You are here

Grading the Parks

Share

Published Date

April 28, 2006

    Is Yellowstone National Park doing a better job than Grand Canyon National Park when it comes to spending its budget, managing the resources, and tending to visitors? How does Acadia National Park measure up to Joshua Tree National Park in those same categories?
    Those are some of the questions the folks in the National Park Service's budget office are trying to answer through development of a new "NPS Scorecard."
    This scorecard, according to an internal NPS memo, is designed to measure the "relative performance of parks." Its preparation is "driven by performance-based budgeting principles contained in the president's management reform initiatives."
     Searching for efficiencies and new business models is often productive, but can you really compare a park like Yellowstone or Yosemite to Great Basin or Isle Royale?
    And if so, will this new approach to budgeting lead to a withering of smaller park units that simply don't have the resources -- financial and manpower -- to compete with the big boys?
If that's the case, will there be a spate of fee increases as these units search for ways to adequately fund themselves?

    Theoretically, this memo says, when perfected this scorecard could be used to help determine funding levels for individual parks as "funding would be allocated to operations that indicate an ability to use the funding effectively."
    What's a tad disconcerting about this memo is that it notes that "political factors" will play a role, along with new operating requirements and regional priorities, in determining an NPS priority list for FY08 funding.
    Among the metrics being used to determine a park's performance are the amount of its base labor costs as a percentage of its gross base obligations; its base fixed expenditures as a percentage of the gross base obligations; changes in its based-funded full-time permanent positions, and; ratio of supervisory to non-supervisory positions.
    Raw scores, when calculated, will be adjusted by a number of factors, such as overall acreage, population density, even climate.
    Under the proposed scorecard, four categories of parks would be created: Quadrant 1, which produce "high efficiency, high performance scores"; Quadrant 2, which "consists of high efficiency, low performance scores"; Quadrant 3, which "consists of low efficiency, high performance scores;" and' Quadrant 4, which "consists of low efficiency, low performance scores."
    According to the memo, Quadrant 2 scoring parks will be high priority for operating fund increases. "Theoretically, these parks consist of efficient operations that could effectively use new resources to improve performance," the memo states. "Quadrant 1 parks would also be 'awarded' for their effectiveness."
    No word on what would happen to Quadrant 3 and 4 parks.
    To say the least, it will be interesting to follow how this new scorecard evolves and what its impacts on parks will be. As I learn more and get more reaction to this plan, I'll pass it on.

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 Places

A 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.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.