NPCA is siding with the National Park Service as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up Sturgeon v. Frost, a lawsuit challenging the park service’s authority to manage activities on navigable rivers within parks in Alaska.
Anchorage, AK – On Wednesday, January 20, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral argument in Sturgeon v. Frost, a suit challenging the National Park Service’s authority to manage activities on navigable rivers within parks in Alaska. National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and allies, represented by the nonprofit law firm Trustees for Alaska, filed an amicus brief supporting the National Park Service’s efforts to enforce safety and other park regulations on waters within the parks.
The National Park Service regulates rivers and lakes located in Parks throughout the United States. The issue in this case is whether a provision of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) strips the Park Service of power to regulate navigable waters within the Parks. John Sturgeon, a hunter, cited for operating a hovercraft within Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, argues that Congress withdrew Park Service authority over rivers and lakes within Alaska park units.
“National Parks Conservation Association stands by the National Park Service as it faces challenges to its authority to enforce public safety and other park regulations inside the parks,” said Jim Adams, NPCA’s Alaska Regional Director. “Many of Alaska’s national parks were created specifically to protect river-related resources. It’s common sense that activities on rivers within national parks and preserves be managed by the National Park Service to protect these values for future generations of Americans to explore, enjoy, and cherish.”
Valerie Brown, Legal Director of Trustees for Alaska, noted: “Mr. Sturgeon’s argument is wrong because ANILCA and other relevant statutes expressly preserve the Park Services power to regulate navigation. Loss of this power would cripple its ability to protect and manage national parks.”
The Supreme Court will decide the case by the end of June.
###
About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
For Media Inquiries
-
General
-
- NPCA Region:
- Alaska
-
Issues
-
Blog Post
5 Reasons to Visit Katahdin’s New Contact Station
Established eight years ago, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument will welcome the public to a new contact station this summer.
-
Blog Post
Making Our Mark on Capitol Hill: Advocating for the Great Lakes and National Parks
The Great Lakes are healthier than they were a generation ago, but NPCA continues to promote their need for protection so we can maintain people’s health and economic well-being.
-
Blog Post
Seeing Recovery at Yellowstone
Nearly three years after major floods devastated portions of Yellowstone National Park, recovery is underway. But climate change and staffing shortfalls bring new threats to the world’s first national park…
