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08/18/1997 15:56 2022730896
NATL PK SVC
PAGE 02
NO.795
P.2/7
CRAIG THOMAS
WYOMING
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-5003
NATIONAL PARKS RESTORATION PLAN
"Vision 2020"
Senator Craig Thomas
The National Park System and ournation's parks are truly public treasures. The Park Service
is the custodian of many of America's most important natural and cultural resources and provides
a vital legacy for our children and grandchildren. Today's National Park System is comprised of
374 units which are visited by millions of people every year. These parks, stretching from
Acadia in Maine to American Samoa in the Pacific, provide Americans with a unique
opportunity to experience the majesty of our nation and to also gain a greater understanding of its
history and the people that make America such a great place to live.
Unfortunately, the National Park System is also under great stress. At a time when Americans
are showing an unprecedented interest in our nation's parks, their attention has not, as yet, been
translated into a serious public policy commitment to care fully for these areas. This, among
other factors, has resulted in a large number of critical problems plaguing the system.
Today, we face an overwhelming inventory of unfunded National Park Service programs.
Over the years, the Department of Interior, Congress, and even the Park Service itself, have taken
actions which pull the agency in a wide variety of conflicting directions. As with any
organization that is pushed and pulled without clear leadership, the National Park Service is
beginning to reach the breaking point.
The managers and employees at the agency have done a good job of trying to adapt to these
changing directions. But with each twist and turn in policy, each new addition to the park
system and each reduction in core services, our parks are weakened. Today, some bold, tough
decisions for the future of our resources must be made by the agency, Congress and the
Department of Interior.
As Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee's Subcommittee on National Parks, Historic
Preservation and Recreation, we plan to take a number of actions that will begin to address the
problems facing the National Park Service in the 21st Century. A daring, innovative program
such as this will be required to protect resources in our parks, increase visitor services, eliminate
the funding backlog for Park Service programs and improve management at the agency. Clearly,
achieving our goals will not be easy and cannot be done solely through congressional action. I
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look forward to working with the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, interested
public advocacy groups and other folks who want to make the park system better. Together, we
can make important changes, both legislative and administratively, that will help reinvigorate
and protect our nation's parks long into the future. Ultimately, we hope to recapture the core
mission of the National Park Service and preserve it for generations of visitors to experience and
enjoy.
ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED
FINANCIAL MATTERS - Today, we face an overwhelming inventory of unfunded
National Park Service programs. The numbers are truly staggering and a bit overwhelming. For
example, currently, the National Park Service faces a $2.2 billion backlog in road and bridge
repair, a $1.5 billion backlog worth of building and maintenance repair and over $800 million in
natural resource management projects that have gone unfunded. In addition, within the 374 units
of the park system, there are approximately $1.4 billion of private lands within park boundaries
that have never been acquired. The list of unfunded projects is staggering, and it is important to
note that even if Congress fully funded all of these programs today, it would only address the
existing backlog of needs. No new facilities or programs are included in these figures.
Although the funding backlog may appear uncontrollable, there are actions we can take to
address this troubling situation. The issue of increasing entrance fees at our nation's parks is
something that must be considered. Senator Gorton has done outstanding work in establishing
the Fee Demonstration Program at many parks and recreation areas across the country. I applaud
him for his efforts and believe we must review the results of the program and work to establish a
permanent fee system that is equitable and fair for all Americans. Our parks and recreation areas
must be affordable for everyone to enjoy. However, the current fee system is inadequate and
outdated, and we must look for imaginative ways to find answers to this situation.
Other ideas must also be explored in order to address the funding backlog facing the parks.
One of the exciting ideas we are considering is to establish a system by which the National Park
Service could issue bonds. Many of our nation's parks are essentially small cities or towns.
They face the same difficulties as communities in maintaining roads and utility systems, but they
are unable to issue bonds to pay for these activities over time,
In this time of diminishing budgets, we can no longer exclusively rely on the appropriations
process to address infrastructure and repair needs in the system. Municipalities throughout the
nation normally fund infrastructure projects through bonding initiatives. Although we currently
do not have all of the answers regarding the best way to develop a bonding program for the
parks, we intend to pursue this matter and develop a reasonable solution that will help increase
funds for infrastructure needs.
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Within prescribed boundaries, we must also begin to look to the private sector for help.
Accurate and legitimate concerns have been raised about involving corporations in providing
fiscal resources. Clearly, no one is advocating the idea of allowing corporations to "buy" our
national parks. These federal lands must stay in public hands and be available for everyone to
enjoy. However, through programs modeled on foundations, it is important for us to explore
every option in increasing public and private cooperative involvement so that needed fiscal
resources could be acquired through private donations and sponsors. Considering the billions of
dollars businesses expend each year in advertising and sponsorships, it seems entirely possible to
attract significant money to help worthy park-related programs.
The idea of allowing private interests to be more actively involved in providing support does
not simply involve money. As Americans look to the idea of volunteerism as an important part
of keeping our communities strong, we should also explore ways to encourage volunteerism at
our parks and recreation areas. This is particularly true in many of our nations' city and urban
areas such as the Presidio, Independence Hall and the monuments in Washington, D.C.
Increasing corporate and private involvement, through funding initiatives, special projects and
other activities provides an excellent opportunity for folks to not only visit these special places,
but actively sustain these wonderful areas.
We must also look for ways to increase the ability of private foundations to be involved in
helping. Today, there are numerous private foundations established to support individual park
units across the nation. We need to expand on the good work that is already being done by these
organizations and look for additional ways to allow increased private, voluntary groups to
participate in the protection of units across the country.
CONCESSIONS REFORM -- Congress and the National Park Service also need to come
together and address the issue of concessions reform. For too long, the tough decisions regarding
this issue have been delayed and avoided. This has resulted in confusion and consternation
among concessions operators across the country and a lack of any effort by the Park Service to
establish concession contracts at various units of the system. Meanwhile taxpayers aren't fully
protected. Some concessions contracts haven't been renegotiated for five years.
It is time to take a new look at this entire matter and turn away from the failed practices of
trying to repair the existing law. We must begin to tap into the expertise of the private sector in
managing operations of concessions facilities. In addition, we should look to the private sector
to negotiate, implement and enforce the terms and conditions of concessions contracts. This
concept will allow higher fees to be paid, and increase competition for concessions contracts.
This proposal will also allow employees to focus on the needs of the parks and natural and
cultural resource management issues rather than the technical world of negotiating contracts and
inspecting food service facilities.
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05
NO.795
P.5/?
