Success Story: Interior Department Drops Outrageous Entrance Fee Proposal Multiple news sources report that the U.S. Department of the Interior is backing away from a plan to dramatically increase entrance fees at 17 of the most popular national parks after receiving more than 100,000 public comments from Americans nearly unanimously opposed to the idea. The apparent decision
Colorado BLM Denies Coalition Request for an Extension
The Coalition requested that a 15-day public comment period on an oil and gas lease sale near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve be extended to a more reasonable 30 days. BLM denied the request, stating it was following “current administration guidance” to streamline the NEPA process. March 24, 2018 Mr. Keith Berger Manager,
Coalition Statement on “Made in America” Advisory Committee
March 28, 2018 The Coalition is troubled by the membership of Secretary Zinke’s “Made in America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. While the mission of this advisory group is clear, to gather advice from those who represent the recreation industry, we believe it is critical to balance the biases of those who seek to expand development
National Parks Magazine: Reporting for Duty
The Spring 2018 edition of NPCA’s magazine features an article on the Coalition’s Weekly National Park System Report and its editor and Coalition member, Bill Halainen. Click here to read about the return of the ‘Morning Report’.
Success Story: BLM Defers Oil and Gas Lease Sale Near Chaco Culture NHP
Success Story: BLM Defers Oil and Gas Lease Sale Near Chaco Culture NHP On Friday, March 2, 2018, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has directed the BLM to defer its scheduled Farmington New Mexico Field Office oil and gas lease sale so the agency can complete
Portland Press Herald: Former Acadia superintendent: Trump’s proposed budget cuts threaten national parks
“Under Donald Trump’s proposed budget cuts, the dual mission of the National Park Service – providing for public use and enjoyment while protecting park resources and values, now and for future generations – will most certainly suffer.” Click here to read the op-ed from Coalition Executive Council member, Sheridan Steele, on Trump’s proposed budget
CPANP Statement on Trump’s FY 19 Budget and Infrastructure Plan
February 12, 2018 Statement from CPANP Chair Phil Francis on Trump’s FY 19 Budget and Infrastructure Plan “Our national parks face real and significant challenges that threaten the integrity of the national park system. If the President and his Administration sincerely want to address these challenges, they must start by adequately funding them and developing
Interior Department’s Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan is Irresponsible
February 12, 2018 Ms. Kelly Hammerle, Chief National Oil and Gas Leasing Program Development and Coordination Branch Leasing Division, Office of Strategic Resources Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD) 45600 Woodland Road Sterling, VA 20166-9216 Subject: 2019-2024 Draft Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program Dear Ms. Hammerle: I am writing to you
Knox News: Georgiana Vines: Coalition concerned about possible cuts to national parks budget
Coalition Chair, Phil Francis, was recently interviewed by the Knoxville newspaper expressing the Coalition’s concern and frustration with plans to cut the NPS’s budget. Click here to see the full article.
Coalition Submits Scoping Comments to BLM on Ambler Road Project
January 31, 2018 Tim La Marr, Central Yukon Field Manager Ambler Road Scoping Comments Anchorage, Alaska 99513 Re: Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Ambler Road Project Dear Mr. La Marr: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National
Coalition Comments on Ambler Road Project at Gates of the Arctic NP
January 29, 2018 Greg Dudgeon, Superintendent Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve 4175 Geist Rd Fairbanks AK 99709 Subject: Ambler Mining Industrial Access Project, Environmental and Economic Impact Analysis (EEA) Dear Superintendent Dudgeon: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition),
Interior Proposes to Weaken Offshore Oil and Gas Safety Requirements
January 29, 2018 Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement Attention: Regulations Development Branch 45600 Woodland Road, VAE-ORP Sterling VA 20166 Subject: Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems – Revisions, RIN 1014-AA37 Dear Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE): I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the
Backpacker: What New Offshore Drilling Means for National Parks
The Department of the Interior proposes to open the vast majority of America’s coastal waters for oil and gas drilling, raising concerns among conservation groups such as the Coalition about potential impacts to dozens of coastal parks. Interior’s proposal is the topic of an article in Backpackerthat included an interview with the Coalition’s
Coalition Press Release on National Park Service Advisory Board Resignations
January 17, 2018 Administration’s Anti-Park Agenda Results in Secretary’s Advisory Board Resignations The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is deeply disheartened at the resignation of 9 of the 12 members of the National Park System Advisory Board (Board). “After playing such an active and instrumental role in the planning of the highly successful National
Washington Post: Nearly all members of National Park Service advisory panel resign in frustration
Nearly all the members of the National Park Service Advisory Board resigned, citing frustration that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke had refused to meet with them or convene a single meeting last year. The resignation of nine out of 12 NPSAB members leaves the federal government without a functioning body to designate national historic or natural landmarks. Click
Salon: Trump’s Interior secretary wages war on “deep state”: his own staff
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks strongly believes that Secretary Zinke’s proposed reorganization of the Department of Interior lacks transparency and threatens our national parks. Click here to read an article in Salon, which features a quote from the Coalition’s Chair, Phil Francis, explaining that the proposed changes will weaken oversight of our
CNN: Grand Canyon is a national treasure, not a place for uranium mining
Two former NPS Superintendents, Steve Martin & Rob Arnberger, wrote an op-ed on proposed uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. Click here to see the work of these two Coalition members.
