The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has announced that Colorado-based Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the underwriting sponsor of the organization? annual fundraising dinner. This year? event, Salute to the Parks: Protecting America? Heritage, will be held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, at 6:30 p.m.

Xanterra is a company with a deep-rooted environmental and social conscience,?said NPCA President Tom Kiernan. ?e are pleased that they are one of our partners in helping to protect America? national parks.?p>

Even before the founding of the National Park Service, Xanterra? precursor, the Fred Harvey Company, had already opened the landmark El Tovar Hotel and Hopi House to travelers at the Grand Canyon. Today, the company still operates lodges, stores, restaurants, and other facilities at the Grand Canyon, as well as at national parks across the country, including Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Crater Lake, Mount Rushmore, Death Valley, and the Everglades.

As the largest operator of facilities in the National Park System, Xanterra plays an integral role in minimizing the tourism industry? footprint on the natural environment. Xanterra has taken the lead in implementing comprehensive and broad-based environmental initiatives at all of its operations, including those in national parks.

Xanterra is the first U.S. hospitality company to commit to an absolute reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through a partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, adopting alternative energy systems at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, and Crater Lake. Xanterra is a four-time winner of the U.S. Department of the Interior? Environmental Achievement Award, and the company? emphasis on ecologically sensitive tourism has drawn accolades from the EPA, Cond?Nast, the American Society of Travel Agents, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and the Travel Industry Association of America.

It is our company goal to operate concessions in national parks in an ecologically responsible manner so that we can all enjoy unimpaired, for generations to come, the awe of Old Faithful spraying toward the heavens, the grandeur of the Grand Canyon at sunrise, and the inspirational patriotism of Mount Rushmore,?said Xanterra Parks & Resorts President and CEO Andrew Todd.

NPCA's annual dinner draws hundreds of dignitaries, including members of Congress, the National Park Service, and national park supporters from across the country; more than 600 guests are expected this year to help the organization honor U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Dr. James McPherson for their support of the national parks.

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