What might the second century of the National Park Service bring us?
Can we expect an Ancient Forest National Park in California and Oregon, a Big Bend Marine Park and Preserve in Florida, or a Maine Woods National Monument? All three would protect incredible ecosystems that preserve and promote biodiversity.
Establishment of these and other possibilities within the National Park System also can reinforce how we as a nation seek to conserve and protect waning vestiges of culture, natural resources, and national identity. With continued expansion of the human footprint and efforts to replace fossil fuels with “green” but land-intensive solar and wind power, the National Park System is arguably our last best sanctuary for nature in the United States.
But along with seeking new units for the system, its current lands, waters, and skies require our help. We need stronger, more visible support in order for the National Park Service to fulfill its mandate to protect these special places. As record crowds flock to America’s wonderlands, the agency’s resources—its employees and its infrastructure—are stretched and strained like never before.
We can help by applying greater pressure on Congress to properly fund the Park Service, getting involved with a park friends group, and considering the parks when estate planning.
But there are also little things we can do. Enjoy the parks, and then leave them better than when you arrived: Pick up someone else’s trash. Don’t park on road shoulders or native vegetation. Be careful with fire. And before heading home, make a ranger’s day by thanking them for their help and protection of these special places.
Though it's still summer, our Essential Park Guide for fall arrives today to give you plenty of time to consider an adventure in the coming months. You might consider visiting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, and if so Kim O'Connell provides insights to some of the gateway towns ringing that wonderful park. Or you might be thinking of a warm break from the cold winter months, and within the guide you'll find a three-day plan of attack for visiting Everglades National Park. Kim Mills went even further south, to Costa Rica to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, and reveals what she found once she partook of the "relaxed vibe" that emanates from the park.
We'll be rolling these stories out on the Traveler through the months ahead, though you can also order a hard copy ($11.95) or digital version ($1.99) now and enjoy it at your leisure.
By Kurt Repanshek in National Park Advocates, LLC
46 pages, published 8/14/2016
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