We Deserve a Park!

Local support building for Mount St. Helens National Park

2009-11-11T15:40:00.000-08:00

The Daily News out of Longview Washington has come out in support of elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park. The paper was commenting on soon to be released report by the Mount St. Helens citizen task force which calls for continued Forest Service management with Park Service funding. The Daily News believes this is unlikely to happen.

Rather, the TDN states that if the volcano is to enjoy the advantages of a national park, it must be managed by the Park Service. Those advantages would bring greater benefit to the people who live, work and play in the area.

New Parks, Momentum Builds

2009-10-01T13:36:00.001-07:00

The LA Times recently ran an op-ed on the need to expand our national park system. The piece mentions that adding new parks is good for the country, our economy and the environment. Mount St. Helens, the Maine Woods and the Blackwater Canyon are promoted as worthy additions.

Support for new parks grow

2009-09-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Many forces are coming together which support expanding the park system in general and adding Mount St. Helens in particular.

The Oregonian ran an editorial over the weekend highlighting the unique opportunities the American public has to better protect and enhance its national park system. The Oregonian correctly notes that the appointment of Jon Jarvis as the next director for the national park service brings energy and a new vision to the service. The Oregonian softly prodded the new director to think about adding Mount St. Helens to the system, one of the northwest's crown jewels.

Along with the Jarvis confirmation, the National Park Second Century Commission released its vision for the park system's next 100 years. Included within its vision is a recommendations calling for increased funding, greater emphasis on education and a significant expansion of the system.

Finally, the new Ken Burns documentary on national parks premiered last night on PBS. The 12 hour film highlights the history of the park system and the effort that individuals made to give birth to the system we enjoy today.

Cedar Breaks National Park gains local support

2009-09-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Utah's Iron County is posed to support making Cedar Breaks our nation's next national park. County officials recently held a public meeting where they heard evidence that adding a sixth national park to Utah would increase local tourism, boost tax receipts and increase jobs. Public comments at the meeting seem to support elevation.

Another national park effort?

2009-08-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

Local citizens and tourism groups are working to bestow national park status upon another deserving site, Utah's Cedar Breaks. The effort is supported by local and state tourism boards who rightly point out that national park status would attract more visitors, providing new economic benefit to the surrounding communities.

According to Colorado State University, elevating an area from national monument to national park produces a sustained bump in visitation.

Along with Cedar City, other communities including Waco Texas, Hartford Connecticut are concluding that national park status or management of regional sites would best protect their environment, economy and local quality of life.

Pinnacles to become a national park

2009-08-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Representative Sam Farr recently introduced legislation to elevate Pinnacles National Monument to a National Park. HR 3444 is supported by local county commissioners and tourism boards because they know adding Pinnacles to the short list of national parks will better protect the surrounding environment and economy.

Mount St. Helens and its surrounding communities would likely reap similar if not greater benefits from changing its name from monument to park.

The Waco Mammoth site one step closer to becoming a national park unit

2009-07-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

By a huge bi-partisan margin, the House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill that will make the Mammoth site in Waco Texas a national monument under the care of the National Park Service. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco the bill's chief sponsor believes the Park Service will provide the area lasting protection and interpret the sites unique resources, as well as raise its public profile and turn it into a major tourist attraction. These visitors will pump new economic life into the Waco community.

Jon Jarvis to be new Park Director

2009-07-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

President Obama recently tapped Jon Jarvis to be the next Director of the national park service. Jon is a career park professional, understands the Park Service mission and supports the creation of new parks. Jon is current the Park Service's Pacific Regional Director and has seen several new park units including Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail and Bainbridge Island Japanese American Internment Memorial created during his tenure.

Jon will likely bring his support for new parks to Washington DC.

National Parks Top Vacation Spot

2009-07-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

Travel Horizons recently conducted a survey on Americans' dream vacation destination. National Parks came out number 1. America's national parks beat out more traditional vacation spots like Hawaii, the Florida Keys and Orlando.

Combine this latent demand with the upcoming Ken Burns National Parks film and park visitation may see huge increases.

State Parks set for Closure, National Park Service to the rescue?

2009-07-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

The state of California, facing likely its worst budget crisis is proposing to close hundreds of its state parks including Fort Ord, Mount Diablo and Point Sur. The National Park Service Pacific Regional Director has stated that if this happens, California will likely lose federal funds used to manage these parks. Moreover, parks such as Mount Diablo may revert back to federal ownership and could possibly be included in current national parks.

Valles Caldera to become part of Park System?

2009-06-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

New Mexico's two Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall have asked the National Park Service to study the potential for including the 89,000 acres Valles Caldera National Preserve in the national park system. In order to preserve traditional uses while providing for better management of what is called "New Mexico's Yellowstone" local groups are pushing for the Caldera's inclusion within the national park system. Some argue adding Valles Caldera to the park system, will cut costs and improve services.