IMPROVED MANAGEMENT -- In addition to addressing the pressing financial needs facing
our parks, it is also important for the Service to improve its system of management and
accountability. As recent studies by the General Accounting Office (GAO) and others have
shown, the Park Service suffers from a diffuse management style that lacks any accountability
for decisions made by park managers and regional personnel. This overall lack of a coordinated
strategy creates a system that is not results-oriented at the national level. Although decisions are
made and positive actions are taken by individual park managers, it is extremely difficult to
develop any coordinated strategy regarding what should be happening on a system wide basis.
AS we move forward in our efforts to improve the system, it is vital for the National Park
Service to develop a strategic plan that establishes measurable policy goals and management
guidelines to improve accountability throughout the agency. Without quantifiable management
goals and a general plan to hold the Service accountable for its performance, the organization
will continue to be plagued by ineffective management decisions. We look forward to working
with the agency to explore options the will provide long-term solutions to these management
questions.
Another issue that is important for the long-term stability and improvement of the system is
the need for park managers to adhere to individual general management plans. Unfortunately,
the Park Service spends countless hours and large amounts of money to develop long-term plans
at individual units. However, in many parks around the nation, these plans are not followed or
are ignored completely. In other cases, the plans are unrealistic since funding was not taken into
consideration when the plan was developed.
It is also important for the Park Service to take a fresh look at how individual park plans are
developed and implemented. The National Park System is a diffuse collection of individual units
ranging from urban parks and historical sites to outstanding wilderness areas. Without detailed,
realistic, long-term plans for specific areas, the Park Service will continue to experience
problems with its management coordination and developing a system that provides
accountability and quantifiable results.
The use of private contractors to provide services ranging from laundry to road repair should
also be explored by the Park Service. The private sector can provide many services that are
needed at our national parks more efficiently and cheaply. It is vital for the agency to make
every effort to increase the use of private contractors to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Finally, it is also important for the Park Service to incorporate financial experts into the
organization. In addition to being the caretaker of our nation's cultural, historical and natural
treasures, today's Park Service is also a major financial organization. With an annual budget of
well over $1 billion, the diverse collection of park system units also stimulates roughly $10
billion annually in revenue to local economies. Managers in individual park units are not only
required to be experts in wildlife, historic and land management issues, but they should also be
adept at long term fiscal planning and programming.
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JUL.25.1997 1:37PM
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It is time for the Park Service and Congress to realize that we are stretching our park
managers too thin We cannot expect these individuals to be experts in every field. Given the
demands placed on today's park managers, I believe we must begin to look for ways to bring
financial managers into the agency who are equipped to address the difficult financial questions
facing the agency. The Service and park managers must begin to confront the hard financial
realities facing the agency and look for ways to increase the level of financial expertise in the
organization.
CRITERIA FOR NEW PARKS - For too long Congress has taken the easy way out regarding
the tough issues facing the Service. Instead of addressing the difficult questions, we have chosen
instead to tackle the relatively easy task of adding new units to the system. Although I would not
argue about the need to establish new parks around the country, many of the units currently
designated as "national" parks could easily and more appropriately have been managed by state
or local authorities and do not meet a strict "national" criteria.
Adding new units to the park system stretches an already overburdened organization even
further. The time has come for Congress and the Department of Interior to work together to
establish reasonable, but definitive criteria for evaluating new units that could be included into
the system. It is important to note, this proposal would be prospective and would not consider
closing any areas that are already authorized. However, unless we work together and develop
criteria for new additions to the system, the quality of existing parks will continue to decline.
I look forward to working with the Service and the Department of Interior to address this
important matter. Establishing sound, workable criteria for proposed new park additions will
strengthen the entire system and allow us to keep our existing parks strong and financially stable.
PARK SERVICE EMPLOYEES -- The National Park Service has some of the best and most
dedicated employees in the federal government It is vital that we continue to foster a
professional attitude throughout the agency and work to continue to advance training in the
organization As the federal budget continues to decrease and the number of federal employees
declines, we must look to increase training and cooperation in the organization by looking
outside of the federal government.
Many folks have referred to America's park system as one of the greatest universities in the
world. The Park Service should work with universities and other organizations to tap into the
resources that can be offered through the private sector. Using the power of modern technology,
the Park Service can work to increase training and productivity throughout the agency.
Universities and other private groups could be utilized to address issues involving resource
management, financial matters and wildlife protection. Clearly, there are limits to this approach,
but it is important for the Park Service to move forward with efforts to create partnerships that
will benefit our parks throughout the country.
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We must also expand our efforts to provide adequate housing for Park Service employees.
Today, many personnel are forced to live in deplorable conditions. These dedicated employees
deserve better, and we plan to work with the Park Service to ensure that proper attention is given
to this important matter.
CONCLUSION We are committed to helping preserve and improve our national parks.
Wyoming is home to a number of outstanding parks including, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and
Devils Tower. Like most Americans, I take great pride in our parks and consider their health and
protection a priority.
Beginning with Yellowstone, America's National Park System set the standard for parks
around the world. We are challenged as we enter the 21st Century to maintain that leadership by
investing in our parks, nurturing the appreciation for our natural and historic heritage and
encouraging the vibrant economies they support
As we begin our work to help our nation's park system, we are open to any ideas that will
help these magnificent areas. I encourage and invite my colleagues to join in this endeavor and
welcome any positive and constructive concepts anyone may want to share. An undertaking to
improve our parks is a winner for everyone. All Americans have a stake in its successful
outcome.
Together we can work together to make constructive changes to the agency. We have a great
opportunity to bring the National Park Service into the 21st Century, alive vibrant, effective and
efficient. Most importantly, we have the ability to make our parks the envy of the world and
available for folks to enjoy long into the future.
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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
BRIEFING STATEMENT
DATE:
August 14, 1997
SUBJECT: Progress on the President's "Park's For Tomorrow" Initiative
AIRCRAFT OVERFLIGHTS -- final rules issued for Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon
National Parks; national rule expected shortly
The final rule has been issued for a prohibition of air tour overflights over Rocky Mountain
National Park, but the air tour industry has challenged its legal basis. A final airspace structure
rule has been issued for the Grand Canyon together with a Notice of Proposed Rule-Making
(NPRM) proposing phase-out of noisier aircraft. The legal basis of the rule has been challenged
by the air tour industry; the environmental community has legally challenged its adequacy.
Development of an air tour overflights NPRM for the entire National Park System is underway.
The FAA and the NPS have cooperatively formed a joint advisory group, the National Parks
Overflights Working Group, which has 100 days to develop recommendations on the shape and
substance of a rule to regulate commercial sightseeing overflights over units of the National Park
System. The group, which has environmental and industry members, has made significant
progress. It expects to submit a report to the Aviation Rules Advisory Committee and the National
Parks Advisory Board by September 30.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION -- in progress
The report requested by the President on options outside of the traditional appropriations process
for preserving historic park structures was prepared by the National Park Service and is under
review at OMB. Upon OMB approval, it will be transmitted to the President.
ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS -- in progress
The Administration completed work on its legislative initiative for reauthorization of ISTEA in
the 105th Congress. The Administration's bill, "NEXTEA", has been introduced in both the
House and Senate. Several provisions within the bill address NPS concerns. Annual
appropriations for Park Roads and Parkways would be $161,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1998
through 2003. Authority to use any appropriated funds or Federal Lands Highway funds as the
non-Federal share of highway projects is provided. This authority will make it easier for NPS to
work more closely with state and local governments on road and transportation projects which
benefit the parks. In addition, alternative transportation projects funded out of FY '97
appropriations for Zion, Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks are underway. Yosemite
received additional funds through the emergency supplemental appropriation due to winter
flooding. These additional funds will be used to implement the park's visitor transportation
system. The proposed FY '98 Interior Appropriation has additional money earmarked for Grand
Canyon and Zion to continue to implement their alternative transportation programs.
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NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION legislation failed in 104h Congress; no action in 105th
Congress.
Legislation to authorize the "corporate sponsorship" program in the National Park Foundation
failed in the closing days of the 104th Congress. Opposition based on a misperception regarding
the potential for commercial abuses in the parks led to concerns about over-commercialization and
tasteless advertising in the parks. A last minute rewrite of the bill, led by Senator Bumpers, while
substantively an effective response to the concerns, did not come in time to alleviate the
opposition. Discussions have been ongoing with Hill staff in the 105th Congress, but at this time,
no new legislation has been introduced.
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT AUTHORITY-- legislation passed in 104h Congress.
Temporary authority to enter into cooperative agreements was included in the FY '96 Omnibus
Appropriations Act; on September 30, 1996 the President signed the Omnibus FY '97
Appropriations Act which included a provision to make the cooperative agreement authority
permanent. In addition, Section 818 of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of
1996, P.L. 104-333, includes authority for NPS to enter into cooperative agreements with
educational institutions, states, and their political subdivisions for scientific research on natural
resources in the parks.
WILDERNESS IN THE PARKS no action in the 104th; Administration initiative forthcoming
The National Park Service had prepared a transmittal letter to the Congress retransmitting each
of the 17 national park wilderness recommendations sent from the Nixon, Ford, and Carter
Administrations. No action was taken on any national park wilderness proposals in the 104th
Congress. The National Park Service is now preparing a draft Omnibus National Park Wilderness
bill based on the original 17 recommendations and a formal retransmittal which is anticipated to
be sent to Congress as an Administration initiative sometime before the 2nd session. An
individual wilderness bill, H.R. 302 has been proposed in the 105th for Rocky Mountain National
Park by Representative Skaggs.
POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE EXPANSION partial funding provided in the 104th
Congress. Funding decisions in 105th Congress still pending; legislation authorizing the
expansion has been introduced.
As the President directed, $1 million of FY '96 appropriations from the Land and Water
Conservation Fund was allocated for the initial down payment to begin acquisition of lands to be
added to Point Reyes National Seashore. Unfortunately, FY '97 funds for additional land
acquisition were deleted from the President's request and from the Senate-passed bill in conference
with the House. In the 105th Congress, the House has provided $1,550,000 and the Senate,
$3,000,000 of funding for acquisition of the Giacomini Ranch in the adjoining Golden Gate
National Recreation Area. Rep. Woolsey and Sen. Boxer have been working hard for this money
as acquisition of the ranch will send an important signal of the Administration's commitment to
providing acquisition funding for the immediately adjacent Point Reyes boundary expansion area.
Also, after working with the National Park Service, Rep. Woolsey has introduced a bill, H.R.
1995, to authorize the boundary expansion at Point Reyes NS. No hearings have yet been
scheduled. Sen. Boxer plans to introduce 3 companion bill soon.
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REAUTHORIZATION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION -- legislation introduced
Authorization for the Historic Preservation Fund is scheduled to expire on September 30, 1997.
Legislation to reauthorize the fund and make changes to the National Historic Preservation Act
has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Hefley as H.R. 1522. The National
Park Service has a number of concerns about this bill and has developed a legislative proposal that
simply extends the authorization of the Historic Preservation Fund. That proposal is currently
under review and will be transmitted to Congress when the review is complete.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 1997 AND 1998 BUDGETS -- increased budget approved in
104th Congress for FY 1997; FY 1998 budget still pending in 105th Congress.
The FY '97 Omnibus Appropriations Act signed by the President on September 30, 1996 includes
a total increase for the NPS over FY '96 of $98 million. While considerably less than the $181
million increase requested in the President's FY '97 budget, it represents the most significant
increase for the NPS in years. For FY '98, the House-passed appropriations bill includes $1.564
billion, a $147.5 million increase over last fiscal year but $34.9 million under the President's
request. The Senate version, which has yet to go to the Senate floor, is at $1.598 billion, which
is less than $1 million under the President's request. Final Senate action as well as conference
action is expected in September.
FEE REFORM -- legislative authority approved, implementation in progress
The Omnibus FY '97 Appropriations Act authorized a 3-year "recreation fee demonstration
program" for NPS and other agencies. The program authorized no more than 100 projects for the
NPS to test new fees, increase fees, or experiment with innovative techniques for fee collection.
To date, NPS has selected 97 projects at units throughout the system. Projects include increased
entrance fees at a number of units, new entrance fees at several units, new user fees,
implementation of automated collection, and the increase in the Golden Eagle Passport from
$25/year to $50/year. Data is being collected for a final report on the effectiveness and success
of the program. Park units are finalizing proposals for park improvements and repairs which will
be paid for from increased fee revenues.
CONCESSION REFORM -- in progress
Although legislation was introduced in both the House and Senate in the 104th Congress to reform
the Concessions Policy Act of 1965, none was passed. In the 105th Congress Senator Bumpers
has introduced concessions reform, S. 624. Senator Thomas has held an oversight hearing on
concessions and concession reform. There is active interest and work continues in the Congress
on this important issue. Within the scope of the existing law NPS continues to implement reforms
through administrative processes.
NATIONAL HERITAGE AREAS SYSTEM AND RELATED LANDS - legislation passed,
implementation in progress
Although the 104th Congress did not enact a gneric National Heritage Areas System bill as
requested in the Parks For Tomorrow initiative, several individual heitage areas were authorized
in the Omnibus Parks and Public Land Management Act, P.L. 104-333. These heritage areas are:
Ohio and Erie Canal, Augusta Canal, National Coal, Tennessee Civil War, Shenendoah Valley
Battlefields, Steel Industry, Essex, South Carolina, America's Agricultural, and Hudson River
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Valley. NPS has been providing assistance and direction to the new areas. In addition NPS is
developing overall program guidelines and policies for assisting all heritage areas so as to ensure
overall program consistency and to provide the highest quality assistance and training to areas to
ensure the protection of heritage area resources.