Recent Court Ruling Raises Questions about Delisting of Yellowstone Grizzly Bears
January 4, 2018 Public Comments Processing ATTN: FWS-R6-ES-2017-0089 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: BPHC 5275 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, Virginia 22041-3803 Subject: Possible Effects of Court Decision on Grizzly Bear Recovery in Conterminous United States Dear U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the
Coalition Participates in Telepresser on the 2008 “Utah 77” Oil and Gas Leases
Coalition Participates in Telepresser on the 2008 “Utah 77” Oil and Gas Leases On December 20, 2017, Coalition member and former NPS Utah State Coordinator Cordell Roy participated in a nation-wide telephonic press conference (telepresser) with members of the news media press to commemorate the anniversary of the “Utah 77” oil and gas leases that
Success Story: BLM Defers Leasing Oil and Gas Parcel Near Theodore Roosevelt NP
Success Story: BLM Defers Leasing Oil and Gas Parcel Near Theodore Roosevelt NP In a terse one-paragraph statement, on December 14, 2017 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced its decision to defer (i.e., postpone until a future date) leasing an oil and gas parcel on the boundary of the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt
CPANP Approves New Strategic Plan for 2018-2020
STRATEGIC PLAN COALITION TO PROTECT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS 2018-2020 Who We Are The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition) was established in 2003. It is an advocacy organization comprised of over 1400 retired, former and current employees of the National Park Service (NPS). It uses its 35,000 years of “voices of experience” to protect
Testimony Before the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Natural Resources
Statement of Denis P. Galvin Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Natural Resources United States House of Representatives “Transforming the Department of the Interior for the 21st Century” December 7, 2017 Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today
Member OP-ED: Preserve national parks. This land is your land, Florida
As the former Superintendent of Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks, I have a deep appreciation for the natural wonders Florida has to offer. And so after 32 years with the National Park Service, I’ve dedicated my retirement to standing up for America’s outdoor heritage. I want to ensure that these treasures are around
Coalition Nominates Deny Galvin for Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee
November 17, 2017 Terry Austin, Associate Director for Business Services National Park Service, Office of Business Services 1849 C Street NW., MS 2717 Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Nomination of Denis P. Galvin for “Made in America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee Dear Ms. Austin: I am writing to you on behalf of the
Comments on Proposed Targeted Fee Increases at 17 National Parks
Read this as a PDF November 13, 2017 Christine Williamson National Park Service 1849 C Street, NW Mail Stop: 2346 Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Comments on Proposed Targeted Fee Increases at 17 National Parks Dear Ms. Williamson: I am writing to you on behalf of over 1,400 members of the Coalition to Protect America’s
Coalition Urges Preservation of the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive Program
In a letter to the members of the House Ways & Means Committee, the Coalition requested that the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program be retained in a reformed tax code when Congress considers H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. The introduced bill fails to include this vital federal tax incentive – a proven tool that creates local jobs, preserves historic buildings and returns more to the Treasury than it costs.
