It's tough trying to visit parks when you're the director of the National Park Service. I mean, even though you have all the resources of the National Park Service at your service, scheduling and organizing visits can be awfully tricky and time-consuming. At least it appears so for Fran Mainella.
According to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Mainella is searching for a scheduling and advance coordinator. Duties tied to that position include analyzing "key or critical issues confronting the director's scope of travel and mission needs...." and advising "the director as to potential impacts, media opportunities, relevant park issues, and events planning associated with travel and event participation. Prepares detailed, minute-by-minute itineraries for the director's travel."
Phew! That's one key position. So key, in fact, that Mainella is willing to pay as much as $62,209 a year for that person. But wouldn't you think that as director of the park service for the past four years that Mainella would already have a pretty good grip on "relevant park issues"? Why does she need someone pointing them out to her?
Of course, being a reporter I can understand why she wants someone to help her with media opportunities. We can be pretty testy creatures when it comes to putting public officials on the spot.
Beyond that, couldn't that salary be better spent out in the parks doing some good? Jeff Ruch, the executive director of PEER, certainly thinks so. His reaction to Mainella's need for an assistant? Here's what he said:
"Apparently, it is more important for the director to have a 'minute-by-minute' itinerary than it is to have an additional ranger at the volatile Organ Pipe National Monument, where run-ins with drug smugglers have become common. All the other National Park Service employees are being asked to do more with less except the director."
How long ago was it that Mainella was talking about outsourcing park service jobs? Perhaps someone could put her in touch with a good travel agent and save the agency some money.
Wanted: NPS Traveling Secretary
Published Date
August 17, 2005
Support National Parks Traveler
Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.
EIN: 26-2378789
Support Essential Coverage of Essential PlacesA copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.
Support Our Mission
Help support us– the one source for journalism dedicated to our National Parks.
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Add comment