OIA Insider: Industry DC lobbying trip takes NPS to task

During a Washington, D.C., lobbying trip on Feb. 17, the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and a group of outdoor industry leaders called upon the National Park Service (NPS) to withdraw its uncalled for and unnecessary proposed 2006 policies. These proposed rules would weaken protection of park resources and likely increase commercialization of the parks, potentially diminishing the quality of the experience for park visitors.  

It is rare to find an agency with stronger public support. According to the NPS, 96 percent of the American people are satisfied with their experiences in National Parks. Two out of three active Americans want the NPS to favor maintaining the natural beauty of the park and protecting its air and water quality over man-made additions. Why then, do we need a re-write of management polices just four years after the last re-write? The normal life of a set of rules is a decade or more. This is a classic case of a solution in search of a problem.  

OIA’s position was reinforced by many key park supporters, including Sen. Lamar Alexander, vice chair of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee; the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees; and the National Parks and Conservation Association, among others. The deadline for comments was Feb. 17; administration response will follow.

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