Victory in a 30-year fight to protect groundwater under Great Basin National Park

There is good news to celebrate in a long struggle against the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) proposed groundwater pumping and pipeline project in Eastern Nevada, which would have caused significant impact to Great Basin National Park. Following a 30-year battle, the SNWA has decided not to appeal the March 2020 decision by Nevada District Court

Coalition Reacts to President Trump’s Remark That National Parks Will Reopen

WASHINGTON, DC —Moments ago, at a tree-planting ceremony on the White House Lawn, President Trump remarked that he would begin to reopen national parks to the public. Phil Francis, Chairman of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP), issued the following in response: “We understand that the president is eager to reopen our national

Parks Groups File Brief Against Administration’s Weak Air and Climate Rule

Parks Groups File Brief Against Administration’s Weak Air and Climate Rule Washington, DC – The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks took legal action today by filing an amicus brief in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The brief supports a challenge to the Trump administration’s Affordable Clean Energy (ACE)

Coalition Rebukes Secretary Bernhardt’s Messaging

The Coalition issued a short statement in response to an op-ed by Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. Fox News published an op-ed in which the Secretary defended his lackluster response to the coronavirus pandemic, which many experts have warned puts park workers, volunteers, and visitors at risk of infection. Phil Francis, chairman of the Coalition to Protect

Coalition Urges Funding for Lands Package to Assist with Economic Recovery

The Coalition has called on the Department of Interior to shut down America’s National Parks since the COVID-19 pandemic began. But we also have continued to advocate for long-term solutions needed to protect America’s national parks, and help the gateway communities around them survive the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has revealed

Coalition: Grand Canyon Superintendent Selection is Appalling

  Coalition: Grand Canyon Superintendent Selection is Appalling The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks expressed shock and disappointment at the news that Department of the Interior (DOI) Solicitor Edward Keable has been named the new Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park. Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: “Ed Keable

Coalition Issues Statement on Oil and Gas Meeting

National Park Service Retirees on President Trump’s Meeting with Oil Executives Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Says Bernhardt is Prioritizing Former Clients Oil Interests, Over the Safety and Health of National Parks Employees WASHINGTON, DC — Today, President Donald Trump met with oil company executives at the White House to discuss falling oil prices

Coalition Letter to Acting Director Vela on Continuing COVID-19 Response

  April 2, 2020 Mr. David Vela Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC  20240 Dear Acting Director Vela: I am writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) to express our ongoing concerns about the many units of the National Park System remain open

Letter to Secretary Bernhardt: Close Public Access to Parks

  March 31, 2020 The Honorable David Bernhardt, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC  20240 Dear Secretary Bernhardt: 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 of retired, former, and current employees of

Member OP-ED: We must protect Utah’s Red Rock landscapes

By Cordell Roy | Special to The Salt Lake Tribune Published: 3/29/20 In this time of national emergency, it may seem relatively trivial to concern oneself with anything other than our own personal and community well-being. However, the well-being of our environment and public lands that contribute to Utahns quality of life is also experiencing

Coalition Joins Over 90 Organizations Calling for Suspension of Public Comment Periods During National Health Emergency

American Bird Conservancy • Archaeology Southwest • Athens County’s Future Action Network • Basin and Range Watch • Black Hills Clean Water Alliance • Born Free USA • Buckeye Environmental Network • Center for Biological Diversity • Christian Council of Delmara • Clean Water Action • Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks • Conservation Council

Coalition Members Speak Out About Park Visitation During Pandemic

Coalition members are speaking out about the dangers of increased visitation at national parks, despite the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendations about social distancing. Numerous parks across the country have seen an increase in visitation since the Secretary of the Interior waived entrance fees in parks. “We should not be encouraging more visitation to our national

Coalition Joins 51 Conservation Groups Commenting On Migratory Bird Treaty Act Rollbacks

  The comments were submitted by the Southern Environmental Law Center regarding the Trump administration’s proposal to rollback the protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  Click here to read the PDF file. The Coalition also joined the Audubon Society and other organizations in their sign-on letter opposing proposed changes to the MBTA. Click here to

DOI Should Not Encourage Additional Park Visitation

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/19/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 DOI Should Not Encourage Additional Park Visitation Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has waived entrance fees at national parks across the country to encourage visitation and “make it easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible national parks.” However, this decision

Coalition Supports Halt to Lease Sales and Hold on Public Comment Periods

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/17/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 Coalition Supports Halt to Lease Sales and Hold on Public Comment Periods “We fully support the idea of suspending ongoing comment periods, halting oil and gas lease sales, and delaying new policy proposals. Just as we called on the Department of the Interior (DOI)

