Advancing the National Park Idea: National Parks Second Century Commission, Committee Reports
Baker HH, Johnston JB, National Parks Second Century Commission. 2009. Advancing the National Park Idea: National Parks Second Century Commission, Committee Reports. Washington, D.C.
As we reflect on the tremendous success of the national park idea and its many contributions to society, we have cause for celebration—and action. National parks today serve purposes and provide benefits far broader than were envisioned for them a century ago. They also face threats to their survival not imagined in the beginning. But their mission remains fundamentally important to America, and grows ever more vital as ecological and social challenges demand solutions. One year ago, the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association convened an independent commission charged with developing a 21st-century vision for the National Park Service and for the magnificent collection of unique places it holds in trust for the American people. The commission consisted of a diverse group of distinguished private citizens, including scientists, historians, conservationists, educators, businesspeople, and leaders with long experience in state and national government. We met five times, and heard from conservation and preservation experts, field staff of the National Park Service, teachers, volunteers, and groups that help support the work of the parks. At three additional public meetings we listened to the ideas and priorities of concerned citizens. Commission committees focused on key issues. Their reports and minutes of commission meetings are online at www.VisionfortheParks.org. We are grateful to all who helped us. Our yearlong concentration on the national park idea convinces us that its evolution has been of exceptional value to the nation. Continued expansion of that idea should play a central role in solving some of our most daunting problems.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Baker, Howard; Johnston, J.; National Parks Second Century Commission
- Date of Issue
- 2009
- Units
- HIST
- Keywords
- budget, capacity, commission, committee, Cultural, Cultural Resource, Culture, Education, ehistory, ehistory, Funding, Funding, future, governance, History, History, Learning, National Park Service, National Park System, Natural Resources, NPS, People and Parks, Preservation, Recommendations, Resource, Science, Service, Stewardship, Sustainable