Summer 2006, Vol. 4, Issue 2
In This Issue:
Senators Carper And Alexander Introduce Clean Air Planning Act
Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail Opens The First Interpretive Center In August And Gains Funding For Selma Center
NPCA Opens Blue Ridge Field Office In Asheville
Renovations At Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center Completed
Meet The Regional Council, Charles Maynard
Meet Nick Gross
Cherokee Stories Told In Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Update On NPS Management Policies
A message from Don Barger Senior Director Southeast Region:
THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL PARKS
On August 25, 2006, the National Park Service will be 90 years old. The National Park Service Act, often referred to as the Organic Act, passed in 1916. It called for the creation of a National Park Service in the Department of the Interior to ‘promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations, by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said park, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide forthe enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.’
As we enter the last decade of our Parks’ first century, we are challenged to think about America’s national parks, and the experiences and characteristics that make them unique. We are challenged by decisions we make today that will impact parks in 2116 or 2216. Most immediately, we are challenged to preserve the parks for future generations, despite shrinking federal dollars, development pressures at park boundaries and threatened laws that protect park waters, air, and even the wild creatures and plants that inhabit our park lands.
In the face of these challenges, we have a wonderful opportunity. The parks centennial celebration in August 2016, offers all of us, as well as Congress, an opportunity to celebrate the places in America that tell our nation’s story. At NPCA, we are gearing up for this centennial now and we want to hear from you. We hope you will take a few minutes to think about what your national parks mean to you and what you hope they will mean to future generations.
NPCA is launching a campaign, “Its All About Jack” that reminds us why it is important to keep our kids connected to the parks—and we want you to play a role. As you venture into the parks this summer, take note of special moments you share with your sons, daughters, nieces and nephews, or grandchildren. E-mail stories to Dionna Humphrey, associate director of advocacy at dhumphrey@npca.org or mail letters to Dionna Humphrey, NPCA, 1300 19th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. We will be taking submissions all summer long.
