FEATURED PARK
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, California
On July 17, 1944, a violent explosion at California's Port Chicago Naval Magazine shattered a pier, sent a ship flying, blew out windows near San Francisco Bay, and sent tremors as far away as Boulder City, Nevada. Oddly, the blast was not the result of an enemy attack. A ship loaded up with artillery mysteriously exploded, igniting over 5,000 tons of munitions and killing 320 workers.
Although no one knows for certain what caused the blast, working conditions at Port Chicago Naval Magazine were unsafe. African-American sailors, barred from active naval duty because of segregation, were never trained to handle artillery, yet white officers pressured them to load ships quickly. In fact more than 250 sailors refused to return to work after the explosion, citing these dangerous working conditions. Most of those sailors yielded to the navy's orders and went back to loading ammunition at other bases. But the 50 who stood their ground were charged with mutiny and put on trial.
The Port Chicago disaster and its aftermath set the stage for desegregation of the military and improved safety at Naval ports. Legislation introduced in Congress last July by Rep. George Miller (D-CA) would make this memorial site a full unit of the National Park System, so that the story of Port Chicago can be told in more detail. NPCA has worked closely with members of Congress to move this important legislation forward.
If You Go > > The memorial is located on Concord Naval Weapons Station, which is still an active military base. Reservations are required at least two weeks before your visit and can be made at 925.228.8860.
View the slideshow > >
NPCA AT WORK IN THE PARKS
Finally! The End of the Road (to Nowhere)
 Some people thought this day would never come, but 2007 ended with good news for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For years, NPCA and our partners have been fighting the proposed North Shore Road (a.k.a. the Road to Nowhere) that would have cut a 30-mile gash through one of the largest remaining roadless areas in the eastern United States, just north of Fontana Lake in North Carolina.
After years of negotiations, congressional input, and hundreds of letters from supporters like you, a decades-old issue finally reached a conclusion. On December 28, 2007, the National Park Service signed an agreement that officially calls for a monetary settlement for Swain County with no additional road construction. With Congress already appropriating a $6 million down payment for the settlement, NPCA will focus now on ensuring that Congress provides the balance of the settlement to Swain County in the coming years.
A number of groups and members of Congress were critical in this effort, but we couldn't have done it without you. Your letters and phone calls were a key component to protecting the Great Smoky Mountains--so thank you for all you do! We will keep you updated as we continue our work on this and other relevant issues. For more information, contact Greg Kidd, senior program manager at gkidd@npca.org
NPCA CAMPAIGN
Teddy Hits the Airwaves
 Wondering why you should vote for a bear for president? Just tune into all of the American citizens and park residents who have spoken up about why they're supporting this "dark horse bear" candidate.
Teddy is the only candidate dedicated to making the national parks a national priority, but it doesn't have to be that way! Watch Teddy's campaign videos and then sign the petition to urge the other candidates to follow Teddy Mather's lead.
As one supporter points out,
"He's gonna protect these treasure from air pollution and inappropriate development. And we haven't had a furry President since... Van Buren."
While Teddy may not be a real candidate, the issues he's discussing are real and need your support.
Steamtown National Historic Site Comes to Life in a Special National Parks Presentation
 The winter issue of National Parks magazine features a stunning photo essay about photographer Ian Shive's experience at Steamtown National Historic Site, Pennsylvania. Shive's work resurrects the rowdy card games, classic jazz tunes, and buzzing social scene that once defined America's railroad culture. Now you can watch his experience come to life in this web exclusive presentation.
View the video > >
To see every single word and every stunning photograph in this article, subscribe to National Parks.
TRAVEL WITH NPCA
Featured Tour: Yosemite National Park & the Merced River
 June 16-21, 2008
Explore the best of Yosemite, including the giant trees of Mariposa Grove and the stunning Yosemite Valley. Enjoy adventures like hiking and horseback riding. Speak with historians and Yosemite park staff in exclusive meetings. Then join your expert river guides for an unforgettable two-day whitewater rafting and camping trip on the Merced, one of California’s premier whitewater rivers, before ending your tour at the luxurious Tenaya Lodge.
Reserve your spot today! Call the NPCA ParkScapes Travel Desk at 800.488.4080 or email us at info@npcatravel.com
NPCA EVENT
NPCA Announces Our
2008 Salute to the Parks Gala
 Protecting America's Heritage
The Salute to the Parks Gala offers one of the largest and most influential gatherings involving the conservation and environmental communities. This event celebrates America's national parks, calls attention to their needs, and recognizes individuals whose dedication to the national parks and impact on the system deserves attention.
This year's honorees include the Honorable Nick Rahall (D-WV), who will be awarded the William Penn Mott Jr. Park Leadership Award, and Dr. Edward Osborne (E.O.) Wilson, who will be awarded the Robin W. Winks Award for Enhancing Public Understanding of National Parks.
When:
6:00 PM, Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Where:
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
For additional event information, please contact Elizabeth Jordan, Manager, Special Events, at ejordan@npca.org or 1.800.628.7275.
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