVID-19 Infection Numbers in NPS
January 19, 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.
Coalition Requests Extended Comment Period for Spaceport Camden
January 14, 2021 Ms. Kelie Moore Federal Consistency Coordinator Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division One Conservation Way Suite 300 Brunswick, GA 31520-8687 RE: Proposed Coastal Consistency Determination for Spaceport Camden Dear Ms. Moore: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, Georgia Audubon, the Georgia Conservancy, the National Park Conservation Association, One
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***********@fw*.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
Coalition Joins Comments on Rulemaking Revisions
December 28, 2020 Public Comments Processing Attn: Docket No. DOI-2020-0001 Department of the Interior; MS: 7328 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Re: Department of the Interior interim final rule to revise rulemaking procedures to implement Executive Order 13891 entitled “Promoting the Rule of Law Through Improved Agency Guidance Documents. Dear Mr. Patnaik: Please
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 Talks with National Parks Traveler About DOI COVID Count
UPDATE | Report: More Than 2,000 Interior Department Employees Infected By Covid-19 By Kurt Repanshek – December 18th, 2020 Editor’s note: This updates with reaction from the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and the National Parks Conservation Association. More than 2,000 Interior Department employees, including more than 500 at the National Park Service, have
Biden administration must build-up the National Park Service
BY PHIL FRANCIS, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR — 12/19/20 As we begin to close the book on 2020 and start a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we need to go. I served our country and the American people in the National Park Service (NPS) for over 40 years,
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 Praises Representative Haaland’s Historic Nomination for Interior Secretary
WASHINGTON, DC — Moments ago, it was reported that President-elect Joe Biden plans to nominate Representative Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Interior. She would be the first Indigenous person to serve in that position. In reaction to the announcement, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, said:
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 Continues to Submit FOIA Requests for COVID-19 Numbers
December 2, 2020 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 Submits Comment Period Extension Request
December 7, 2020 Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WRR) 803 Front Street Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011 Subject: CENAO-WRR NAO-2012-00080, Dominion Power Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Dear Mr. Steffey: I am writing on behalf of over 1,900 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). As a
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 Signs on to FY 21 Appropriations Letter
November 19, 2020 Dear Chairwoman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall, Chairwoman Collins and Ranking Member Reed, Chairwoman McCollum and Ranking Member Joyce, Chairman Price and Ranking Member Diaz-Balart, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition, thank you for your investments over the years to our national parks given the constraints 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 Signs on To Letter to Protect Sage Grouse
November 18, 2020 Re: Please Conserve Greater Sage-Grouse in the Final FY 2021 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill Dear Chairs and Ranking Members: On behalf of our millions of members and supporters and as you enter year-end negotiations on appropriations bills, we write again to urge you to ensure that the rider prohibiting the U.S.
Coalition Speaks Out On NPS Alaska Jurisdiction Rule
For immediate release: 11/16/20 Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.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************@pr********.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 Submits FOIA Request for LWCF Projects Under Great American Outdoors Act
November 5, 2020 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.
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 Submits FOIA Request for COVID-19 Numbers
October 20, 2020 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.
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
EC Member Sheridan Steele Speaks with National Park Traveler
The National Park System doesn’t pause for the upcoming presidential election. Throughout the summer it has been surprisingly busy, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, at many units of the park system. Indeed, there are many issues across the parks to pay attention to and discuss. To help us with that task, we’ve invited Kristen
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 Joins Letter of Support for Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act
Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters American Rivers || Black Hills Clean Water Alliance || Center for Biological Diversity Clean Water Action || Climate Hawks Vote || Coalition To Protect America’s National Parks || Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc. || Colorado State Rams for the Boundary Waters Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship || Crow River
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 Signs On to Letter Opposing Endangered Species Act Amendments
September 23, 2020 The Honorable John Barrasso Chairman Environment and Public Works Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 The Honorable Tom Carper Ranking Member Environment and Public Works Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee meets today for a hearing
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 Signs On to California Wildlife Protection Letter
September 18, 2020 Toks Omishakin, Caltrans Director California Department of Transportation 1120 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814 John Bulinski, District Director Michael Beauchamp, Deputy District Director of Construction David Bricker, Deputy District Director of Environmental Planning Andrew Walters, Senior Environmental Planner California Department of Transportation, District 8 464 W. 4th Street San Bernardino, CA
Coalition Encourages Transparency with The Great American Outdoors Act
September 14, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St. NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt, 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 of the National
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 Comments on Proposed Changes to Concessions Regulations
September 9, 2020 Subject: Commercial Visitor Services – Concession Contracts Proposed Rule – National Park Service, RIN 1024-AE57 Commercial Services Program National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W., Mail Stop 2410 Concessions Contracts Revised Rule Comments Washington, D.C. 20240 I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect
Coalition Submits FOIA Request Related to Fort McHenry Speech
August 31, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer National Park Service 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
Coalition Submits FOIA Request Related to COVID-19 Numbers
September 1, 2020 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.