 Coalition Calls for Closures at National Parks

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/16/20 MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936  Coalition Calls for Closures at National Parks In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance that calls for a nationwide halt to gatherings of 50 people or more. In addition, Americans are

America’s Best Idea at Risk

  Our national parks are America’s Best Idea. They protect our irreplaceable natural and cultural resources, preserve the stories of our past, and connect Americans to the outdoors. Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funding is crucial to the successful management of our national parks and the continued protection of the irreplaceable natural and cultural resources

Coalition Signs on to Collective Comments Regarding Proposed NEPA Changes

Ms. Mary Neumayr Chairman Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place NW Washington, DC 20503 Attn: Docket No. CEQ-2019 0003 March 10, 2020 Re: Attachment I—NEPA Archive Dear Chairman Neumayr: The following compiled materials, included as Attachment I to the environmental coalition letter, are pertinent to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process as it

Backpacker: Here’s How the Presidential Candidates’ Public Lands Plans Stack Up

By Elizabeth Miller Mar 10, 2020 While Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden have spoken at length about fighting climate change, conservation groups say their plans for America’s public lands are big on promises and short on details. In the 11 years that Phil Francis was Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s deputy superintendent, he saw air quality

Coalition Comments On Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act

  March 10, 2020 Edward Boling Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC  20503 Subject:  Comments on “Update to the Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)” {Docket No. CEQ-2019-0003} Dear Mr. Boling: I am writing to you

Testimony of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council

Statement for the Record Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives Hearing on FY 2021 Budget for the National Park Service March 6, 2020 Rep. McCollum, Rep. Joyce, and members of the subcommittee, thank

Coalition Celebrates Movement on Combined Bill to Protect National Parks

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/5/20 Coalition Celebrates Movement on Combined Bill to Protect National Parks “We are celebrating the positive progress of a combined bill that will make an incredible difference to the protection and preservation of our national parks and public lands. As life-long stewards of our national parks, we know what a difference

Coalition: National Park Visitation Demands Greater National Park Service Budget

  Coalition: National Park Visitation Demands Greater National Park Service Budget By Kurt Repanshek on March 2nd, 2020 © National Parks Traveler   While visitation to the National Park System remains strong, the same can’t be said of the National Park Service’s ability to welcome those visitors and preserve the parks’ resources, according to the

Coalition Testifies at NEPA Public Hearing in Washington, DC

Statement of Amy Fehir Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Regarding Proposed Revisions to CEQ Regulations for the Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Washington, DC Hearing February 25, 2020 Good evening. My name is Amy Fehir. I am a former National Park Service employee and the current Executive Director of the Coalition to

Ahead of Testimony, Coalition Issues Statement on NEPA Changes

  Ahead of Testimony, Coalition Issues Statement on NEPA Changes “Current NEPA procedures have long provided a critical mechanism for ensuring that the National Park Service fulfills its mission to conserve parks unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. And a key factor in making good decisions that protect parks has been strong citizen involvement.

Public Lands Should Not Be Sold to Balance the Budget

  Today was the nomination hearing for Judy Shelton, President Trump’s latest nominee for the Federal Reserve Board. Shelton has expressed the view that the U.S. government should sell-off its “numerous federal land holdings” in order to “expedite the achievement of a balanced budget.” Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks,

Coalition Testifies at NEPA Public Hearing

Statement of Sarah Bransom Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Regarding Proposed Revisions to CEQ Regulations for the Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Denver, Colorado Hearing February 11, 2020 Good morning. My name is Sarah Bransom. I am presenting this testimony on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Our group

Member Op-ed: Organ Pipe Cactus Will Suffer Irreversible Destruction

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is home to a thriving community of plants and animals. In fact, this national monument is also an International Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its conservation of the unique resources representing a pristine example of an intact Sonoran Desert ecosystem. But the health and continued protection of this irreplaceable ecosystem is

Coalition Denounces Massive Cuts to DOI Budget in President’s Proposed Budget

Coalition Denounces Massive Cuts to DOI Budget in President’s Proposed Budget WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the White House released its proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021, which includes massive cuts to major domestic programs. The Trump Administration’s proposed budget includes cuts to the Department of Interior funding, which includes a 97% cut in discretionary

Coalition Condemns Final Management Plans for Utah National Monuments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 06, 2020 CONTACT: Emily Thompson, 202-758-3936, Em************@********ps.org Coalition Condemns Final Management Plans for Utah National Monuments WASHINGTON, DC — This morning, the Interior Department finalized resource management plans for the reduced Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah by releasing two Records of Decision. The decision