Coalition Comments on Proposed Oil and Gas Leasing Near Theodore Roosevelt NP
The Coalition and the National Parks Conservation Association have submitted a joint comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) expressing concerns about proposed oil and gas leasing along the boundary of the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Click “Read More” to see our letter to the BLM.
Fee Increase by Administration Goes Too Far The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
The administration’s proposal for a massive fee increase in 17 national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Arches and Rocky Mountain, goes too far and may have major implications on park visitation and the economies of gateway communities. The fee increases are part of an effort to address the deferred maintenance backlog in the NPS, but the money raised will only cover a small percentage of the billions of dollars required. While creative solutions are required to solve this problem, the proposal as it stands does not adequately address it. Click “Read More” for more information.
Bakersfield Californian: Maintenance, repairs greatly needed in our national parks
Executive Council member, Dave Graber, spoke out in his local newspaper, the Bakersfield Californian, about the significant need to address the NPS maintenance backlog. Graber says, “Congress has a chance to turn the maintenance backlog around. If passed, the bipartisan National Park Legacy Act (S.751/H.R.2584) will ensure that there is dedicated funding for park maintenance in each year’s budget.” Click “Read More” to read Dave’s editorial.
NYT: Drilling Near Dinosaur National Monument Draws Criticism
The Coalition spoke out against drilling rights near Dinosaur National Monument. Executive Council member, Mike Murray, described them as “indefensible,” and part of a new wave of “signs and signals” about the administration’s policy intentions. Click “Read More” for more information.
Over 350 Coalition Members Sign On & Express Disappointment in Zinke’s Monument Review
This fall, over 350 former employees of the National Park Service joined the Coalition’s sign-on letter expressing extreme disappointment with the results of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recent review of national monuments. The recommendations from Zinke – which included downsizing several monuments – came at the conclusion of an unprecedented 4-month review of over two-dozen monuments designated since 1996, which was initiated by an April Executive Order from President Trump. Efforts by the Trump Administration to remove protections from national monuments or significantly downsize them would be unprecedented and are likely to be met with a quagmire of legal challenges. Click “Read More” to read the letter sent to Secretary Ryan Zinke.
Coalition Statement on NPS Work Environment Survey
In response to the NPS Work Environment Survey, the Coalition released a statement expressing our concern on the results and our cautious optimism of the first steps that have been taken to address the far reaching harassment issues in the service. The NPS’s future success depends on taking comprehensive and effective steps to make cultural changes in the workplace. The first steps that have been taken are positive, but it must be a long-term and continuous strategy to make an impact.
Over 350 Coalition Members Sign On & Express Disappointment in Zinke’s Monument Review
October 17, 2017 The Honorable Ryan Zinke, Secretary U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Subject: Executive Order 13792 (National Monument Review) Dear Secretary Zinke: We are writing to you on behalf of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (Coalition). With over 1,400 members, the Coalition is composed entirely
Coalition Statement on Congressman Bishop’s Bill to Weaken the Antiquities Act
House Natural Resource Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) has introduced legislation that would dismantle key provisions of the Antiquities Act, which has been used by Republican and Democratic presidents alike to protect some of America’s most iconic and beloved parks and public lands. Click “Read More” to see our statement opposing the bill.
Member OP-ED: Coalition’s letter to the editor of the Helena (MT) Independent Record
Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s recent claim that 30 percent of department employees are “not loyal to the flag” is not only ludicrous but also deeply insulting to the hundreds of dedicated Interior employees who live and work in Zinke’s home state of Montana. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter to the editor of the Helena (MT) Independent Record.
