You are here

Congressman Souder Replies

Share

Published Date

April 12, 2007

    Well, Representative Mark Souder dropped me a note to respond to my post wondering what the upshot was of his nearly 18-month-long probe into the health of the national park system.
    The short answer? The GOP's loss of the House took the wind out of his sails.
    Indeed, once he lost the chairmanship of House Government Reform Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources that he used to host the park hearings, Mr. Souder also lost his support staff.
    But there were other factors, as well, that prevented him from issuing a report to Congress before the 109th Congress adjourned.   
    "
Before control of Congress changed to the Democrats, we had not completed the full set of hearings due to a series of scheduling conflicts that continued to postpone hearing dates," he says. "Specifically, I wanted to add the southeast region by Atlanta, the Great Lakes by Indiana Dunes, and the Rocky Mountain area. Before releasing a report, I wanted to complete these regional hearings."
    Too, Mr. Souder tells me he "did not feel that the initial draft of the final report compiled by my subcommittee staff reflected my views or those of the witnesses strongly enough, and so its release was delayed."

    So where does that leave things?
    Well, the congressman believes the work of his subcommittee provided some influence to the administration in its decision to propose the National Park Centennial Initiative. And, following the November elections Mr. Souder met with Representative Norm Dicks, the incoming chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee, to request a hearing where the findings of his park hearings could be inserted into the official record.
    "Chairman Dicks committed to hold such a hearing," says Mr. Souder. "I have also talked with Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall about the hearings we held and the National Parks Centennial Act, and I hope that his interest in the national parks initiative is as strong as that of Chairman Dicks."
    Moving forward, Congressman Souder says he will continue to fight for the parks.
    "Indeed, Congressman Brian Baird and I continue to serve as co-chairmen of the Congressional National Parks Caucus, and we reintroduced the National Park Centennial Act (H.R. 1731) last month," he says. "As we move forward, I believe that the work that went into the national parks-related hearings will prove to be fundamental. The testimony we heard will be invaluable to Congress as we continue to work to preserve our park system."

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.