Oppose Eagle Crest Legislation

  February 3, 2020 The Honorable Chris Holden and Laura Friedman Assembly Utilities and Energy and Natural Resources Committees State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Re: Opposition to Eagle Crest Legislation Dear Chair Holden and Chair Friedman, We write to express our opposition to legislation directing the procurement by the Independent System Operator of expensive long-duration

Coalition Participates in Outdoor Retailer Panel on Parks and Climate Change

Coalition Member Gary Davis recently served as a panelist for the session Parks in Peril: National Parks in a Changing Climate at Outdoor Retailer, a business-to-business outdoor sports show for those working in the industry. Several hundred people participated in the session, which included a lively discussion focused on the evolving role of science in

Coalition Comments on Electric Bicycles in NPS Alaskan Parks

January 29, 2020 National Park Service, Attn: Compendiums Alaska Regional Office 240 West 5th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 Dear Alaska Regional Office: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of

Prominent Park Advocates and Leaders Take Battle Over Atlantic Coast Pipeline to the Supreme Court

Today, the National Parks Conservation Association joined the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks and prominent park advocates Jon Jarvis, former director of the National Park Service, and Pam Underhill, former Superintendent of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, in filing a joint amicus brief supporting conservation respondents in U.S. Forest Service, et al. v. Cowpasture

Coalition Joins “Amici curiae” Brief to The Supreme Court of the United States

Coalition Joins “Amici curiae” Brief to The Supreme Court of the United States   Nos. 18-1584 & 18-1587 ================================================================================================================ In The Supreme Court of the United States • UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE, ET AL., Petitioners, v. COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION, ET AL., Respondents. • ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE, LLC, Petitioner, v. COWPASTURE RIVER PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION, ET

Coalition Requests Extension of Comment Period for NEPA Update

January 20, 2020 Mary Neumayr, Chair Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC  20503 Edward Boling, Associate Director for the National Environmental Policy Act Council on Environmental Quality 730 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC  20503 Subject:  Request for a 60 day Extension of Public Comment Period on “Update to the Regulations for Implementing

Member OP-ED: Trump is Threatening America’s Cornerstone of Environmental Law to Allow for Backroom Deals

TRUMP IS THREATENING AMERICA’S CORNERSTONE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW TO ALLOW FOR BACKROOM DEALS | NEWSWEEK OPINION JUDITH HAZEN CONNERY The Trump administration’s proposal to exempt some of the nation’s most controversial developments, such as pipelines and mines, from scrutiny under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is more than just a bone thrown to corporate

Coalition Condemns Proposed Changes to NEPA

For Immediate Release: 1/9/20 “We strongly condemn the administration’s proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The National Park Service (NPS) is charged by law to protect our nation’s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources and NEPA is acritical tool that allows the NPS to meet their fundamental mission of protecting and preserving our

Coalition Comments: Sochan Gathering for Traditional Purposes at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  January 5, 2020 Superintendent Cassius M. Cash National Park Service Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, Tennessee  37738 Dear Superintendent Cash: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former,

Coalition Comments – Ebike Use on Trails

  January 4, 2020 Superintendent Craig Kenkel National Park Service Cuyahoga Valley National Park 15610 Vaughn Road Brecksville, OH 44141 Dear Superintendent Kenkel: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition).The Coalition is a non-profit organization composed of retired, former, or current employees of the

Coalition Statement on House Spending Packages

Coalition Statement on House Spending Packages For Immediate Release: 12/18/19 “We are pleased to see the increase to the National Park Service budget and appreciate the bipartisan investment in our national parks and public lands. Our national parks and national park service employees help to ensure that irreplaceable natural and cultural resources are preserved for

Op-ed: For the good of Maine, the Land and Water Conservation Fund must be fully funded.

By Sheridan Steele, Opinion guest column • December 7, 2019 10:39 am One of the greatest gifts Maine could receive this holiday season is full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to be included in the fiscal year 2020 federal budget. LWCF enjoys wide bipartisan backing and is our nation’s most important program to conserve

OP-ED: Congress must keep promise on conservation fund

Brenda Barrett Wednesday November 20, 2019 01:14 PM Guest opinion: Congress must keep promise on conservation fund Pennsylvania counts on program that protects landscapes, cultural heritage sites. The Land and Water Conservation Fund, or LWCF, is our nation’s preeminent conservation program protecting our irreplaceable landscapes and cultural heritage sites. I should know; I have served

Coalition Meets with Portland Press Herald Editorial Board

Coalition Executive Council member Mike Murray recently met with the editorial staff at the Portland Press Herald to discuss the importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The Herald published this editorial following their conversation. Editorials Published – December 2, 2019 Our View: Land and Water Conservation Fund needs protecting The federal program has purchased

The National Park System Deserves Better

The National Park System Deserves Better Release Date: 11/7/19 Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, released a statement in response to the recent report by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) on evaporating staff levels at the National Park Service (NPS). “The agency figures released by PEER are incredibly concerning.

