Washington
DC Office
307 Dirksen Senate
Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: 202-224-6441
Fax: 202-224-1724
Wyoming Office
P.O. Box 22201
Casper, WY 82602
307-261-6413
|
|
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Contact: Cameron Hardy
202-224-6441 |
 |
|
| |
Thomas: Parks Hearing Provides Input for Policy
Chairman Says Historic Mission Remains, but Modern Guidance Needed for Managers |
| |
 |
| National Parks Chairman Craig Thomas answers questions during a press conference immediately following the oversight hearing of the NPS management policies. |
November 1st, 2005 - WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee, in an oversight hearing today about park management policies, said the policy should remain true to the National Parks historic mission and include modern guidance for managers on the ground.
“To the extent that both recreation and conservation of our national treasures can be enhanced for future generations – that should be the goal,” Thomas said. “Each park has unique requirements, but national policies are needed to manage a 388-park system.”
“We heard a wide range of views on the proposed policies. The input from long-time employees, former-employees, park advocates, and the public will certainly be heard,” Thomas said. “I applaud Steve Martin for working closely with the public and the Senate on the policies.”
“We’re all concerned about resource use and protection. As the Park Service develops its policies to be more forward-looking -- managers on the ground need modern guidance to help them with both important aspects,” Thomas said.
“The historic mission should remain strong and needs to be reflected clearly in the policy,” Thomas said. “The policy should build upon past strengths and provide additional guidance for managers. I’m confident that they’re heading in that direction.”
“We had a great deal of interest and input in the National Parks hearing today, I’m hopeful that the Park Service will incorporate the ideas brought to light today,” Thomas said.
“Policy development has always been a team effort where Parks are concerned. The mission of the Parks should remain as set out by the Organic Act, but the policies need to be modernized, so people on the ground can properly manage the resource,” Chairman Thomas said.
Members agreed that an additional 30 days of public comment may be warranted. The Park Service is considering the recommendation.
###
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1st - |
current Press Release |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