Many of the benefits expected to come to Valles by adding it to the national park system, would flow to Mount St. Helens and its surrounding communities if the Northwest's iconic volcano were added to the system as well.

D-Day Memorial to Become a National Park?

2009-06-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Virginia Representative Tom Perriello recently introduced legislation directing the Secretary of Interior to consider adding the National D-Day Memorial to the national park system. The memorial is currently run by the non-profit D-Day memorial foundation and commemorates the sacrifice our D-Day veterans made in the fight to defeat Nazi Germany.

Rep. Tom Perriello put it best when he said "“The National D-Day Memorial is a reminder of the bravery and heroism of our American armed forces, and we must not let it fail. The men we lost were local heroes, but the freedom and security bought with their sacrifice is a national treasure. So, too, is our D-Day Memorial.”

The D-Day Memorial bill joins a growing list of legislation to create new national park units including Rep. Jay Inslee's Cascadia Marine Trail Act.

Mount St. Helens National Park Effort Moves On

2009-06-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Columbian is running a story today on the continuing effort to make Mount St. Helens America's next national park. The article highlights that one of the main issues left unaddressed by the citizen task force is how to fund its recommendations. The article rightly points out that funding problems have been a chronic problem at the volcano.

Meanwhile, NPCA released a report today that highlights the economic benefits of southeastern parks such as Arches and Canyonlands on the economies of Utah's San Juan and Grand counties. Specifically, the report concludes these parks contribute to the economic vitality and diversity of these mainly rural and isolated counties.

Washington's Skamania, Lewis and Cowlitz counties where Mount St. Helens is located, would like experience similar positive impacts if the volcano were elevated to a national park.

NPS Budget Numbers Out! Park Service to see more than $100 million increase!

2009-05-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Obama Administration released its proposed fiscal year 2010 budget for the national parks. The president’s budget proposal includes an increase of $135 million to operate and maintain our national parks and a total of $68 million to acquire land from willing sellers and prevent inappropriate development inside national parks. It also provides $25 million for the parks’ public-private partnership program, which is awaiting authorization by Congress.

Meanwhile, Rep. Norm Dicks released his list of funding recommendations to the full Appropriations committee. On the list is a request for $2.1 million to complete the expansion of Mount Rainier National Park along the carbon river.

STIMULUS PROJECTS IN WASHINGTON’S NATIONAL PARKS TO BOOST LOCAL ECONOMIES, IMPROVE PARK INFRASTRUCTURE

2009-04-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Department of the Interior announced today more than 800 job-creating projects that will be completed in national parks, including Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades National Parks, as a result of the more than $900 million in stimulus funding provided by Congress.

The Department of the Interior’s list of National Park Service infrastructure projects includes repairing storm-damaged trails at Mount Rainier National Park, implementing energy efficient improvements at the Stehekin Landing Facility at North Cascades National Park, and various projects associated with restoring the Elwha River ecosystem and fisheries program at Olympic National Park.

In December, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) published Working Assets: Reinvesting in National Parks to Create Jobs and Protect America’s Heritage, a report which called on Congress and the Administration to include national parks in economic recovery legislation and offered examples of ready-to-go, job-creating infrastructure projects in national parks nationwide.

The final bill passed by Congress in February included a measured investment of $900 million which will help reduce the Park Service’s massive, $9-billion backlog of critical maintenance and preservation projects, and address other park infrastructure needs.

Congress directed approximately $750 million toward national park infrastructure projects through the Department of the Interior; approximately $170 million is provided for national park road repair needs through the Department of Transportation.

An economic study commissioned by NPCA found that every federal dollar invested in national parks generates at least four dollars economic value to the public. Besides protecting some of our most spectacular scenery, Washington’s national parks are huge economic engines, pumping roughly $130 million into the state’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs.

The complete list of National Park Service projects can be found here.

Big Things Happening In National Parks! Mount St. Helens could be next!

2009-03-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

This past week the House passed the Omnibus lands bill. It's now headed to the White House for the President's signature. In this bill are roughly 160 lands bills that create new wilderness, scenic rivers and several new parks including the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail and the Great Falls National Historic Park.

The National Park Service expects to invest in local communities between $8 and $12 million in the establishment of the trail. Meanwhile, Patterson New Jersey is excited about the designation of their historic Mill site and falls as part of the system, especially the potential for additional management resources. “What a national park does is it cements the site in the public’s conscience,” Ed Smyk, County Historian said. “Could you imagine what this would do for Paterson with the superior resources of the Park Service?”