Coalition Comments on the Ambler Road Draft Environmental Impact Statement

  October 29, 2019 Ted A. Murphy, Associate State Director Bureau of Land Management Ambler Road Draft EIS Comments, BLM Public Room 222 West 7th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99513 Subject:  Comments on the Ambler Road Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Dear Mr. Murphy: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of

Coalition Comments on the Draft Environmental and Economic Analysis for the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project

  October 29, 2019 Gregory Dudgeon, Superintendent Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve 4175 Geist Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709 Subject:  Comments on the Draft Environmental and Economic Analysis (EE) for the Ambler Mining District Industrial Access Project Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,700 members of the

Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Denounces Attempts to Privatize More NPS Campgrounds

  For Immediate Release: 10/26/2019 An advisory panel created by former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke is recommending that the Interior Department privatize more campgrounds and allow services such as Wi-Fi and food trucks, in addition to other commercialized services, at national park campgrounds. “The recommendations put forward by the ‘Made in America’ Outdoor

Coalition Talks to NPT About Commercializing More Campgrounds

National Park Campers Voice Strong Objections To Commercializing More Campgrounds By Kurt Repanshek, National Parks Traveler on October 16th, 2019   There is little support among National Parks Traveler readers for commercializing more national park campgrounds and adding WiFi, food trucks, and other amenities. While an advisory committee to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt is calling

Coalition Joins Partners in Expressing Concern Over Proposed Off-Road Vehicle Use in Utah Parks

October 9, 2019 The Honorable Rob Wallace Assistant Secretary of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Dear Assistant Secretary Wallace, On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Grand Canyon Trust, and Coalition

Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act

10/15/19 Dear Representative, Subject:  H.R. 3225, Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act We are writing on behalf of over 1,700 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). The Coalition studies,

Statement of support for Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act (H.R. 3225) by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.

  Statement of support for H.R. 3225, Restoring Community Input and Public Protections in Oil and Gas Leasing Act by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Release Date: 10/15/19 “Oil and gas development damages national parks across the country. And the threats posed to our National Park System have only

OP-ED: Protecting America’s national parks and our national identity

Coalition executive council member Sarah Bransom submitted her opinion article to The Hill on October 10, 2019. America’s national parks and public lands are at the core of our national identity. Throughout their existence, congressional representatives from both sides of the aisle have supported them, recognizing their importance to land conservation, outdoor recreation and economic

CPANP Letter Opposing DOI Reorg and the Use of Unobligated Funds

    October 9, 2019 Dear Chairmen Murkowski and McCollum and Ranking Members Udall and Joyce: We are writing on behalf of over 1,700 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). The Coalition studies, educates, speaks,

Comments on Proposed Closure of Target Shooting on Certain Lands within Bears Ears National Monument

September 24, 2019 BLM, Canyon Country District Bears Ears Management Plans Attn: Lance Porter Canyon Country District Office 82 East Dogwood, Moab, Utah 84532 Re: Comments on Proposed Closure of Target Shooting on Certain Lands within the Monument Dear Mr. Porter, Please accept and fully consider these comments regarding the proposed target-shooting closure within Bears

Statement by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks on the Senate Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

9/30/19 Statement by Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks on the Senate Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies: “We are pleased with many of the provisions in the Senate’s FY2020 Appropriations bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. And we are particularly encouraged to see

Coalition Files Joint Letter of Protest on Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), submitted this protest to the August 2019 Proposed Resource Management Plans (RMPs) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the three units of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) – the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits, and Escalante Canyon Units – and the

Coalition Comments on NPS Memo Regarding External Review and Comments

Coalition Chair Phil Francis spoke with The Washington Post about a recent NPS memo directing superintendents to notify Washington supervisors before issuing comments to other parts of the federal government when they are worried about drilling and other proposed developments near national parks. “It makes me wonder what the motive really is,” said Francis. Read

Comments on ISRO Nonwilderness Cultural Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment

September 06, 2019 Phyllis Green, Superintendent Isle Royale National Park 800 East Lakeshore Drive Houghton, MI 49931 Subject:  Comments on ISRO Nonwilderness Cultural Resource Management Plan and Environmental Assessment Dear Superintendent Green: I am writing on behalf of over 1,700 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition), a non-profit organization composed of

