FEATURED PARK
San Juan Island National Historical Park, Washington
During the summer of 1859 in the San Juan Islands, the U.S. and England were poised at the brink of war--over a pig! The islands, which lie between the mainland U.S. and Canada's Vancouver Island, were jointly claimed by the U.S. and Britain. Tensions escalated into an international incident when an American farmer shot a pig--owned by the Hudson's Bay Company--that was rooting in his garden. Diplomacy prevailed and there were no other casualties, thanks to a cease-fire that held until an arbitration committee in Geneva turned the San Juan Islands over to the U.S.
San Juan Island National Historical Park was established in 1966 to teach the lesson of what is now termed "The Pig War." It is the only NPS site that commemorates a peaceful resolution of conflict. Both the American and English camps are preserved at opposite ends of San Juan Island to show how they co-existed during joint military occupation.
View the slideshow > >
New State of the Parks Report
According to an assessment by NPCA's Center for State of the Parks, funds are needed to maintain and rehabilitate the historic structures that tell the story of San Juan Island National Historical Park. Also, non-native rabbits and invasive plants are invading the park's prairie.
Read the full report >>
NPCA CAMPAIGN UPDATE
A New Year's Resolution for the Parks
 Happy New Year! From everyone at NPCA, thank you for all your support during 2007. More than 43,000 supporters signed our petition asking legislators to make national parks a national priority. You helped us to encourage Congress and the Administration to support a much-needed funding increase for the national parks. The omnibus bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the president last month contained a $122-million operating increase for parks! This record funding increase will help to put rangers back into many of our national parks. Looking forward, 2008 promises to be another important year as we work to fix our parks before the park system's centennial. We hope you will join us as we continue to encourage Congress and the Administration to reinvest in the national parks, work to protect parks from the effects of climate change and pollution, and encourage both our elected officials and candidates running for office to make national parks a national priority.
Double Thanks
Because of the generous donations we received from NPCA members and supporters like you in the month of December, we achieved our matching gift goal--with contributions totalling more than $100,000! Your contributions were matched with $100,000 from Chattanooga businessman and NPCA member, Greg Vital. We thank everyone who contributed and send a special thanks to Mr. Vital for his generosity!
NPCA AT WORK IN THE PARKS
Grand Teton National Park Benefits from Federal Funding for Pathways System
 NPCA is celebrating the good news that Grand Teton National Park will receive $1.75 million in funding for multi-use pathways in Grand Teton National Park. We are grateful for the hard work of Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) in securing the funds and helping to make this visionary park transportation system a reality.
Grand Teton National Park is planning to develop a multi-use pathways system that, when complete, will benefit the local community and visitors by offering a safe experience for hikers, bikers, and families for generations to come. The system, which could serve as a model within the park system, will entice visitors to park their cars and walk or bike to help reduce traffic congestion and emissions--ultimately leading to a richer park experience. The $1.75 million will support the initial construction phase of the system.
Over the duration of the construction, NPCA will work to ensure that the Grand Teton pathways are constructed in an environmentally sensitive manner, taking into consideration impacts on wildlife and habitat in the park.
NPCA's LATEST PODCAST
Park Stories: Great Grass of Fire
 The latest edition of NPCA's new podcast series is now available! Join award-winning host Jim Williams as he travels on assignment to Saguaro National Park in Arizona, where invasive bufflegrass plants are threatening the landscape in more ways than one. Imported from Africa seventy years ago to fight erosion, bufflegrass is now spreading throughout the park and hillside communities of Tucson, Arizona, increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Meet the volunteers and scientists who are doing everything they can to eliminate the plant and the risks it poses.
Download Today > >
National Parks Magazine Winter 2008
 The winter issue of National Parks magazine features threats to native pronghorn in Yellowstone, the battle to prevent a new power plant near Mesa Verde, and the best national parks to witness stunning wildlife migrations. Several of the articles are included online at www.npca.org/magazine
To see every single word and every stunning photograph, subscribe here.
Help NPCA in Facebook's Causes Giving Challenge
 Are you a Facebook member? What about your friends or family? If not, now is the time to sign up, and encourage others to do the same.
The Case Foundation is awarding donations to nonprofits participating in Facebook's Causes "Giving Challenge," and NPCA is in the running. Facebook members can earn up to $50,000 for the causes they support.
For more information, click here:
For instructions on setting up a cause in Facebook and designating NPCA as the recipient, click here.
The Case Foundation is also awarding $500,000 to nonprofits through Parade Magazines America's Giving Challenge. More information is available at: www.parade.com/givingchallenge
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