Coalition Statement on Executive Order 13792 (National Monument Review)
Today, we learned that the Trump Administration may be preparing to remove protections for millions of acres of public lands and oceans that were designated as national monuments under the authority of the Antiquities Act. This initiative is unprecedented, ill-advised and unlikely to withstand legal scrutiny. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks has already voiced our support for the protection and preservation of the monuments that were subject to this review. From the beginning of this review process, it seemed obvious that
Coalition Joins In Strongly Opposing H.R. 3354
Sept 13, 2017 Dear Member of Congress, On behalf of our millions of members and supporters nationwide, we write in strong opposition to H.R. 3354, the Fiscal Year 2018 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (“Make America Secure and Prosperous Act, 2018”). Due to funding cuts, environmentally damaging policy riders, and the bill’s
Coalition Participates in Telepresser on Oil & Gas Development
In August 2017, three Coalition members participated in a telepresser with members of the press focused on oil & gas development around national parks. This call was held to urge Secretary Zinke, DOI and BLM not to lease lands next to any national monuments or national parks, and instead ensure that the lands around our
Coalition Comments on Zinke’s Statement About Contracting Out Services in Parks
The Coalition is concerned regarding Secretary Zinke’s stated desire to contract out some services in various parks. We are especially concerned about the reported focus on potential outsourcing of campground management. Please click “Read More” to see our letter to Secretary Zinke.
Coalition Comments on Secretary Zinke’s Review of 27 National Monuments
After a serving only a few months as Interior Secretary, Ryan Zinke is conducting a problematic review that will determine the fate of 27 national monuments. Whatever Mr. Zinke decides will inevitably define his legacy as the chief steward of America’s public lands. Click “Read More” to see our comment letter to the Secretary.
Coalition Statement on President’s Budget
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is alarmed at the extent the National Park Service’s budget will be reduced should the President’s budget be adopted. While we have not seen how the Interior Department’s overall 11.7% cut will be allocated between agencies within Interior, should a cut of that magnitude be levied against the NPS and its parks, there will by widespread reductions in programs, operating hours, seasonal and permanent staff, and visitor services.
Coalition Opposes BLM Oil & Gas Leasing Near Zion National Park
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to issue leases in June 2017 for oil and gas development on parcels less than two miles from the west boundary of Zion National Park. Click “Read More” to see our comment letter to BLM.
Proposed Dominion Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project
December 23, 2016 Colonel Jason Kelly US Army Corps of Engineers Commander, Norfolk District 803 Front Street Norfolk VA 23510-1096 RE: Proposed Dominion Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton Transmission Line Project Dear Colonel Kelly: This follows up on our January 26, 2016, letter opposing Dominion Virginia Power’s (Dominion) proposed Surry-Skiffes Creek-Whealton project. Based upon credible new evidence,
Eagle Crest “Gen-Tie” Project Will Have Significant Impact on Joshua Tree NP – An EIS Should be Prepared
BLM has issued an environmental assessment (EA) for the next phase of a controversial electric energy production facility to be located immediately adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. The EA falls short in its analysis of potentially significant impacts to the park and its wildlife and groundwater resources. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s comments to the BLM.
OP-ED: The Old Dominion deserves better from Dominion Electric
By Pat Tiller October 28, 2016 Pat Tiller, who retired in 2005 after 30 years with the National Park Service, is a lecturer on historic preservation at George Washington University. We must soon make a choice for which future generations of Virginians and Americans will forever hold us responsible. Dominion Virginia Power plans to
Say “No” to Soda Mountain Solar
The Bureau of Land Management has given the go ahead to a massive solar energy development proposed by Soda Mountain Solar, LLC that would be constructed less than a mile from the boundary of Mojave National Preserve. The project threatens important wildlife habitat and migration corridors. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter opposing the project to the San Bernadino County Board of Supervisors.
Say “No” to Oil Refinery at Theodore Roosevelt NP
Meridian Energy Group proposes to construct and operate an oil refinery approximately three miles from the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Click “Read More” to see the Coalition’s letter opposing the refinery that was sent to the Billings County (ND) Commissioners.
Member OP-ED: Protecting America’s Parks
This spring, after nearly 10 years of thinking, talking, searching and hoping, a dream came true for many of us who spent our careers working in national parks. On March 3, the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks announced the establishment of the Park Institute of America in collaboration with the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. Click “Read More” for the full article.
Coalition Comments on Director’s Order #21 – Philanthropic Partnerships
The NPS has proposed changes in its servicewide policies related to philanthropic partnerships and fundraising. While the draft guidance is a step in the right direction, it has a number of shortcomings that need to be addressed to make it more effective for both the NPS and its philanthropic partners. Click “Read More” to see our comments.