Coalition Submits Letter Opposing DOI Reorganization

September 4, 2019 Honorable Raul Grijalva Chairman Committee on Natural Resources House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Mr. Chairman: On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, I am writing concerning the September 10, 2019, hearing about the proposed reorganization of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its effect on the

Coalition Comments on DOI-BLM Federal Pipeline Unit Wells

The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, National Parks Conservation Association, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, and Center for Biological Diversity (collectively “SUWA”) submitted comments on the DOI-BLM Federal Pipeline Unit Wells located in the Colorado Plateau. In short, the Environmental Assessment failed to analyze cumulative impacts of reasonably foreseeable oil and gas wells in the Uinta

Coalition Condemns Trump Administration’s Changes to Endangered Species Act

  “The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is incredibly effective at saving plants, animals, and insects, from extinction. And it has widespread public support from the American people. Despite its success and popularity, the Trump administration has weakened the act and put countless species in danger of extinction. This administration continues to disregard the importance of

Coalition Joins Partners in Opposition to DOI Reorganization

The Coalition recently signed on to a letter, written in partnership with other conservation groups and sent to Congressional leadership, expressing deep concern about the administration’s reorganization of the Department of the Interior, the threat of which has become even more ominous with the announcement of the relocation of the Bureau of Land Management headquarters

Coalition Issues Statement on President Trump’s Speech on the Environment

Coalition Issues Statement on President Trump’s Speech on the Environment   Release Date: July 8, 2019 “President Trump’s speech today embodies the saying that ‘everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts.’ Despite his words to the contrary, this administration has consistently supported policies, and taken actions, that are harmful

Trump’s Salute to America an Irresponsible Use of National Park Service Resources

Trump’s Salute to America an Irresponsible Use of National Park Service Resources For Immediate Release: 7-1-19 Media Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@********ps.org; 202-758-3936 National parks, considered “America’s Best Idea,” are iconic locations to celebrate America’s birthday. Unfortunately, President Trump’s proposed Salute to America celebration on the National Mall will place a huge burden on those tasked

Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Passage of Restore our Parks Act

  Coalition Statement on the House Natural Resources Committee’s Passage of Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act Release Date: June 27, 2019 Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: “We are pleased that Congress is taking another step toward addressing the growing maintenance backlog that is crippling our

Coalition Submits Comments on AZ Border Infrastructure Projects

June 26, 2019 Paul Enriquez, Director Border Wall Program Management Office U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039 Washington, DC 20229-1100 Re: Pima and Cochise Counties, Arizona Border Infrastructure Project Dear Mr. Enriquez: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is submitting comments regarding the above

CPANP Encourages Funding for Deferred Maintenance in Interview with Public News Service

Coalition Chair Phil Francis recently spoke with the Public News Service about the extensive deferred maintenance backlog in national parks across the country. “Yellowstone and Grand Teton, they’re economic engines, because people love them,” Francis states. “They’re special places, special enough that people will take their vacations and spend their money and spend their time

Coalition Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Markup

  Coalition Statement on House Natural Resources Committee Markup Release Date: June 19, 2019 Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks: “We are encouraged by the support shown for national parks and public lands in today’s committee markup. Legislation to require mandatory annual funding for the Land and Water

Coalition and Partners submit comments to BLM on Dangers of Hydraulic Fracturing

The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP) – in partnership with The Wilderness Society, the Natural Resource Defense Council, the National Parks Conservation Association and the Los Padres ForestWatch – has recently submitted comments regarding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bakersfield Field Office Resource Management Plan, Hydraulic Fracturing Analysis – Draft Supplemental Environmental

Success Story – Speaking Out Against Impacts to Chaco Canyon NHP Helps Change Interior Direction

  In February 2017, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks submitted comments – along with Tribes and several conservation organizations – to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in opposition to mineral leasing proposed on approximately 4.2 million acres of land in San Juan, Rio Arriba, McKinley and Sandoval Counties in New Mexico (NM). 