PRESIDIO -- legislation passed in 104h Congress; Presidio Trust sworn in on July 9, 1997.
Legislation authorizing the creation of the Presidio Trust was enacted on the last day of the 104th
Congress and was signed into law by the President on November 12, 1996 as P.L. 104-333, the
Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996. The Presidio Trust authorization was
Title I of this new law, which included 116 separate provisions. The President announced his
appointment of the Trust board members on April 18, 1997 and the Trust was officially sworn in
on July 9, 1997, which also was the date of its first official meeting. The Park Service continues
to work with the Trust on implementation of the authorities provided in P.L. 104-333.
STERLING FOREST -- legislation passed, implementation in progress
Authorization for federal participation with the States of New York and New Jersey in the
acquisition and protection of Sterling Forest was provided in the 104th Congress. The Omnibus
Parks and Public Lands Management Act authorized $17.5 million for the federal share of the
purchase of Sterling Forest. In the FY '97 appropriations $9 million was allocated for purchase
of Sterling Forest. The proposed FY '98 Interior appropriations bill allocates an additional $8.5
million in federal land acquisition funds for Sterling Forest.
OLD FAITHFUL PROTECTION ACT - no action in the 104h; no legislation introduced in the
105th
Neither the House nor Senate Committee held hearings on the Old Faithful Protection Act in the
104th Congress. No new legislation has been introduced or proposed in the 105th Congress.
MINOR BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENTS -- legislation passed
Legislation providing blanket authority for the NPS to make minor boundary adjustments in parks
was enacted by Congress in Section 814(b) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Land Management
Act, P.L. 104-333, which was signed on November 12, 1996. The National Park Service is
implementing this new law.
MANAGEMENT OF MUSEUM PROPERTIES -- legislation passed, implementation in
progress
Desired authority for NPS to manage museum properties in the same professional manner
museums do was granted the NPS as part of P.L. 104-333, the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands
Management Act. Since passage of the law the NPS has been developing internal program
guidelines and regulations for implementing the new authorities.
HOUSING AND LEASING: -- legislation passed
Legislation authorizing improvement to the housing program of the NPS for its field employees
is contained in Section 814(a) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Land Management Act, P.L. 104-
333, which was signed on November 12, 1996. The National Park Service is implementing this
new law.
PAGE 05
04/29/1997
14:26
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We can begin by making per-
manent and extend to all 31555 the
visitors to our parks would be
National Park System Fee Demon-
proud to buy and save if they
stration Program which allows
knew the result would be a
parks to retain more of the col-
stronger Park System.
lected revenues raised at their
It's an ambitious agenda, and
location. Bonding, such as done
I've asked the Clinton adminis-
by municipalities, is another way
tration to join me in this plan for
to address the long-term problem
renewal. A good place to start is to
of projects associated with roads,
move quickly on filling the now
housing and utility systems. Also
vacant position of National Park
improved foundation and private
Service Director and begin sub-
financial support should be fur-
stantive discussions on a steady
ther developed.
course for the future.
A number of our witnesses
Together we can make some-
spoke to establishing strict criteria
thing happen and satisfy the pub-
prospectively for the establish-
lic's demand for a healthy park
ment of new additions to the
system of which everyone can be
National Park System. This is not
proud. We have a great opportu-
to suggest that we should delete
nity, the time is right and the time
units from the System, but we
is now. I am willing, and the Con-
should take a very hard look at
gress is willing to work any time,
how we judge the significance of
with anyone to bring the Nation-
new parks in the future.
al Park Service into the 21st Cen-
My plan will include conces-
tury - alive, vibrant, effective and
sion reform that turns away from
efficient. And more importantly,
the failed practice of simply trying
an agency that will provide excel:
to repair and refurbish the existing
lent service to the visitor and an
and inadequate law. Other ideas
agency that will protect and
include more resources dedicated
enhance the resources for which
to the training of park employees
the parks were established.
and insist on more cost-effective
and goals-oriented management.
We need greater expertise in bud-
get management and profession-
al financial planners. The opera-
tion of the National Park Service
Systems, is, after all, the equivalent
of a major financial undertaking.
What about issuing savings
bonds in the name of our Nation-
al Parks? Many supporters and
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PAGE
04
A BLUEPRINT FOR
RENEWING OUR NATIONAL
PARKS
In addition, this diverse col-
Washington
lection of parks stimulates over
$10.1 billion annual in revenue to
Times,
local economies and supports
Our National Parks have
230,000 tourism-related jobs.
4/22/97
reached a crossroads. The explod-
They contribute significantly to
ing popularity in use of the out-
the $63.9 billion dollars in feder-
doors and our National Parks in
al, state and local tax revenues
particular has led to heavy visita-
paid each year by the travel and
tion and less than ideal services at
tourism industry.
some parks, while pressing fund-
This relatively small agency,
ing needs present monumental
managing a large land-base,
challenges for the next century.
enjoying unparalleled popularity
These special places
and generating significant eco-
Yosemite, Glacier, and Grand
Canyon can't be ignored and
left to struggle simply to survive.
As a native of Wyoming who
nomic activity, faces a pressing
dilemma. In a time when Ameri-
grew up in the beautiful country
by Sen. Craig Thomas
can taxpayers are serious about
neighboring our first national
(R-WY)
smaller government and lower
park, Yellowstone, I am equally
taxes, Americans are also demon-
committed as both a legislator
stone National Park alone exceeds
strating an equally serious interest
$300 million. This cost will auto-
and a private citizen to the suc-
cessful revival of our park sys-
in their parks. Unfortunately,
matically increase if road repair is
tem. Because of the current situ-
their interest has not, as yet, been
ignored and further deterioration
ation, the direction we take to
translated into serious plans nor
of the road beds occurs.
commitment to care for the parks.
meet the expectations of the pub-
The total unfunded backlog
The result is a legacy of critical
lic is crucial and the only path
in maintenance, land acquisition,
problems plaguing the National
out I see is different from the one
resource stabilization, infrastruc-
Park System.
the Park Service and Congress
ture repair and employee housing
Today we face an over-
have taken in the past. We need
is reported to be a staggering $8.7
whelming inventory of unfund-
a national strategy for the renew-
billion. This price tag doesn't even
ed National Park Service pro-
include concession facilities or the
grams. Over the years, the
money it will take just to keep
al of the National Park System to
National Park Service has been
pace with the escalating cost of
guarantee success.
pulled in a wide variety of dif-
doing day to day business.
Last month, as chairman of
ferent directions. Each change in
And not all the challenges we
the Senate Subcommittee on
new direction, or new responsi-
face are a result of a lack of money.
