What We Do: Accomplishments
The Quincy Smelter
The Quincy Smelter in Keweenaw National Historical Park has been called the best remaining example of a turn of the 20th century copper smelting site. Until very recently however, the historic smelter was in danger of collapse. In response, NPCA began work with Michigan Senator Carl Levin, and Copper Country Preservation to bring awareness to this often overlooked National Park site and the history that the Quincy Smelter represents. For more information please visit, www.CopperCountryPreservation.org
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
When NPCA released “America’s Heritage for Sale” there was significant media interest in the backlog of land purchases faced by the park service. But nowhere was interest higher than in the Cleveland-Akron area near Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A 644-acre parcel at the Blossom Music Center – summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra within the park – is currently for sale. The acreage was originally considered for luxury homes, but since report was released, the Orchestra is working to find funding for a Park Service purchase. NPCA is working with the Trust for Public Land to secure funding to purchase the property. Make your voice heard by contacting your member of Congress. www.npca.org/landforsale
Second Century Commission
The National Parks Second Century Commission is made up of 30 leaders and experts convened by NPCA to develop a vision for the National Park System as it enters its next hundred years in 2016. As part of the process, the Commission held meetings to gather public input in Washington D.C., San Francisco and Chicago. In Chicago, the Midwest Office helped to host an event that brought out more than 50 people to voice their ideas and concerns for the National Park Service. Clips from that meeting can be found here.
Gateway Arch at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
Recently, the National Park Service entered into a General Management Planning process and released a "preferred alternative" for improvements at the site. NPCA worked with the park service and many partners to seek solutions for new visitor amenities, while balancing the need for these improved services with preserving the historic integrity of the site. We hope to launch a design competition for the memorial with the park service this summer. We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for this truly iconic National Park – Midwest@npca.org
Health Lakes, Healthy Lives
As a Co-Chair of the Healing Our Waters Coalition, the Midwest office was proud to see a 13-city boat tour to highlight the need to restore the Great Lakes. As part of this tour, The Earth Voyager – one of the fastest sailboats on the Great Lakes – stopped in cities along the lakes and was joined by local elected officials, business leaders, conservation groups and citizens to urge federal leaders to stop sewage contamination, halt invasive species and confront other serious threats. For more information, please visit: www.healthylakes.org
