You are here

Idaho's Bid For A National Park

Share

Published Date

April 14, 2007

    Idaho has no national park to truly call its own.
    Most of Yellowstone lies within Wyoming's borders, Craters of the Moon is a national monument and preserve, Nez Perce is a national historical park Idaho shares with Montana, Washington and Oregon, Hagerman Fossil Beds is a national monument, Minidoka Internment is a national monument, and City of Rocks is a national reserve.
    And some Idahoans take exception to being without a full-fledged national park. Back in 1992 the state drafted a list of prospective park sites and shipped it off to the Interior Department, where it's wallowed. The problem, according to NPS officials, is that none of the sites has grassroots support.
    Among the sites on the list were Craters of the Moon, the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
    While I'd love to see the Sawtooth NRA with its jagged range of mountains, thick forests, many lakes, and sweeping bottom lands gain park status, there are some conflicting uses that would have to be addressed: logging, mining, hunting, and ranching.
    That actually might not be too big of a hurdle, as some national parks carry the additional "preserve" designation that allows hunting and in some cases oil and gas exploration.
 

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.

Comments

Kurt, before we focus on Idaho, let's try to make the National Park Service truly national and get a beach, river, historical site, something, for Delaware.

The NPS can't take care of what it has...why take more land and lock it up for envirowackos & bad-science scientists?????

Trish, you must be referring to the political hacks that infest the upper runs of the chain of command at the Interior Department these days. Perhaps you're thinking of Julie A. MacDonald. What's that you say? You never heard of Ms. MacDonald? Read about her here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/30/AR2007033001998.html

As incredible as SNRA is, it really is incompatible with being a "national park". Its current status seems to work just fine, no need to alter it just to make the NPS feel better. And COTMNM is halfsies with BLM, so they can't have that one either. They could take the NPS chunk and call it a 'national park', but I'm sure they don't want the somewhat incompatible uses that are found on the BLM-managed land. Again, change for change's sake doesn't make much sense. Idaho is a phenomenal state - having a 'national park' just to say they do won't change that. Besides, most of it is already managed by USFS and BLM. The NPS has to take a backseat occasionally.

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.