Currently, the Mount St. Helens citizen's task force is considering recommendations to Congress on the long term management of this iconic volcano. Like Patterson and the communities along the Ice Age Floods trail, significant benefits would be garnered by making Mount St. Helens a national park.

To send your support for making Mount St. Helens a national park, please click here!

Support Builds for Mount St. Helens National Park!

2009-03-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Longview Daily News recently ran an editorial in strong support of making Mount St. Helens a national park. The Daily News rightly points out that elevating Mount St. Helens to a park would raise its national profile and better ensure long term funding support. In addition, the Daily News points out that overnight accommodation's and camping facilities, similar to those at parks like the Grand Canyon and Everglades would benefit the area. Locals are also voicing their support for a park.

The Mount St. Helens citizen task force is considering public opinion on their draft proposal, here's hoping they listen to local voices and recommend adding Mount St. Helens to the park system.

Click here to voice your support for adding Mount St. Helens to the national park system!

Mount St. Helens National Park Campaign Continues!

2009-03-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

The effort to make Mount St. Helens our next national park continues. The Longview Daily News ran a great article today on the upcoming opportunity for the public to add their thoughts on how best to manage the volcano's future. Comments are being accepted through the spring. The article also notes that it often takes years to create national parks, however once designated countless communities question why they first opposed the idea.

On a similar note, Waco Texas was pleased to learn that its been recommended that the Waco Mammoth Site be designated a national monument run by the National Park Service. Waco city officials and lawmakers point to increased visitation and additional funding as the major potential benefits in adding the site to the park system.

Mount St. Helens National Park? Time to Weigh In!

2009-03-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

The Mount St. Helens Citizen's Task Force has come out with its recommendations for the volcano's longterm management. Despite overwhelming evidence that elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park would increase funding, benefit surrounding communities, reverse declining visitation trends and lead to expanded visitor services the committee decided to place its trust in the Forest Service.

The Oregonian ran an excellent editorial which warns the Northwest Congressional delegation not to miss the great opportunity making Mount St. Helens our next national park represents for Washington and Oregon.

The committee's recommendations are now out for public comment, and We Deserve a Park encourage everyone to send their thoughts to the committee. Click here to send an email.

National Park Status: What it might mean for Mount St. Helens' Budget

2009-02-27T11:49:00.001-08:00

The Oregonian ran an article, which compares the funding situation of Mount St. Helens with several NW national parks between 2002 and today. The results are startling. Over these years, Mount St. Helens has seen its funding increase roughly 1percent. Meanwhile, parks like Lassen, Crater Lake and Rainier have seen their budgets expand by more than 24 percent. Moreover, National Park operations funds have gone up 35 percent over this time period, while the Forest Service's recreation budget has dropped 3 percent.

Park Service to see boost in next budget

2009-02-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

By a vote of 245 to 178, the House of Representatives passed a Omnibus Appropriations bill today.

The bill contains significant budget increases for the National Park Service including:

Operations: $2,131,529,000

National Recreation and Preservation: $59,684,000 For recreation programs, natural programs, cultural programs, heritage partnership programs, environmental compliance and review, international park affairs, statutory or contractual aid for other activities, and for grant administration.

Historic Preservation Fund: $69,500,000 of which $20,000,000 shall be for Save America's Treasures

Construction: $233,158,000

Land Acquisition and State Assistance: $65,190,000

Total: $2,559,061,000

Overall, this represents a $168.5 million increase over the 2008 enacted Park Service budget.

GAO report provides support for Forest Service Move

2009-02-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

The General Accountability Office recently released a report Federal Land Management: Observations on a Possible Move of the Forest Service into the Department of the Interior. At the request of Representative Norm Dicks, the GAO report found that "moving the Forest Service into Interior could potentially improve federal land management by consolidating into one department key agencies with land management missions and increasing the effectiveness of their programs." Yet the GAO states that to maximize long term benefits any move should not diminish the role the Forest Service plays in state and private land management.

It would take an act of Congress to move the Forest Service from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Interior. Some like Representative Raúl M. Grijalva, Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands of the Committee on Natural Resources see benefit in this move and look forward to further action on the matter.

Stimulus bill injects nearly a billion into park system

2009-02-20T08:43:00.000-08:00

Last week, President Barack Obama signed the economic stimulus package. The National Park System will see nearly $1 billion in stimulus spending. This money will be used for road repair, habitat restoration and infrastructure construction. Yellowstone National Park, for example, expects to use some of the stimulus money for the construction of waste water treatment plant. At Great Sand Dunes National Park, its expected that stimulus resources will be used to reclaim abandoned sand and gravel pits to help restore native trout to Sand Creek. At Delaware Watergap National Recreation Area, the National Park Service hopes to restore a historic campsite, while Glen Canyon National Recreation Area plans to use some of the stimulus money to remove invasive species.

