WHERE WE WORK

	Spring 2006

Message from the Director

Recreation Guidebook Celebrates the Desert’s Diverse Public Lands

Kelso Depot, A History of Railroad Culture Since 1924

Discover your America!: “Rediscovered Waterfall”

Great Escapes: Sequoia National Park

Third Annual National Parks Family Day

Park Funding Update: Park Appropriations for FY07

As summer quickly approaches, many are planning family vacations or trips to national parks across the country. This tradition of summertime travel might lead some to the familiar spot at the base of the General Sherman tree, while it might possibly guide others to explore new territories such as the recently “rediscovered” Whiskeytown Falls, highlighted in this issue.

My summer plans will lead me to the national parks too. This summer I will make my first trip to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.

However, like me, as millions of visitors flock to the parks during this high-visitation season they might be shocked to discover parks unable to beef up interpretive ranger staff or increase maintenance crew capacity to prepare for the summer rush. Shoe-strapped park budgets are the cause and will undoubtedly and unfortunately, again this summer, leave gaps in services provided to the millions who visit.

We continue to educate California’s Congressional delegation about these challenges the parks face because of insufficient federal funding and as you will read, many of these Members of Congress have stepped up to support increased appropriations for the parks. This past March, NPCA honored Senator Dianne Feinstein—one of our leading parks champions—with The William Penn Mott Jr. Park Leadership Award for her continued commitment to securing adequate funding for the parks. We look forward to her continued support in investing in the future of our national parks.

P.S. While enjoying the parks this summer, take along a copy of our latest field guide and dashboard map—featured in this issue—about the diversity of recreation opportunities in the California desert and how to enjoy public lands responsibly. Visit www.npca.org/desert_recreation for a free copy or give us a call.

We wish you a safe summer and if your vacation leads you to a national park this year let us know, we’d love to hear your experiences!