National Parks, I held a series of
bility has caused an adverse effect
The parks have languished with-
hearings on the health of the
somewhere in the System.
out a clear plan for the next cen-
National Park System that focused
The challenges? Approxi-
tury and a vision of what they can
on developing a strategy to ensure
mately $1.4 billion backlog of
be. We need to take some positive
that we are conserving and pro-
authorized but unfunded land
steps to correct this problem. For-
tecting the resource, protecting
acquisition. These are private
ward-thinking, new, innovative
the natural and historic sites and
lands within authorized park
approaches will be required to
the wildlife, while at the same
boundaries, but lands that have
overcome and correct this state of
time ensuring the parks are
never been acquired. More than
affairs. It's 3 problem that cannot
enjoyed by the widest audience
$823 million of natural resource
be resolved in the short term, it
now and into the future. The
management projects have gone
will require 3 long-term solution.
result will hopefully be a clear
unfunded and $1.5 billion
Within the next few weeks I
blueprint for action.
worth of building related pro-
plan to put forth a strategic plan
Right now the National Park
jects for which there is no bud-
to chart a course to deal with these
System is comprised of 375 units
get provision exist. It is estimat-
challenges. It will be a plan to
which are visited each year by
ed $2.2 billion is required for
serve as the foundation for a pro-
many millions of people. The
road and bridge repair, and
gram to reinvigorate and recreate
parks continue to be immense-
transportation systems.
a viable National Park System by
lv popular destinations, intend-
In my own State of Wyoming,
the year 2010. The concept will
ed to protect and commemo-
the cost of road repair for Yellow-
contain some proposals for leg-
rate this country's most
islative initiatives as well as some
significant natural, historical
ideas that can be implemented
04/29/1997
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BACKLOGS IN LAND ACQUISITION, MAINTENANCE & INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR
Challenge: According to Republican Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY), environmental leaders and the NPS, the
National Park System faces large unfunded backlogs in land acquisition, maintenence and infrastructure
repair. The needs include only repair of existing deteriorating facilities, not new construction. For instance,
many park utility systems are in advanced stages of disrepair, numerous buildings and roads are crumbling,
and employee housing is substandard. The land acquisition backlog consists of lands within authorized park
boundaries that have never been acquired. The cost of acquiring many of these lands (including some
environmentally sensitive areas, like mining claims) will only increase with time.
Historical background: In 1916, the NPS was formed with the dual goals of (1) preservation of natural
resources, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come, and (2) use by visitors. Since then, the park
system has grown to 375 units, ranging from the FDR Memorial to the Grand Canyon.
During the 1930s, the Park Service administered more than 400 Civilian Conservation Corps camps. The
CCC program enabled the Service to catch up on badly needed construction and rehabilitation work:
campgrounds, trails and bridges were built; utility systems installed; roads repaired; historic buildings and
sites restored; and visitor facilities constructed. By the time World War II ended the CCC program, the Park
Service had supervised the work of more than 3 million young men.
All except essential park operations were discontinued during During World War II and the agency lost two-
thirds of its employees. After the war, tourism boomed. By 1954, the parks were receiving 54 million
visitors a year, using the same run-down facilities that had served only 15 million visitors before the war.
President Eisenhower introduced the "Mission 66" project a ten-year program to restore the parks'
infrastructure and strengthen park interpretation.
Mission 66 was the last pervasive effort to improve resource protection, park infrastructures or visitor
services. Since 1980, Congress has added 58 units to the park system, yet the NPS's flat real-dollar budgets
have not reflected its new responsibilities. The National Parks received 270 million visitors last year over
70 million more than in 1980.
Status: In March, then-NPS Director Roger Kennedy suggested "the need for a special capital budget -- such
as a Restore the Parks Fund to address some of the problems associated with a decaying infrastructure."
According to Sen. Thomas, the chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks, "the total unfunded
backlog in maintenance, resource stabilization, infrastructure repair and employee housing is $8.7 billion."
He says that within a few weeks he will circulate "a plan to serve as the foundation for a program to
reinvigorate and recreate a viable National Park System by the year 2010. The 'Thomas' plan will contain
some proposals for legislative initiatives as well as some concepts that the Administration can implement."
Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY) on the National Park Service: "This relatively small agency, managing a
large land-base, enjoying unparalleled popularity and generating significant economic activity, faces a
pressing dilemma. In a time when American taxpayers are serious about smaller government and lower
taxes, Americans are also demonstrating an equally serious interest in their parks. Unfortunately, their
interest has not, as yet, been translated into serious plans nor commitment to care for the parks.. The Park
Service has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you can do more with less. But, in adding new areas and
new responsibilities, the agency is forced into a scenario of doing less with less in terms of service and
protection. As a result of decisions made by the Congress and the administration, we face an unbelievable
backlog of unfunded Park Service programs." [Sen. Craig Thomas, (R-WY), 4/16/97]
NEW ISSUES
WEEK FOUR
I. A Livibility Agenda
Leave the environment better than we found it.
1. Friendly neighbors. Annoucne federal government will no longer ignore local zoning
regulations by states and officials but will only do so in extreme circumstances as certified by the
Secretary of the Agency. See e.g., HR 1231 Post Office Community Partnership Act.
2. Flooding and Disaster Relief. Appoint panel to examine recent FEMA emergencies and
study, with the Corps of Engineers, means of avoiding repetition.
3. Encourage urban growth boundaries. Some western cities are growing unchecked, highlight
success of Portland in use of urban growth boundaries.
4. Encourage light rail. Current federal law offers federal 80% matching funds if local
communites provide 20% of the resources for a highway but significantly less if the money is
invested I light rail. Make the subsidy equal.
5. Curb auto incentives. Federal employees often receive free parking which serves to
encourage automobile use. Offer subsidies to alternative means of transport (public, bicycle, etc)
at levels equal to that currently in place for auto parking. (Already in existence for Senate
employees).
6. Announce time table for fixing of park in front of White House into pedestrian-oriented zone.
The PPI is recommending a national campaign to reclaim public spaces aimed at guaranteeing
safe access and use by law-abiding citizens to parks, downtown commerical and retail areas,
public transportation systems, and entertainment facilities.
(7) Cops in Public Housing. Designate 20 worst public housing projects and than pick up the
tab for federal law enforcement officers who are willing to live in them. This is modeled off the
Milwaukee program in which cops pay $1 a month to live in public housing. The program
attracted a lot of interest from police (50 applications for 20 spots). It was scaled back recently
against community protests and they've added a community service requirement.
(8) Public Ownership of Sports Teams. Communities are currently prohibited from owning
their local football team, except for the Green Bay Packers who have been grandfathered in.