National Park Units Are Big Business

2009-02-03T10:15:00.000-08:00

Michigan State University just released its 2007 economic study on the impact of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. The study found the Heritage area's ten national park units including Catocin National Park pumped nearly a quarter billion dollars into Virginia's and Pennsylvania's economies. Preliminary research for 2008 shows that shows the number of visitors and spending will equal or surpass previous years.

New National Parks and Economic Stimulus

2009-01-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

This past week several big things have happened for the National Park Service. First, the Senate passed Senate bill 22 by a vote of 73 to 21. This bill contains roughly 150 important land use and park expansion provisions. Included is legislation to create the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. The trail would stretch from Missoula Montana to the mouth of the Columbia river. The trail would be the nation's first Geologic Trail and would be Washington's 14th national park unit. S. 22 also adds other areas such as the Great Falls in Patterson NJ to the National Park system.

Next, the House recently introduced the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This multi billion dollar bill would inject more than $2.25 billion of new money into the National Park System. Specifically, the proposal contains $1.7 billion for pre-approved construction projects, $100 million for the National Park Centennial Challenge public-private matching grant program, $200 million for restoration of National Mall ($100 million of which is contingent on a private sector match), as well as an additional $250 million for park roads and parkways. It's expected that these national park investments would create approximately 50,000 jobs.

Coltsville to be added to national park system?

2008-12-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

Representative John Larson and Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez will hold a meeting this week to discuss the process of designating the Coltsville Historic District as part of the national park system.

The Colt Firearms Factory and the surrounding historic district is a landmark in Hartford and a site of great national importance, not the least of which is that it was one of the seeds of the Industrial Revolution in the US. The plant was added to the list of National Historic Landmarks this past fall.

Community support for the landmark status and park designation is strong. The Coltsville Ad Hoc committee, made up of community stakeholders recently released the Coltsville Visitor Experience Study which recommends making the Historic Landmark a national park. One of the primary reasons cited for this recommendation is that it will spur investment in the district's buildings and make the area a significant tourists destination with potentially hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Park Spending Up

2008-12-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

The National Park Service released today its National Park Visitor Spending and Payroll Impacts Report. The findings are impressive.

In 2007 the Park System received more than 275 million visits. These visitors spent nearly $12 billion in local gateway regions, with over half this spending going for lodging and meals. This spending also directly supports more than 180,000 jobs. Furthermore, spending has gone up each of the past five years, even despite fluctuations in visitation.

Ken Burns' Puts National Parks in Spotlight

2008-11-25T10:51:00.000-08:00

Part of the reason National Parks resonate with the public is their ability to touch and embody some of our most treasured values (family, democracy, wilderness). Renowned film maker Ken Burns understands this and in Fall of 2009 will release one of his most anticipated films: National Parks, America's Best Idea.

According to Ken the 12 hour documentary is "a story of people: people from every conceivable background. . . people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy." Along with people, nearly all 58 national parks including Washington's Mount Rainier are highlighted in the film. A short film teaser can be found here.

Millions are expected to watch the documentary, dramatically increasing public interest in national parks for years to come.

NPCA recognizes the film is a unique opportunity and is partnering with Ken on a huge marketing and promotion effort. NPCA supported events are planned for cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Seattle, Portland and Anchorage to name a few. The idea is to take the renewed public interest and channel it to support park needs such as increased funding, expanded visitation and restored habitat.

Stayed Tuned!

Mount St. Helens: Economics 101

2008-11-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, the Mount St. Helens citizen's task force held it last meeting and heard from the National Park Service and the US Forest Service regarding potential futures at the volcano. According to the Daily News, Park Service deputy regional director Rory Westberg told the committee that he believed the volcano would see an increase in both funding and visitation if it were transferred to the Park System. Rory cited numbers at Congaree which saw their visitation shoot up 50% when it was elevated to a national park.

Meanwhile, US Forest Service regional forester Mary Wagner asked the committee's help in better managing the volcano. In addition, the Forest Service's process for funding the volcano appeared convoluted and complex to many.

Coinciding with the meeting, the University of Washington released a report documenting the economic benefits of transferring Mount St.Helens to the Park Service. The UW found that at a minimum, merely adding National Park to Mount St. Helens would infuse nearly a half million into the local economies. NPCA agrees and given the difficult economic state of Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania counties, the University of Washington report shows it makes economic and ecological sense to add Mount St. Helens to the National Park System.

National Parks Part of Federal Stimulus Package?

2008-11-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

The National Parks Conservation Association recently testified before the House of Representatives. NPCA served on a panel of transportation experts regarding the benefits investment in the nation's transportation infrastructure could have on the national economy.