Coalition Supports Proposed Changes to Virginia’s Powerline Approval Process
February 5, 2016 The Honorable Terry G. Kilgore Virginia House of Delegates General Assembly Building, Room 704 Capital Square Richmond, Virginia 23219 RE: Support HB 908: Electrical Transmission Lines; Minimize Effects on Historic Resources Dear Del. Kilgore, The undersigned organizations are writing to request your support of legislation, HB 908, introduced by Delegate Randy Minchew,
Say “No” to Pipelines Through Parks
Current law requires specific Congressional approval before an oil or gas pipeline can be built through any unit of the National Park System. However, a proposed amendment to an energy bill being considered in the U.S. Senate would eliminate this requirement and promote the construction of natural gas pipelines through parks. The Coalition and other conservation groups strongly oppose the pipelines-through-parks amendment. Click “Read More” to see our joint letter to members of the U.S. Senate.
Coalition Opposes James River Transmission Line Project
Colonial National Historical Park – James River Transmission Line Proposal The Coalition has joined the fight in opposing Dominion Virginia Power’s proposed new high-voltage transmission line across the James River near historic Jamestown. The proposal includes 17 huge transmission towers, as tall as the Statue of Liberty and topped with flashing red lights, that would
NPS Is Revising Its “9B” Oil and Gas Regulations
Did you know that there are currently over 530 oil and gas drilling operations occurring in 12 parks whose enabling legislation authorizes such activities to occur? NPS is updating its 1978 regulations governing such drilling operations and the Coalition has spoken out in support of much needed changes. Click “Read More” to read our full comments.
Op-Ed: This Is No Time To Give Up On America’s National Treasures
There is no denying that many of America’s national parks and historic places are in disrepair today or offering shortened visitor hours, fewer interpretive guides, and other services that should make a visit to one of our national crown jewels a special experience. This is a tragedy, but it is no reason to give up on preserving more of what makes America unique.
Op-Ed: “The most beautiful places on earth: Our public parks and open space”
“With the LWCF expiring in less than 100 days, Congress must act to ensure that future generations have access to healthy outdoor recreation resources. Debate in Congress raises fears that it will fail to continue this valuable program. Congress is failing to demonstrate the kind of overwhelming bipartisan support for conservation and recreation that led to the creation of the Fund 50 years ago and the protection of so many important areas throughout the nation. It’s time for Congress to reauthorize and fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund.”
Please Oppose H.R. 399, The “Secure Our Borders First Act Of 2015″
On behalf of the millions of Americans represented by our organizations, we write to strongly oppose H.R. 399, the “Secure Our Borders First Act of 2015,” in particular Section 3, “Operational Control of the Border,” and Section 13, “Prohibition on Actions that Impede Border Security on Certain Federal Land.” Under the guise of enhancing border security, Section 3 would further militarize natural areas and communities already glutted with border walls, roads and towers; Section 13 would undermine fundamental environmental and conservation laws and would allow further damage to the fragile border environment and the people and communities dependent upon it.
Understanding The U.S. House Of Representatives’ Major Attack on Antiquities Act & National Parks
For those of us who have made it our life’s work to keep America’s national parks and monuments truly bipartisan and non-political, the passage of H.R. 1459 is a tragic development.
The Coalition Guest Shot Jackson Hole News & Guide 1.15.14
Park’s Duty To Protect Wilson Corridor I am writing on behalf of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees (CNPSR) which represents nearly 1000 members who collectively have some 30,000 years of national park management experience. The Coalition has been closely following the progress towards development of a comprehensive management plan for the Moose-Wilson corridor
Goodbye Ranger! Sequestration Will Kill America’s Best Idea
Goodbye Ranger! NPS Retirees Warn That Sequestration Will KILL America’s Best Idea: OUR National Parks 8.3 Percent Cut Could Push Already Budget-Strapped National Parks Off the Fiscal Cliff WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 12, 2012 – The 850-member Coalition of National Park Retirees (CNPSR) says that the impending “fiscal cliff” sequester — with a major 8.3