Fran Mainella Named Director of Park Service

Washington, D.C. - "We are eager to work with Fran Mainella," said National Parks Conservation Association President Thomas Kiernan. "She has a strong and proven track record and will be a great National Park Service director. Her first challenges will include support for bans on snowmobile and Jet Ski use in the national parks and for regulation of off-road vehicles in Big Cypress National Preserve and cruise ships in Glacier Bay—decisions in which the Bush Administration to date has been favoring industry over park protection.

"We also hope Director Mainella and President Bush will agree to restructure the president's $4.9-billion national park funding proposal to emphasize visitor education programs and protection of park natural and cultural resources instead of roads and buildings."

Recently, the National Parks Conservation Association issued a report card giving the Bush Administration a "D" grade for its national parks program. Kiernan added, "We want to work with Fran Mainella to raise that grade to an 'A.'"