NPCA was the only conservation based organization invited speak. All other panelists represented transportation/construction/governmental organizations.

NPCA spoke of the real opportunity and economic benefits that would accrue with federal stimulus investment in our national parks. Specifically, there are at least 18 projects totalling $270 million ready to go. This small investment in our national parks would support thousands of good paying jobs, as well as improve enjoyment of our national parks.

Congress is seriously considering the proposal.

Burns Buzz Building

2008-11-17T10:31:00.001-08:00

Hype around the upcoming Ken Burns film, National Parks: America's Best Idea is building. The Outdoor Industry Association is the latest to recognize the huge opportunity the release of this film represents. OIA rightly recognizes National Parks are an economically way for families to spend their time. OIA expects to reinvigorate countless park goers and even created a retailer toolkit to help promote the film.

Create a Park, Save a Community

2008-10-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

In the late 1970's Lowell Massachusetts was a town with no future. Unemployment was rampant, it's manufacturing base gone. However, a few visionaries believed there was "gold" in national park status for Lowell's historic textile mills and pushed Congress to create the Lowell National Historic Park.

Today more than 700,000 people a year travel to Lowell to see the interpretive displays and learn about the area's manufacturing history. Not to put to fine a point on it, but park designation saved the town.

Mount St. Helens by comparison, is far more iconic than Lowell, and one wonders what adding national park to the volcano's name would do for visitation and local communities like Kelso, Chehalis and Castle Rock.

Park Wildlife Money Makers/Huricane Ridge Road Reopens

2008-10-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

According to the US. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife viewing has economic benefits on par with hunting and fishing. A story running in today's Tacoma News Tribune states "In 2006, direct expenditures by wildlife watchers nationwide generated a total economic impact of $122.6 billion." Not surprising some of the the best places to see wildlife in the United States are in its national parks. According to Camping Life, 6 of the top ten wildlife viewing spots are in national parks.

On a different note, the National Park Service at Olympic National Park just announced the reopening of Hurricane ridge road. The road was severely damaged during last winter's storms. It was expected that the $12 million repair would take two years. However, the Park Service, Federal Highway Administration and local industry were able to complete the work in roughly 6 months.

Big Day at Rainier: Mount St. Helens Next?

2008-10-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

It was a big day at Mount Rainier on Friday. Hundreds turned out, including Dirk Kempthorne Secretary of the Interior to dedicate the new Park Service visitor center at Paradise. The $20 million visitor center is state of the art, with energy efficient heating and cooling systems and cutting edge interpretive displays.

Secretary Kempthorne also took the opportunity to push for passage of the Centennial Act, legislation that could add roughly $3 billion to the Park Service budget. The money would be used for projects similar to the Paradise visitor center construction.

Unfortunately Mount St. Helens, which is under the Forest Service, would not qualify for these funds. However, if the volcano's management were transferred to the Park Service, it could benefit from the expected Centennial resources.

Big Things Happening at Washington's National Parks

2008-10-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Very soon visitors to Mount Rainier National Park will be able to walk the halls, view the interpretive displays and interact with park rangers at the new Jackson visitor center. The multi-million dollar rustic style visitor center will better fit in the Paradise setting and is more energy efficient than the current visitor center.

Meanwhile, at Olympic National Park the Park Service and the city of Port Angeles reached an agreement to transfer ownership of a new federally-funded water treatment plant after its completion in 2009. The new plant will provide clean water for Port Angeles before, during and after removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams. The new treatment plant is being constructed by the National Park Service at a cost of more than $24 million. Dam removal is scheduled to begin in 2012.

Ken Burns: Turning His Cameras toward the National Parks

2008-10-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

We've probably all seen some of Ken Burns' critically acclaimed documentaries on the Civil War, Baseball, Jazz or World War II.

In what some expect to be his most watched film, Ken is now turning his cameras and story telling genius toward the national parks. The National Parks: America's Best Idea is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2009 and will tell the story of the world's greatest park system.

Yet unlike other park travelogues that tend to focus on scenery or adorable wildlife, Ken's film will also delve deeply into the idea behind the system. What Ken calls a startling and uniquely American innovation: a park system for all.

The National Park Service, the Public Broadcasting System and organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association are teaming up to create interest in the film. Events and premiers are scheduled for across the country including here in Washington state. The "buzz" is already building.

As the Park System approaches its 100th anniversary, NPCA expects to leverage this buzz to raise awareness about park system needs and urge concerned citizens to get involved in their protection. Northwest parks such as Mount Rainier are believed to play a prominent role in the film.

Stay tuned for more.