Pipeline Proposal a Threat to Nevada’s Public Lands

Former National Park Service Superintendents and current Nevada residents Mark Butler and Alan O’Neill submitted the following Op-Ed to the Reno Gazette-Journal about potential threats to Nevada national park lands. AB30 THREATENS NEVADA’S NATIONAL PARK AND PUBLIC LANDS Pipeline projects across the nation threaten our public lands and natural resources. Unfortunately, Nevada is not immune

Coalition Statement on the House Appropriations Committee draft fiscal year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Funding Bill

Statement on the House Appropriations Committee draft fiscal year 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill Release Date: 5/15/19 “We pleased to see that this draft funding bill proposes $3.39 billion for the National Park Service, which is $168 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level and $649 million above President Trump’s appalling

LWCF Deserves Full Funding

LWCF has a huge impact in communities and states across the country. Read Coalition Executive Council member Mike Murray’s oped in the Portland Press Herald on the importance of LWCF in his home state of Maine. https://www.pressherald.com/2019/05/15/commentary-program-that-protects-americas-outdoor-places-deserves-full-federal-funding/

Coalition Joins Partners to Advocate for Continued US Engagement in World Heritage Program

May 14, 2019 Dear Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Udall: As organizations dedicated to the protection and preservation of the historic and cultural resources of our nation including but not limited to World Heritage Sites, we write in support of the United States’ engagement in the World Heritage Program. We urge you to appropriate $1.926

Coalition Submits Testimony on FY20 Interior Appropriations

Statement of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations United States Senate FY 2020 Budget for the National Park Service May 13, 2019 Sen. Murkowski, Sen. Udall, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on behalf

Coalition Comments on Proposed Changes to National Register

April 12, 2019 National Register of Historic Places National Park Service 1849 C Street NW, MS 7228 Washington, DC 20240 Re: (RIN) 1024-AE49 I am writing on behalf of over 1,700 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

Disappointing News for National Parks: Bernhardt Confirmed as Interior Secretary

  Coalition’s Statement on David Bernhardt’s Confirmation as Interior Secretary For Immediate Release:  12 April 2019 The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks expressed disappointment and concern over the confirmation of David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior. The organization represents over 1,700 members consisting of current, former, and retired National Park Service employees with

Bernhardt is Bad News for West Virginia Parks

Rebecca Harriett is the former Superintendent at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and an Executive Council Member for the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. Read her op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail about the troubling nomination of David Bernhardt for Secretary of the Interior. https://www.wvgazettemail.com/opinion/gazette_opinion/op_ed_commentaries/rebecca-l-harriett-bernhardt-is-bad-news-for-wv-parks/article_af29484b-cc6e-547d-b063-e6cb6e8cfa00.html  

Coalition to Congress: “David Bernhardt Poses a Serious Threat to our National Parks”

March 26, 2019 Dear Senator, I am writing on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). With more than 1,600 members, the Coalition consists mainly of retired National Park Service (NPS) employees, including: Former NPS directors; associate and regional directors; superintendents; rangers, and a wide variety of specialists. The Coalition was founded

President Trump’s Proposed Budget Will Harm National Parks and Public Lands

  President Trump’s Proposed Budget Will Harm National Parks and Public Lands For Immediate Release: 11 March 2019 The Trump Administration’s FY 2020 budget proposes huge cuts across the federal government. It calls for a 14.9% cut to the National Park Service budget, when compared to the budget passed by Congress for FY19. This budget

Coalition Urges NPS to Prepare Proper NEPA Analysis for Atlantic Coast Pipeline

March 8, 2019 Mr. P. Daniel Smith Acting Director National Park Service 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20240 Dear Mr. Smith: The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (“Coalition”) is writing with regard to the National Park Service’s (“NPS”) environmental review of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (“Pipeline”) that will cross the Blue Ridge

Coalition Sends Letter to Congress Urging Protection for Oxon Cove Park

  March 7, 2019 Honorable Betty McCollum Chair Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Relations Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Madam Chair: I am writing on behalf of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). Our Coalition is composed of over 1,600 members who collectively have more than 40,000

Coalition’s Advocacy Efforts Pay Off in District of Columbia Circuit Ruling

The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, in partnership with NPCA and other conservation groups, entered legal objections to an Army Corps of Engineers Project that erected nearly 300-foot-high towers through the James River within sight of Historic Jamestowne and Colonial National Historical Park. A federal appellate court, holding that the U.S. Army Corps of

Coalition Testifies Before Congress on DOI Budget Needs

  Statement of Richard G. Ring Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives Hearing on FY 2020 Budget for the National Park Service February 26, 2019 Rep. McCollum, Rep. Joyce, and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before

Coalition Celebrates Passage of S. 47, Natural Resources Management Act

  Coalition Celebrates Passage of S. 47, Natural Resources Management Act For Immediate Release: 12 February 2019 The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is celebrating the passage of S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act, a bipartisan package that includes over 100 parks and public lands bills. Many of these bills have been pending

Coalition Releases Summary of Shutdown Impact Survey

  Park Impact Survey Summary of Results The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) represents over 1,600 current, former, and retired employees and volunteers of the National Park Service. The Coalition counts among its members former National Park Service directors, deputy directors, regional directors, superintendents, park rangers (law enforcement and interpretive), maintenance professionals, administrative

