Update On Nps Management Policies
NPCA wishes to thank members of Congress, members of the Regional Council and NPCA membership, park activists, and coalition partners for the thousands of comments and letters sent to the Park Service and members of Congress on the redraft of National Park Service Management Policies. Your voices have been heard!
More than 50,000 comments were submitted to the Park Service—one of the most significant outpourings of public concern about a park issue in the 90-year history of the system. Public outcry, professional scrutiny of the proposed changes to management policies, and congressional concern produced a draft proposal NPCA can support.
Special thanks go to National Park Subcommittee Chairman, Senator Craig Thomas, R-WY, and Vice Chairman, Senator Lamar Alexander, R-TN for support of policies that protect park resources and values and NPCA’s partners—the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, National Resources Defense Council and The Wilderness Society.
On June 19, 2006, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne commended the National Park Service on the new draft of the Management Policies and restated the agency’s commitment to protect park resources.
Key Principles Guiding the National Park Service’s Development of the 006 Management Policies
A key tenent of park management is preventing the impairment of natural and cultural resources.
When there is a conflict between the protection of resources and use, conservation will be predominant.
Park resources should be passed on to future generations in a better condition than currently exists.
The policies will clarify the NPS commitment to the appropriate use of parks and public enjoyment of park resources and values.
The policies should reflect NPS legacy goals, cooperative conservation, and civic engagement.
The NPS will place greater emphasis on consultation and cooperation with local, state, tribal and federal entities.
The NPS will pursue the best contemporary business practices.
Key authorities and decision-making are the responsibility of the NPS.
The policies will encourage consistency across the system –“one” National Park System.
The policies will comply with all laws, regulations, and executive orders.
