FEATURED PARK
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Looking for an adventure this summer? You just might find it in the remote Dry Tortugas National Park. Located seventy miles west of Key West, Florida, the park is actually a cluster of small islands renowned for vibrant coral, lush seagrass, and migratory birds. Though not as numerous as they once were, loggerhead turtles and green sea turtles still call the park home at times, as do Sooty Terns, Magnificant Frigate Birds, and Brown Noddies--making it a birders' paradise.
History buffs will enjoy a visit to Fort Jefferson, an outstanding nineteenth-century fort built with 16 million bricks, which once served as "Guardian of the Gulf." Divers and snorkelers also come to explore the shipwrecks and coral reefs. The reefs and shoals are a natural "ship trap," which explains the nearly 300 known wrecks in the vicinity.
If You Go > > The park is so remote even your cell phone won't work! There are no stores on the island if you forget something, so plan ahead and bring all you need. When they say “dry,” they mean it—there is no natural fresh water on the island and water is not provided by the park. So come prepared in order to enjoy your remote island adventure.
Jim Stratton, senior director of NPCA's Alaska Field Office, visited Florida's Dry Tortugas last April.
View the slideshow of Jim's trip > >
NPCA REPORT
America's Heritage For Sale
 Where is America's hottest real estate market? It could be our national parks.
That's right. Luxury houses and commercial developments may be built right in the heart of many national parks. Although legislation determined the boundaries years ago, the White House and Congress have yet to provide the funds needed to purchase all of the land within those parks.
To change that, NPCA has published America's Heritage For Sale, which takes a comprehensive look at the development threats to land within national park boundaries. The report reviews 60 national parks with “For Sale” signs within their boundaries.
Check out our interactive map showing critical park land that needs to be purchased by the Park Service.
Read the Report and Learn More > >
PARK VICTORY
Critical Public Lands Bill Passed
 We are pleased to announce that the work of park supporters across the nation paid off. The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 recently passed in Congress. The Senate passed the bill first, followed by the House. More than 11 thousand of you sent petitions to Congress, and your work paid off. On May 8th, President Bush signed the bill into law.
This bipartisan legislation contains many provisions important to the National Park System. Provisions in the bill include authorization for:
- Underground Railroad funding,
- Cesar Chavez study,
- Carl Sandburg Historic Site expansion; and
- Acadia National Park improvements and expansion.
NPCA AT WORK IN THE PARKS
Alltel Hangs Up Idea of Cell Tower Near Yellowstone
 A 100-foot cell tower that was proposed near the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park that would have impacted the scenic vista of the area has been scrapped in favor of a new location, thanks in part to negotiations and recommendations made by NPCA.
Alltel Corp. has agreed to relocate the cell tower on a water tank north of town. "They really listened to public comments as well as our concerns and it worked out well for everyone involved," said NPCA Yellowstone Program Manager Tim Stevens.
NPCA AT WORK IN THE PARKS
Groundbreaking for Grand Teton Pathways
 After many years of work, NPCA's vision of a model Pathways system for Grand Teton National Park is about to become a reality.
On May 17 Grand Teton National Park will hold a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the first phase of the 41-mile system.
The event will mark a culmination of six years of effort by NPCA and our Jackson, WY office to launch this model system that will draw visitors and families to a sustainable outdoor experience in Grand Teton.
The pathway system will encourage visitors to leave their cars and experience the park in a new and healthy way, ultimately reducing environmental impacts to natural resources. Use of the pathways system will also help to relieve traffic congestion, provide a cycling/pedestrian connection to the gateway community of Jackson, and provide a unique experience for park visitors.
Thanks to the hard work of Senator Barrasso and the late Senator Craig Thomas, the park has received $9.75 million in federal funding for the pathway. The project is off to a promising start, but long-term funding for future construction costs and ongoing maintenance will be essential to make the pathways system a success.
CENTENNIAL INITIATIVE FOR THE PARKS
The National Park Service Announces the First Round of Centennial Projects
 On April 24, 2008, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced 110 national park improvement projects and programs set to begin this spring as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative. The Initiative, announced in 2006, proposed a federal Centennial Challenge that would match federal funds with philanthropic contributions to improve our national parks in time for the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.
National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar noted that this is a good start and that "Congress continues its work on legislation to create the President's National Park Centennial Challenge Matching Fund, an annual fund to match up to $100 million a year of donations through our centennial in 2016." NPCA has been working on Capitol Hill to create support for this legislation. Passage of the new bill will ensure additional funding for other worthy projects to make our national parks ready for their next century.
For a complete list of National Park Service Centennial Challenge Projects and Programs for 2008, visit www.nps.gov/2016.
Learn More About NPCA's Work on the Centennial Challenge > >
Become a Trustee for the Parks!
 Start your summer off right and become a Trustees for the Parks member! The Trustees for the Parks are a group of special members who believe strongly in preserving our parks for future generations. Annual commitments of $1,000 or more entitle members to special events, mailings, and attention from NPCA staff. Consider joining the Trustees for the Parks today!
To show our appreciation for your dedication to NPCA, we will send you a beautiful coffee table book titled Our National Parks by renowned photographer David Muench.
Visit us online to join or contact Michele Gehrig, Trustees for the Parks Manager, at mgehrig@npca.org or 800.628.7275, ext. 290.
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