Wealthy owners in football, and other sports, need to be able to move teams so they can play
towns off against each other in order to get publicly financed stadiums. This is a legislative
move to deny leagues their antitrust exemption if they don't let towns bid to buy their teams
when they are for sale.
(9) Free TV Announcement-- Four months ago Gore announced the formation, via Executive
Order, of an Advisory Committee on Digital TV. It was hope dthat this might be a vehicle for
getting free tv time for candidates. The Commerce Department is taking control and opposes (an
ex-staffer for Markey is working on it). Paul Taylor has met with Rahm and Waldman on this.
Our candidates should include Paul Taylor, Norm Ornstein, Cass Sunstein, and Barry Diller.
This would be a good public event of the President urging them to find a way to get free tv time.
(10) Second Chance Homes: Bill to create a network of second-chance homes for teen mothers
to help them raise their children while building independant lives.
Phase out Sugar Subsidiesby 2003
Arthur Schlesinger One Nation Conference
MEMORANDUM
TO:
TOM FREEDMAN
FROM:
JULIE MIKUTA
RE:
UPDATE ON THE "PARKS FOR TOMORROW" INITIATIVE
DATE:
JUNE 18, 1997
SUMMARY
Sixteen of the 18 elements in the "Parks for Tomorrow" Initiative were legislative in nature; 10 of
these were passed at the end of the 104th Congress, either in the Omnibus FY'97 Appropriations
Act or the Omnibus Parks & Public Lands Management Act. The other two elements were
administrative in nature; these are on track according to Initiative's guidelines.
STATUS OF SPECIFIC ELEMENTS
Aircraft Overflights
number of flights over Grand Canyon capped and new tour routes established for 1/98
ban on commercial flights over Rocky Mountain National Park until rule on national air
tours finalized (by 1998)
Historic Preservation
National Park Service (NPS) completed its report on historic preservation options; awaiting
response from OMB and others in the Office of the President
Road and Transportation Systems
plans made for repair of park roads and expansion to visitor transportation system at Grand
Canyon, Zion and Yosemite National Parks
funding dependent upon reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act in 1997
National Park Foundation
legislation to authorize a "corporate sponsorship" program failed due to fear of over-
commercialization (ala "Fierce Creatures") in the parks
Administration is formulating a modified bill which intends to eliminate these problems
Cooperative Agreement Authority
cooperative agreement = NPS shares talent, gear, & ideas with local governments and
entities
Omnibus FY'97 Appropriations Act provides for permanent authority to enter into
cooperative agreements; Omnibus Parks & Lands Management Act provides authority for
NPS to enter into cooperative agreements with education institutions
Wilderness in the Parks
wilderness designations in 17 national parks have been recommended by Nixon, Ford,
Carter and now Clinton administrations without ever being seriously considered
proposal to be made again to 105th Congress
Point Reyes National Seashore Expansion
NPS has allocated $1m from discretionary funds for acquisition of 38,000 acres after these
monies were deleted from the FY '97 Bill
bill introduced in 105th Congress to protect farmland adjacent to seashore
Reauthorization of Historic Preservation Fund
not reauthorized and will expire on 9/30/97 unless 105th Congress reauthorizes
National Park Service 1997 Budget
increase of $181m sought; $96m approved = most significant increase for NPS in years
Fee Reform
admission fees and costs of passes restructured
Concessions Reform (Bennett/Bumpers)
competing bills heard in both the House and Senate, but no compromised reached on how to
revise the percent of receipts generated by operators of hotels, restaurants, gift shops, etc.
that are given to the NPS to improve the parks; bill to be reintroduced to 105th Congress
National Heritage Areas System and Related Lands
104th Congress did not enact a generic National Heritage System bill, but authorized 10
individual Heritage Areas
Presidio
Trust created to manage this area in San Francisco that is part of the NPS
Sterling Forest
Federal participation with NY and NJ to purchase & protect this 18,000 natural watershed
Old Faithful Protection Act
No hearings in 104th Congress, and no bill introduced to 105th Congress to protect Old
Faithful's plumbing system that extends beyond Yellowstone from development
Minor Boundary Adjustments
legislation authorizing blanket authority for NPS to make minor boundary adjustments enacted
Management of Museum Properties
Congress sent bill to the President to authorize the NPS to manage G Washington's dentures
and other properties in same professional manner as museums do
Housing and Leasing
legislation authorizing the improvement of housing facilities in bill mentioned above
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ECOSYSTEM-BASED SCIENCE PARTNERSHIPS
Challenge: The Park Service is charged with protecting some of our greatest natural resources, yet many
park managers don't have a scientific inventory of what resources are in their parks or how those resources
relate to their ecosystem at large. The development of natural resources inventories and ecosystem-wide
monitoring projects will give us an early warning system to gauge the effects of long-term trends such as
climate change or development patterns on our most pristine natural areas, our parks.
Proposal: The Park Service is proposing a network of university-based cooperative research units to provide
ecosystem-wide research, technical assistance and education to resource managers and environmental
agencies. These Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESUs) will be structured as a working collaboration
among federal and university scientists. The development of CESUs will encourage university scientists to
focus on research with practical applications for park managers and environmental agencies. CESUs will
function as "virtual" organizations, linking several institutions to increase access to expertise and facilities.
Key elements of each CESU includes: 1) a host university, 2) partner institutions and agencies, 3) a role and
mission statement, 4) a managers committee, and 5) an annual work plan.
Status: The proposed FY 98 National Park Service budget includes $2.4 million (16 full-time equivalents)
to establish Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units at universities and in association with each park cluster.
The units will function as research-, technology transfer-, and technical education-focused partnerships that
deal with the ecosystem approach to managing resources and human uses of resources. Each unit will have
one NPS position to serve as an intermediary between university scientists and park managers and to work
closely with the U.S. Geological Survey and other partners.
WILDERNESS DESIGNATIONS
Challenge: The 1964 Wilderness Act requires that wilderness lands be left in their natural state, unmodified
by settlement or mechanization. It also directs the Secretary of the Interior to review roadless areas of 5,000
acres or more in the National Parks (or other federal lands) and report to the President his recommendation as
to the suitability of each area as wilderness. Only Congress can act on the President's recommendation for
designations of wilderness.
From 1971-1978, the National Park Service identified 5 million acres in 17 parks to be designated as
wilderness, based upon a careful review of the roadless areas of the parks. The identified areas are in such
well-known places as Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, Bryce Canyon and
Canyonlands National Parks. During the 1970s, Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter forwarded to Congress
their recommendations that wilderness areas be designated in those parks, but Congress never acted on the
proposals.
Proposal: A year ago as one of many initiatives unveiled on Earth Day 1996 President Clinton asked
Congress to act on a backlog of National Park System wilderness recommendations that dates back to the
Nixon administration. This year, he can renew that request.