Coalition Testifies on Use of Fee Money During Shutdown

  Statement of Philip A. Francis, Jr. Chair of the Executive Council, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks The Power of the Purse: A Review of Agency Spending Restrictions During a Shutdown Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Committee on Appropriations House of Representatives February 6, 2019 Rep. McCollum, Rep. Joyce, and members of

Coalition Expresses Concern Over Bernhardt Nomination

  February 4, 2019 Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, on the Nomination of David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior: “The Coalition is extremely concerned about the nomination of David Bernhardt as the new Secretary of the Interior. Secretary-designate Bernhardt was a lobbyist for oil and gas

 Shutdown Damage Assessment Is Only Just Beginning

For Immediate Release: 31 January 2019  Shutdown Damage Assessment Is Only Just Beginning Though the federal government is now open under a continuing resolution, Phil Francis, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, urges continued government expediency and offers a note of caution. “We are happy to have National Park Service employees back

Coalition Joins 146 Groups in Comments on Proposed DOI FOIA Changes

The Southern Environmental Law Center, The Wilderness Society, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation, Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Urban and Environmental Reform, and the Sierra Club submitted these comments on their own behalf and on behalf of the undersigned 135

Coalition’s Letter to Sen. McConnell – Reopen the Dept. of the Interior

January 21, 2019 Dear Leader McConnell, On behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, a non-profit organization representing over 1,600 current and former National Park Service employees, we urge you to do everything in your power to fully reopen our national parks and public lands by ending this government shutdown and passing appropriations

Coalition Joins Call for DOI to Postpone Lease Sales During Shutdown

VIA E-MAIL January 17, 2019 Mr. David Bernhardt Secretary of the Interior, Acting 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. Re: Postponing BLM Oil & Gas Lease Sales Due to the Partial Government Shutdown Dear Acting Secretary Bernhardt: The undersigned organizations represent millions of members and supporters across the West and the nation who are concerned

Statement of Coalition Executive Council Member Richard Ring

  Statement of Richard G. Ring Executive Council Member, Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks concerning the impact of the federal government shutdown on the National Park System and the National Park Service. Democratic Steering & Policy Committee House of Representatives January 15, 2019 Rep. DeLauro, Rep. Swalwell, and members of the Steering and Policy

Coalition Joins Others to Urge Passage of H.R. 266

  January 11, 2019 Dear Representative, We, the members of the National Parks Second Century Action Coalition[i], write to ask Representatives to support H.R. 266, the FY19 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. Passage of this bill and other individual appropriations bills would reopen portions of the federal government, putting Americans back to work

Coalition Joins Groups Calling Trump to Close Parks during Shutdown

January 9, 2019 President Donald J. Trump The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Trump: We respectfully ask that you agree to fully fund the government and reopen agencies currently closed. Otherwise, we strongly urge that you close units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Parks, and other public lands, until sufficient

Coalition Statement on the Partial Government Shutdown

Statement of Phil Francis, Chair of The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, on the Partial Government Shutdown: “We are deeply concerned about the decision by the Trump Administration and this Republican-led Congress to partially shut down the federal government. Adding insult to injury, Secretary Zinke is directing select national parks to remain open with

Coalition Joins Public Lands Advocates in Telepresser on Government Shutdown

With a potential shutdown of the federal government looming, former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff and public lands and environmental advocates hosted a press call to discuss the ramifications of a shutdown. It was very apparent from the call that this decision would have a serious and negative impact on federal employees, and critical public

Congress Fails to Reauthorize and Fully Fund LWCF

Republican-Controlled Congress Fails to Save LWCF FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 20 December 2018 Following the passage of a continuing resolution bill, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks released the following statement calling out the massive failure by the Republican-controlled Congress to include a provision to permanently reauthorize and fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Coalition’s Statement on Secretary Zinke’s Resignation

Secretary Zinke’s resignation is an opportunity for the current Administration to reconsider our country’s priorities for use of our public lands. Coalition Chair Phil Francis says, “I’m hopeful that Secretary Zinke’s departure marks a new chapter in the story of America’s parks and public lands. During his time as Secretary, our national parks faced unprecedented threats and suffered from a clear lack of support. Now, the current administration must seize this opportunity to appoint a leader who will listen to the needs of those on the ground, work in partnership with the stewards of our public lands, and passionately advocate for the protection of our national parks.” Click “Read More” to read our full statement.

Coalition and NPCA File Amici Brief in Atlantic Coast Pipeline Case

The Coalition and NPCA have filed an amici curiae brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in support of a lawsuit challenging the NPS’s decision to allow a natural gas pipeline to be constructed across the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Click “Read More” for additional information.

