Voices of Experience, Advocating the Protection of America's National Parks

Photo: Jewel Cave National Monument, which was proclaimed 100 years ago this year. Photo credit: National Park Service
In May, 2003, three former high-ranking National Park Service employees spoke at a press conference in Washington DC against actions being taken by political leaders that were having detrimental effects on the National Park Service and the National Park System. At the same time, a letter was sent to President Bush and Interior Secretary Norton, signed by 20 NPS retirees, voicing similar concerns. Since that time, more than 600 additional former NPS employees, many of whom were senior managers of the agency, have joined the Coalition to monitor and respond to the decisions and actions of the political leadership of the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. In a number of ways, the Coalition is also working to support the mission of the National Park System and the employees who carry it out. We have developed this website as a way to voice our concerns about legislative and policy decisions and their related activities that we feel diminish the values and purposes for which the National Park System was established and to help educate the American public about its values and benefits.
Holes of private lands that originally were intended to be part of a park system unit but which Congress didn't provide funds to purchase could be commercially developed Read More
Neither crime nor attacks by animals are typically associated with national parks, and yet there are some in Congress that want to overturn the gun ban in parks. Read More
History, once dismantled, cannot be accurately reconstructed. Recreations can appear original, but they still lack the original craftsman’s skills, mindset, and commitment. Read More
In 2016, the NPS will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The CNPSR has suggestions for centennial success. Read More
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CNPSR Signs Joint Letter on Reauthorization of National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000, May 9, 2008[ Letters ] [We] request that the FAA Reauthorization legislation be amended to clarify NPS authority to protect park...
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Guns in National Parks, Apr 30, 2008[ breaking news ] Gun Regulations in National Parks: Open For Public Comment (and Confusion)
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Guns in National Parks, Apr 29, 2008[ Press Release ]
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[ Letters ] I am writing to express our thanks to you and Director Mary Bomar for your recent decision to decline the MOA...
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[ Testimony ] On behalf of the members of the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees, we would like to thank you for the opportunity...
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NPS RETIREES URGE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE TO OPPOSE ATTACK ON VALLEY FORGE, Mar 11, 2008[ Press Release ]
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Guns in National Parks, Feb 26, 2008[ press release ] ...we are strongly opposed to the proposal that would allow visitors to carry loaded firearms in our national parks.
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[ Letters ] ...related to the Committee’s 2003 decision to remove Yellowstone from its list of World Heritage Sites in Danger.