Additional Park Road Repair, Mount St. Helens roads remain closed

2008-09-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

The National Park Service at the North Cascades National Park announced today that it will close the Cascade River road in order to accommodate bridge installation and permanent road repairs in response to flood events of November, 2006. The Cascade River road provides access for countless citizens to the heart of the park's southern wilderness. By contrast, several roads at Mount St. Helens damaged during recent floods remain closed, including Forest Service Road 99 to the popular Windy Ridge view point.

Another Park Bill Proposed, More Bad News at St. Helens

2008-08-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Representative Jay Inslee has proposed a bill calling on the Park Service to consider the country's first all water national scenic trail. Inslee believes elevating the water trail to a national marine trail would shine a light on efforts to protect Puget Sound, as well as attract new recreation. It may also bring more resources to manage the trails resources and recreation. Representatives Larson, Smith, McDermott and Dicks are already on board.

Park expansion and creation remains a popular topic in Congress. In fact, one of Representative Inslee's bills calling for the establishment of the Japanese American Internment Memorial on Bainbridge Island was signed into law earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the US Forest Service recently announced that motorized access to the Windy Ridge viewpoint on Forest Service road 99 will remain closed for the rest of the year. The Forest Service blames a $400 million cost overrun in firefighting expenses for the continued delay in fixing the road.

Forest Service Road 99 is added to the growing list of other monument road closures including roads 26, 81, 83 and 8123. Road closures are further compounded by facility closures including the Coldwater Visitor Center and the Wood Creek and Pine Creek information stations.

The situation at Mount St. Helens is at stark contrast to Mount Rainier which also got hammered during recent storms. However, federal investment and public support led to the speedy repair of nearly all park roads. In addition, Congress appropriated millions for the refurbishment of the Paradise Inn and construction of a new visitor center. Images from Inn's reopening can be found here.

Mount St. Helens' Future looking Up?

2008-07-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Much is happening at Mount St. Helens, which is casting light on the possible bright future for the area.

First, the US Forest Service announced last week that it was closing the Windy Ridge view point to motor vehicles. This is a sad development, yet necessary given a significant collapse at milepost 8 on Forest Service Road 99. Road 99 is open to Bear meadows, however the 11 miles of road between Bear meadows and Windy Ridge will be closed to motor vehicles until further notice.

Almost immediately following the Forest Service's announcement, the Oregonian (Oregon's largest paper) came out in support of elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park. The Oregonian cited several reasons for their position including the volcano's eligibility for park service Centennial funding and an expected increase in visitation.

The Centennial Initiative is expected to add roughly $1 Billion to the park service's operating budget up through the Park Service's centennial in 2016. Parks such as Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area received $229,000. This money has allowed the park service to fill 18 new positions and increase the operating hours of its visitor center.

If Mount St. Helens were added to the park system it could immediately request funding under this program. Money could be spent on improving park infrastructure, reopening closed visitor facilities and expand park interpretive programs. However, as the Oregonian points out the park service Centennial is less than eight years away. Elevation would have take place soon for the volcano to benefit from this program.

Support for Golden Gate and Hanford Parks Building

2008-07-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

The following are links to two articles regarding proposals to elevate Golden Gate National Recreation Area National Park and add Hanford's reactor B to list of national landmarks. The editorial in the Marin Journal states elevating Golden Gate to a national park would better protect resources and eliminate public confusion over its current status as a recreation area.

Meanwhile, the National Park Service advisory board recommended adding Hanford's B reactor to the list of national historic landmarks. According to Representative Doc Hastings elevating Hanford to a national landmark will protect it for years to come.

State Department Promotes Parks. Mount St. Helens Left Out!

2008-07-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

The US State Department recently released National Parks, National Legacy its July eJournal. The Journal goes to every US embassy, and will be translated into French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. This eJournal contains articles on the significance of national parks (an American idea), as well as information on the upcoming national parks documentary by Ken Burns. The state department will produce a hard copy of the report and expects embassies to share it with foreign audiences for years to come.

The eJournal is a prime example of the widespread marketing the federal government does for its national park system. If Mount St. Helens were transferred to the Park Service the monument and its surrounding communities would greatly benefit from this type of promotion.

Update: Lewis and Cowlitz County officials met yesterday to discuss a plan to build a connector between Washington State route 12 and the Spirit Lake Highway. While cost could be a stumbling block, some point to the fact that the new road would better link Mount St. Helens with Mount Rainier and significantly boost tourism between the two sites.

Could Mount St. Helens be the 60th National Park?

2008-07-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Recently the House of Representatives subcommittee on national parks held a hearing on House Bill 6305 which would elevate the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California to the nation's 59th national park. The elevation would bestow more prestige upon the park and may help attract more support and volunteers.

Could Mount St. Helens become the 60th park? Elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park would generate many of the same benefits as those expected at Golden Gate, and Mount St. Helens could have the added symbolic benefit of being the 60th area to carry the designation.