Coalition Chair Comments on New Park Advisory Board

Phil Francis spoke with the Washington Post about the concerning makeup of the new National Park System Advisory Board. “I hope the agenda will be comprehensive, and not just items consistent with business interests,” Francis said, emphasizing the need for members to view their job as more than just promoting outdoor recreation and managing park concessions. Click Read More for the full article.

Coalition Urges Improved Training on Ethics Standards

CPANP has weighed in on the ethics issues that are currently front and center for the NPS and has called for the agency to undertake far-reaching and detailed reforms to the system it uses to educate its own employees on how to work with donor and partner organizations to raise badly needed support for the nation’s national parks. Click “Read More” to read our recent press release.

Coalition Strongly Opposes Potential Change in Law to Allow Pipeline Construction in National Park

There is legislation pending in Congress that would give the National Park Service (NPS) the authority to allow construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline beneath the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, endangering the cultural and natural resources contained within the boundaries of both units of the National Park System. Click Read More for our full statement, issued in opposition to this proposed change.

Joint Letter to Congress Urging the Reauthorization and Funding of the LWCF

Congress has failed to reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), despite widespread public support for our nation’s primary source for preserving nationally significant public lands and providing recreational opportunities in communities across the country. As the Voice of Experience, we know firsthand how important the LWCF is to national parks and other public lands. Click “Read More” to read our letter to Congress, sent in partnership with those who have worked for the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management.

CPANP Urges Congress to Suspend Action on H.R. 6687

The Coalition has sent a letter to Senators Murkowski and Cantwell to urge suspension of further action on H.R. 6687, a bill that would circumvent established processes and mandate that the National Park Service issue long-term leases to continue commercial cattle ranching operations in Point Reyes National Seashore and the northern portion of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

NPS EA for Proposed Alaska Hunting Rule Change is Deeply Flawed

A National Park Service environmental assessment (EA) fundamentally fails to take a hard look at the potential impacts of a proposed rule change that would open Alaska’s national preserves to a variety of controversial and unsportsmanlike hunting practices that target predator species. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s comments on the EA.

National Parks Can’t Afford EPA’s So-called Affordable Clean Energy Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) proposed repeal of the 2015 Clean Power Plan rule would roll back robust air emission standards for existing coal-fired power plants. The 2015 rule would be replaced with much weaker requirements under the EPA’s proposed Affordable Clean Energy rule. Click “Read more” to see the joint comment letter submitted to the EPA by the Coalition and 79 other groups.

The LWCF Must Be Reauthorized Without Further Delay

Congress’ failure to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will have long-reaching and devastating impacts for communities across the United States. The LWCF has been our nation’s primary source for preserving nationally significant public lands and providing recreational opportunities in local communities throughout the country for over 50 years. The Coalition urges Congress to fully fund and permanently reauthorize the LWCF without delay.

Coalition Condemns Cynical Proposal to Repeal NPS Alaska Hunting Regulations

At the direction of the Interior Department, the National Park Service has issued a proposed rule that would open Alaska’s national preserves to controversial and unsportsmanlike hunting practices such as: killing black bear cubs and sows with cubs at den sites; shooting brown bears at bait stations; and killing wolves with pups during the denning season. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s comments on the proposed rule.

Coalition Voices “Process” Concerns About Proposed NPS Repeal of Alaska Hunting Regulations

In May 2018, the National Park Service (NPS) published a proposed rule that would repeal a 2015 regulation that prohibits a number of controversial hunting and trapping methods from occurring on National Preserves in Alaska. Despite the high level of public opposition to the proposed repeal, NPS has yet to release a NEPA analysis of its impacts. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter to the NPS.

The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Joins in IBLA Appeal to Protect Joshua Tree National Park

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks along with the National Parks Conservation Association, the Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club have submitted an appeal to the Interior Board of Land Appeals for the August 1, 2018 Decision issued by the California State Office, Bureau of Land Management which granted a right of

The Hill: Visit a national park to see the real impacts of climate change

Dear EPA, visit a national park to see the real impacts of climate change The nation’s top environmental watchdog, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Trump administration, recently proposed a new rule to replace the Clean Power Plan, which would have significantly reduced air pollution from coal plants and helped curb future climate disasters.

The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Joins in IBLA Appeal to Protect Joshua Tree National Park

  The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks along with the National Parks Conservation Association, the Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club have submitted an appeal to the Interior Board of Land Appeals for the August 1, 2018 Decision issued by the California State Office, Bureau of Land Management which granted a right of