Bomar Confirmation Hearing Set for Thursday

Published Date

September 19, 2006

Well, Mary Bomar will have her confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this Thursday morning. Expect a slam dunk. While Senator Max Baucus from Montana has expressed some concerns that Mary has little, if any, experience with big, sprawling Western parks like Glacier and Yellowstone, don't expect that to get in the way.
And it'll be good to move beyond the formalities of dubbing Mary the Park Service's next director, as there's much for her to do. For instance, Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming continues to circulate a letter among his colleagues to muster support for a significant investment in the national parks en route to the park system's centennial in 2016, there's the "Centennial Challenge" that President Bush has asked Interior to get cracking on, and there's the chronic funding shortfall that needs to be addressed.
In short, there's a lot of lobbying to do...both in Congress, and in the White House. What will be interesting is whether Mary hits the ground running, or whether she is content to serve out the remaining two years of the Bush administration without ruffling any feathers.

Story Categories:

Plight of the Parks

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 new comment

Comments

Submitted by admin on October 7, 2006 - 4:06pm.

My wife and I are unconditional US Nat Park-lovers. the recent moves by the Bush High Command to open the Park system to the corporate wallahs was extremely alarming. It seems the main danger has been averted, perhaps only temporarily. It is bad enough to have the Parks managed by the loathsome Xanterra company, which rings so hollow in its ecological and save-the-planet pronouncements, and hires cheap east and central European labour, inter alia, just under the 6-month employer contribition ceiling, in all the parks we have visited (these employees have absolutely NO commitment to the parks, and it shows--bless them, not their fault, they're there for the $$$, I know.) Let us hope that my erstwhile compatriot Mary Bomar will toe no Bush-lines, and actively restore hope to the park system.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

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