Update: It seems that National Park status is catching on. Washington's Senator Patty Murray has asked the National Park Service Advisory Board to Hanford's B Reactor a national historic landmark. National Historic landmark designation would help preserve and tell this important chapter in American history.

Park Budgets, Park Expansions and Legislation

2008-06-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

This past week has seen much good news for the national park system. First, Rep. Norm Dicks (WA), Chair of the House Interior Appropriations subcommittee sent to the full committee a spending bill that will add more than a $250 million to the park service's overall budget. This includes a $158 million new dollars for park operations. Operations money will be used for expenses such as the hiring of roughly 900 new park rangers.

Meanwhile, it was recently announced that the Rockefeller family donated more than 1,000 acres to the Park Service to be added to Grand Teton National Park. The land is some of the most pristine areas in the Tetons.

Finally, several members of the Oregon congressional delegation introduced the Oregon Treasures Act of 2008 yesterday. The bill would expand wilderness protections around Mount Hood, protect tributaries of the Rogue River and enlarge Oregon Caves National Monument by 4,000 acres. The expansion is expected to better protect natural wonders, public drinking water, attract new visitors and thereby boost the local economies.

High congressional and public support for national parks make these positive developments possible.

Parks in the News! Mount St. Helens Next?

2008-06-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Much is happening in the national park system. First, business and community leaders around Mount Rainier National Park are urging the Washington state government to designate the route between Eatonville and Enumclaw as a scenic byway. Adding this road section to the byway system would complete a loop around the Mountain and according the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce attract more visitors and increase tourism.

Meanwhile out in the Hawaiian islands, President George Bush is considering the elevation of the USS Arizona National Memorial to a National Monument. Along with raising the battleship profile, to better tell the story of the December 7th 1941 attack and the war in the Pacific, the President is considering adding additional sites such as Hickam Air Force base to the new monument. A local newspaper urges the federal government to act quickly and give the USS Arizona the recognition it deserves.

Like the USS Arizona, Mount St. Helens and its surrounding communities would benefit from the added attention that would come with elevating the volcano to a national park.

Mount St. Helens Tourism on Life Support

2008-05-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, the Mount St. Helens citizen's task force held its third meeting. This evening's discussion focused on area tourism. Panel after panel detailed the depressing state of Mount St. Helens tourism. It became obvious Forest Service funding (or the lack thereof) is at the root of the problem. Monument funding has dropped significantly these past several years. As such, many tourist facilities have closed, been eliminated or shuttered. With fewer services and no overnight accommodations in the monument, visitation has plummeted from its height a few years back. The forest learning center on state route 504 reports it saw roughly 250,000 people last year. During its hay day, the volcano and the monument saw several times this number. The dwindling visitation has pushed numerous restaurants, hotels, and other services out of business. Other companies such as Greyline bus tours abandoned Mount St. Helen due to a lack of services. However, Greyline still runs to Mount Rainier in part because the company believes the park provides more for its customers to do.

The next day by contrast, the Park Service at Mount Rainier National Park reopened the Paradise Inn. The Inn had been closed more than two years for renovation. The nearly $23 million renovation has restored, renovated and improved the facility. However, work was done so meticulously and carefully that many visitors will not notice the changes. Representatives Norm Dicks and Dave Reichert, both big supporters of Mount Rainier, attended the reopening ceremony. Other northwest parks including Oregon Caves and Crater Lake have seen recent renovation to their historic lodges.

In order to save Mount St. Helens and its gateway communities, additional investment is necessary. Elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park would have several benefits. First, it would likely provide additional federal funds for the operation and maintenance of the volcano's infrastructure. This new investment would likely attract new visitors, who would breathe new life in the surrounding economy.

Mount St. Helens Recreation: More Potential?

2008-04-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Mount St. Helens Citizen Task Force held its second meeting last night. The past, present and future of recreation at the volcano was on the agenda. The panel received a historical picture of recreation at the volcano going back hundreds of years. The Forest Service also provided information on its recreation management plan. In addition, reports from hikers, campers, hunters, snowmobilers, star gazers, bikers and others were presented.

A central theme of the night's discussion was that many different user groups see Mount St. Helens as a premiere recreation destination, however it was also clear that the Forest Service's inadequate budget was limiting recreation's potential at the volcano.

By comparison, the National Park Service is looking at a $161 million increase to its FY09 operations budget. That is on top of the $121 million congress added to the FY08 operations budget. The FY08 money allowed the Park Service to add roughly 3,000 new rangers, guides and maintenance workers.