Status: Legislation has been drafted and is on hold until after confirmation hearings for NPS Director and
Assistant Interior Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks. There are no increased costs associated with this
proposal.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 18, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR BRUCE REED
cc:
Elena Kagan, Tom Freedman
FROM:
Paul Weinstein
Tony Castaneda
SUBJECT:
National Park System Wilderness Preservation Act
BACKGROUND
During the President's Earthday Message last year, he announced several significant
environmental initiatives, including the Parks for Tomorrow plan. The plan included the
revitalization of legislative action to designate 17 national parks across the country as
"wilderness", thereby protecting them from further development such as inappropriate road or
facility construction. This legislation, The National Park System Wilderness Preservation Act,
complies with current National Park Service (NPS) policy that orders areas being considered for
designation as wilderness to be treated as such, but the enactment of the legislation would provide
legal protection and reinforcement of the NPS's current policy towards these lands. Future
administrations or directors of the NPS could easily change the policy, but this act would secure
the protection of these parks. Although this legislation has been proposed numerous times by
former Presidents and stalled in Congress, it is the NPS's position that the legislation failed not
due to the merits of the bill, but because it was never a priority of an administration.
In the Parks For Tomorrow plan, the President directed Secretary Babbitt to work with Congress
to make changes to the proposals and encouraged Congress to act on the legislation. However,
no action was taken on the wilderness proposals during the 104th Congress, and since the
announcement of the proposal several bottlenecks have emerged that have slowed the progress of
this initiative. The NPS is currently without a director, and the legislation has yet to be finalized
or submitted for review to the administration this year. However, the bill will be very similar to
previous versions that were submitted in past years (bill summary attached), and last year's version
easily received OMB clearance. No internal opposition is likely due to the legislation's directives
mirroring the existing use of the land - the parks are presently de facto wilderness areas. It has
traditionally been the Department of Interior's responsibility to submit the legislation to the
President, but without a NPS director the advancement of the legislation could continue to be
suspended.
PROPOSAL
The National Park Service has invited the President to speak at the 125th Anniversary of
Yellowstone National Park on August 25, which would provide for an excellent stage to report
any progress and push forward the legislation. The NPS suggested Senator Durbin or
Representative Hinchey as good members to approach for the introduction of the bill. The NPS is
currently waiting for an announcement on whether the President will attend the anniversary
celebration, but a problem with the anniversary date of August 25th is that the President is
currently scheduled to take vacation during that week.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that the President attend Yellowstone's 125th anniversity and announce that he is
sending to Congress the National Park System Wilderness Preservation Act.
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PAGE
05
Section-by-Section Analysis
SECTION 1. Provides that the Act may be cited as the "National Park System Wilderness
Preservation Act of 1997".
SECTION 2. Sets forth the findings and purpose of the act.
SECTION 3. Provides for designation of wilderness within the following 17 units of the National
Park System:
(1) Creates Arches Wilderness by designating 54,450 acres as wilderness and 9,050 acres as
potential wilderness within Arches National Park, Utah. Also provides for the use and maintenance
of the underground gas pipeline presently operated by the El Paso Natural Gas Company.
(2) Creates Assateague Island Wilderness by designating 1,740 acres as wilderness and 4,760
acres as potential wilderness within Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the Assateague
Island National Seashore, Virginia and Maryland. Also provides that nothing shall be construed to
diminish the authority of the Coast Guard, to use the area designated as the Assateaugue Wilderness
for navigational, and maritime safety purposes.
(3) Creates Big Bend Wilderness by designating 533,900 acres as wilderness and 25,700 acres
as potential wilderness within Big Bend National Park, Texas. Also provides for the use and
maintenance of the Oak Spring underground water line and for a program of prescribed burning.
(4) Creates Bryce Canyon Wilderness by designating 16,313 acres as wilderness within Bryce
Canyon National Park, Utah.
(5) Creates Canyonlands Wilderness by designating 287,985 acres as wilderness and 597 acres
as potential wilderness within Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
(6) Creates Capitol Reef Wilderness by designating 179,815 acres as wilderness and 4,050 acres
as potential wilderness within Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. Also provides for accommodation
of proposed utility lines.
(7) Creates Cedar Breaks Wilderness by designating 4,370 acres as wilderness within Cedar
Breaks National Monument, Utah.
(8) Creates Colorado Wilderness by designating 7,700 acres as wilderness within Colorado
National Monument, Colorado.
(9) Creates Crater Lake Wilderness by designating 122,400 acres as wilderness within Crater
Lake National Park, Oregon. Also provides for the establishment, use, and maintenance of
hydrologic devices. and for a program of prescribed burning.
(10) Creates Cumberland Gap Wilderness by designating 6,375 acres as wilderness and 3,810
acres as potential wilderness within Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Tennessee,
Kentucky, Virginia.
(11) Creates Dinosaur Wilderness by designating 165,341 acres as wilderness and 10,274 acres
as potential wilderness within Dinosaur National Monument, Utah, Colorado.
(12) Creates Glacier Wilderness by designating 927,550 acres as wilderness and 3,360 acres as
potential wilderness within Glacier National Park, Montana 3,360. And provides for the following:
(A) Construction and maintenance of shelters, and for a program of prescribed burning, and
maintenance and use of hydrologic devices.
(B) Deletes language from the park's enabling act that provided for railroad and
17:13
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PAGE 06
reclamation project right-of-ways.
(C) Protection of right-of-way or claims which the Blackfeet Tribe of Indians may have
within or in the vicinity of Glacier National Park.
(13) Creates Grand Teton Wilderness by designating 115,807 acres as wilderness and 20,850
acres as potential wilderness within Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Also provides for the
use and maintenance of patrol cabins, and provides for the use of necessary manipulative techniques
in order to maintain or restore natural ecological conditions.
(14) Creates Great Smoky Mountains Wilderness by designating 390,500 acres as wilderness and
400 acres as potential wilderness within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, North
Carolina. Also provides for a program of prescribed burning, and utilization of motorized vehicles
and equipment to maintain the Appalachian Trail.
(15) Creates Rocky Mountain Wilderness by designating 239,835 acres as wilderness and 479
acres as potential wilderness within Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Also provides for
the following:
(A) Construction and maintenance of shelters and sanitary facilities and use and
maintenance of underground telephone lines, and for a program of prescribed natural burning.
(B)Deletes language from the park's enabling act that provided for reclamation project
right-of-ways.
(16) Creates Yellowstone Wilderness by designating 2,016,181 acres as wilderness and 6,040
acres as potential wilderness within Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana. Also
provides for the establishment and maintenance of hydrologic devices; the use of necessary
manipulative techniques in order to maintain or restore natural or ecological conditions; use and
maintenance of fire towers, patrol cabins, and microwave reflectors; and authorizes the use and
maintenance of research cabins and fish traps.