Coalition Comments on New Mexico Lease Sales
Sale of New Mexico public land to oil and gas nets $8M, despite opposition during Covid-19 Adrian Hedden The federal government made about $8.2 million from a sale of public land to the oil and gas industry in New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. The sale was held by the Bureau of Land Management on
Park Service Under Fire for Role in GOP Convention
BY REBECCA BEITSCH – 08/27/20 The National Park Service (NPS) is in hot water with ethics watchdogs for a slickly produced video promoting President Trump along with its plans to host a fireworks spectacle after his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. Trump is slated to give his convention speech on Thursday from the
Coalition Joins Groups in Lawsuit Over Destructive Hunting Practices
August 26, 2020 Thirteen groups sue Interior, NPS for paving way for destructive hunting practices that threaten bears and wolves on national preserves ANCHORAGE, AK—A lawsuit filed today in federal District Court in Alaska charges the Interior Department and National Park Service with violating multiple laws when adopting a rule that would open up
Coalition Comments on Distribution of GAO Act Funds
Park Service anniversary finds government working to implement new funding The government is working to implement new legislation giving the National Park Service’s infrastructure a well-needed facelift as the NPS, one of the most popular federal agencies, celebrates its 104th anniversary on Tuesday. The recently passed Great American Outdoors Act is intended to tackle the
Coalition Speaks Out About Resource Damage
BALTIMORE (WBAL & AP) — A brick walkway at Fort McHenry was damaged by crews preparing for Vice President Mike Pence’s speech planned at the historic site for Wednesday. Crews have been quickly building a stage, mobile broadcast center and infrastructure needed to beam a speech by the vice president from Fort McHenry
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
Fort McHenry Should Not Be Used For Political Gain
Fort McHenry Should Not Be Used For Political Gain Vice President Mike Pence will speak at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The Maryland Republican Party reportedly secured a special use permit to use the national park site for the Vice President’s political event. The Coalition
Coalition Voices Concern Over Use of Ft. McHenry
August 24, 2020 Ms. Margaret Everson Counselor to the Secretary, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Everson: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization
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
Freedom of Information Act: COVID-19 Cases to Date Among Park Service Employees
August 4, 2020 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 Act (FOIA). As background for this request: On April 20, 2020, we submitted a FOIA request to NPS asking
Freedom of Information Act Request: Closure of Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
August 18, 2020 Charis Wilson, FOIA Officer National Park Service 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
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
Member OpEd: A call for authorizing Curecanti National Recreation Area
A call for authorizing Curecanti National Recreation Area Posted to The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Aug 14, 2020 As a group, we have a combined 26.5 years of experience as superintendents of Curecanti National Recreation Area and a collective 179 years of service with the National Park Service. With the benefit of this extensive background,
Coalition Objects to Using Parks as Campaign Stops
August 17, 2020 Ms. Margaret Everson Counselor to the Secretary, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Acting Director Everson: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization
Coalition Comments on Proposed Mountain Biking Trail
August 17, 2020 Mr. Cassius Cash Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Subject: Scoping Comments, Proposed Wears Valley Bicycle Trail Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,800 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed
Coalition Speaks About Lack of Permanent NPS Director
How Trump bent the National Park Service to do his bidding By Mark Kaufman For the first 100 years of the National Park Service’s existence, there has almost continually been an official director who leads the prestigious conservation agency. Now, that’s changed. The Trump administration has never had anyone in the official position of
Coalition On Acting Director Vela’s Departure
David Vela’s reversal of fortune: ‘D.C. is a fickle place’ Rob Hotakainen, E&E News reporter Published: Friday, August 14, 2020 When President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act last week, one key player was nowhere to be found: David Vela, the acting director of the National Park Service, who had pushed hard to get
Coalition Supports CORE Act Amendment
August 12, 2020 Senator Lisa Murkowski Chairman, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senator Joe Manchin Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Manchin, On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 1,800 current and former National Park