(17) ZION WILDERNESS.-- Designates 120,620 acres as wilderness and 9,040 acres as
potential wilderness within Zion National Park, Utah. Also provides for a program of prescribed
burning.
SECTION 3. Provides that the lands designated as wilderness by this Act are withdrawn from
mining subject to the exercise of valid existing rights.
SECTION 4. Provides for the filing of maps and legal descriptions within one year of enactment.
SECTION 5. Provides that the areas designated by the Act as wilderness shall be administered by
the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the Wilderness Act.
A BLUEPRINT FOR
Net" PLBS parks
RENEWING OUR NATIONAL
PARKS
In addition, this diverse col-
Washington
lection of parks stimulates over
$10.1 billion annual in revenue to
Times,
local economies and supports
Our National Parks have
230,000 tourism-related jobs.
4/22/97
reached a crossroads. The explod-
They contribute significantly to
ing popularity in use of the out-
the $63.9 billion dollars in feder-
doors and our National Parks in
al, state and local tax revenues
particular has led to heavy visita-
paid each year by the travel and
tion and less than ideal services at
tourism industry.
some parks, while pressing fund-
This relatively small agency,
ing needs present monumental
managing a large land-base,
challenges for the next century.
enjoying unparalleled popularity
These special places
and generating significant eco-
Yosemite, Glacier, and Grand
Canyon - can't be ignored and
left to struggle simply to survive.
nomic activity, faces a pressing
As a native of Wyoming who
dilemma. In a time when Ameri-
grew up in the beautiful country
by Sen. Craig Thomas
can taxpayers are serious about
neighboring our first national
(R-WY)
smaller government and lower
park, Yellowstone, I am equally
taxes, Americans are also demon-
committed as both a legislator
stone National Park alone exceeds
strating an equally serious interest
$300 million. This cost will auto-
and a private citizen to the suc-
in their parks. Unfortunately,
cessful revival of our park sys-
matically increase if road repair is
tem. Because of the current situ-
their interest has not, as yet, been
ignored and further deterioration
ation, the direction we take to
translated into serious plans nor
of the road beds occurs.
commitment to care for the parks.
meet the expectations of the pub-
The total unfunded backlog
The result is a legacy of critical
lic is crucial and the only path
in maintenance, land acquisition,
problems plaguing the National
out I see is different from the one
resource stabilization, infrastruc-
Park System.
the Park Service and Congress
ture repair and employee housing
Today we face an over-
have taken in the past. We need
is reported to be a staggering $8.7
whelming inventory of unfund-
a national strategy for the renew-
billion. This price tag doesn't even
ed National Park Service pro-
include concession facilities or the
grams. Over the years, the
money it will take just to keep
al of the National Park System to
National Park Service has been
pace with the escalating cost of
guarantee success.
pulled in a wide variety of dif-
doing day to day business.
Last month, as chairman of
ferent directions. Each change in
And not all the challenges we
the Senate Subcommittee on
new direction, or new responsi-
face are a result of a lack of money.
National Parks, I held a series of
bility has caused an adverse effect
The parks have languished with-
hearings on the health of the
somewhere in the System.
out a clear plan for the next cen-
National Park System that focused
The challenges? Approxi-
tury and a vision of what they can
on developing a strategy to ensure
mately $1.4 billion backlog of
be. We need to take some positive
that we are conserving and pro-
authorized but unfunded land
steps to correct this problem. For-
tecting the resource, protecting
acquisition. These are private
ward-thinking, new, innovative
the natural and historic sites and
lands within authorized park
approaches will be required to
the wildlife, while at the same
boundaries, but lands that have
overcome and correct this state of
time ensuring the parks are
never been acquired. More than
affairs. It's a problem that cannot
enjoyed by the widest audience
$823 million of natural resource
be resolved in the short term, it
now and into the future. The
management projects have gone
will require a long-term solution.
result will hopefully be a clear
unfunded and $1.5 billion
Within the next few weeks I
blueprint for action.
worth of building related pro-
plan to put forth a strategic plan
Right now the National Park
jects for which there is no bud-
to chart a course to deal with these
System is comprised of 375 units
get provision exist. It is estimat-
challenges. It will be a plan to
which are visited each year by
ed $2.2 billion is required for
serve as the foundation for a pro-
many millions of people. The
road and bridge repair, and
gram to reinvigorate and recreate
parks continue to be immense-
transportation systems.
a viable National Park System by
ly popular destinations, intend-
In my own State of Wyoming,
the year 2010. The concept will
ed to protect and commemo-
the cost of road repair for Yellow-
contain some proposals for leg-
rate this country's most
islative initiatives as well as some
significant natural, historical
ideas that can be implemented
and cultural resources.
administratively
We can begin by making per-
manent and extend to an the the
visitors to our parks would be
National Park System Fee Demon-
proud to buy and save if they
stration Program which allows
knew the result would be a
parks to retain more of the col-
stronger Park System.
lected revenues raised at their
It's an ambitious agenda, and
location. Bonding, such as done
I've asked the Clinton adminis-
by municipalities, is another way
tration to join me in this plan for
to address the long-term problem
renewal. A good place to start is to
of projects associated with roads,
move quickly on filling the now
housing and utility systems. Also
vacant position of National Park
improved foundation and private
Service Director and begin sub-
financial support should be fur-
stantive discussions on a steady
ther developed.
course for the future.
A number of our witnesses
Together we can make some-
spoke to establishing strict criteria
thing happen and satisfy the pub-
prospectively for the establish-
lic's demand for a healthy park
ment of new additions to the
system of which everyone can be
National Park System. This is not
proud. We have a great opportu-
to suggest that we should delete
nity, the time is right and the time
units from the System, but we
is now. I am willing, and the Con-
should take a very hard look at
gress is willing to work any time,
how we judge the significance of
with anyone to bring the Nation-
new parks in the future.
al Park Service into the Z1st Cen-
My plan will include conces-
tury - alive, vibrant, effective and
sion reform that turns away from
efficient. And more importantly,
the failed practice of simply trying
an agency that will provide excel-
to repair and refurbish the existing
lent service to the visitor and an
and inadequate law. Other ideas
agency that will protect and
include more resources dedicated
enhance the resources for which
to the training of park employees
the parks were established.
and insist on more cost-effective
and goals-oriented management
We need greater expertise in bud-
get management and profession-
al financial planners. The opera-
tion of the National Park Service
Systems, is, after all, the equivalent
of a major financial undertaking.
What about issuing savings
bonds in the name of our Nation-
al Parks? Many supporters and