In addition, the Department of Interior just announced the first park service Centennial projects. Across the nation, 76 parks will see more than $50 million invested in facilities, ranger programs and wildlife conservation. Mount Rainier National Park, for example, will receive more than $100,000 to make park operations more energy efficient and repair backcountry facilities.

The goal of these two spending programs is to improve visitor experience and thereby increase public access, use and appreciation of their parks.

Congress Looking to Move Forest Service to DOI

2008-04-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

While we here at "We deserve a Park" are focused mainly on elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park and transferring management from the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service to the Department of Interior's National Park Service, some in Congress are looking at an even bigger change.

Representative Norm Dicks, who helped found that Mount St. Helens citizens task force, asked the government accountability office to study the idea of moving the entire Forest Service from the DOA to the DOI. Representatives Dicks and Todd Tiahart, the ranking Republican on the House Interior Appropriations see fiscal and environmental benefits from the transfer.

This study will likely find the Forest Service's ability to protect the nation's forests, wildlife and surrounding communities are hampered by a lack of funds, its lost sense of purpose and a decline in the timber industry. All these combined bolster the case for transferring the Forest Service in general and Mount St. Helens in particular to the DOI.

Congress Looks at Adding to Oregon Caves NM, What About Mount St. Helens?

2008-04-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Representatives Peter DeFazio and Earl Blumenauer are proposing the Oregon Treasures bill which among other things would add roughly 4,000 acres to the Oregon Caves National Monument in Southern Oregon. According to a spokesperson, DeFazio supports this move because it "would increase natural resource protection, increase public recreation opportunities, expand local economic development opportunities and protect the drinking water source."

The Medford MailTribune has come supports the idea saying it would expand recreation increasing the caves tourism draw.

Like Oregon Caves, adding Mount St. Helens to the National Park System would likely produce similar benefits for the volcano's resources and gateway communities.

The Oregon Treasures Act will join several other park expansion/creation bills currently working their way through Congress.

Hopefully, legislation to create Mount St. Helens National Park won't be far off.

First Mount St. Helens Citizens Task Force Meeting: A Very Good Start

2008-03-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Mount St. Helens Citizens Task Force held its first meeting last week. Called together by Representatives Brian Baird and Norm Dicks, as well as Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, the committee has been charged with creating a new vision for the Mount St. Helens area, as well as proposing management mechanisms for achieving that vision.

This first discussion was spent laying out a schedule and agenda for the next six month's worth of meetings. Specifically, the task force is seeking information on the historic and current status of recreation, science and conservation taking place in the monument. Monument funding will also be investigated.

NPCA's Sean Smith urged the task force to look into the history of park creation at other places such as Kenai Fjords and Grand Tetons, seek information on the economic benefits of national park status, as well as visitation impacts resulting from changing a monument to a park.

Elevating to a national park catching on!

2008-01-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

Oregon State Senator Fred Girod has proposed to elevate the Silver Falls state park to a national park. Supporters note a national park would bring additional recognition to the park and provide a green boost to the regional economy.

Along with deserved recognition and an economic boost, a Silver Falls national park might better protect the area's natural wonders and wildlife, through the sharing of federal resources and experience. Elevation would also make Silver Falls eligible for funds under the Centennial Initiative, a multimillion federal grant program for national parks.

National Park Budget Includes Big Gains

2007-12-20T09:39:00.001-08:00

The federal budget which passed both houses of congress this week, includes significant funding increases for the national park service. Specifically, Congress added $122 million to the agency's operating funds, as well as $44 million for land purchases. In addition, Congress granted $25 million for the Centennial Challenge. These funds can be matched by private donations and used for Interior approved Centennial projects.

Thanks in large part to the Congressional leadership of Norm Dicks, Brian Baird, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray Northwest parks did well under the funding bill, including Olympic which will receive upwards of $20 million for river restoration and dam removal.

Forest Service Budgets to take hit

2007-12-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

The past several weeks, Congress and the Bush administration haggled over the federal budget. Money appears tight and some agencies face significant cuts. The Seattle PI readerblog reports today the US Forest Service's budget prospects look dim. In fact, the US Forest Service is facing huge cuts (upward of 50%) to programs like recreation. These cuts could result in diminished services such as trail maintenance and repair in several NW forests including the Baker Snoqualmie, the Olympic and the Gifford Pinchot. These cuts are bad news for Mount St. Helens National Monument as well, which is currently part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Park Bills Hot in Washington DC, Mount St. Helens Next?

2007-12-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Park expansion and creation remains a hot topic on Capitol hill. Just last week, the House of Representatives passed HR 3998, an omnibus bill that orders the National Park Service to study the creation/expansion of 10 new parks and trails, including the expansion of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the creation of the Camden National Battlefield and the addition of lands to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

National Park bills are popular on Capitol hill, in part because elected officials and concerned citizens recognize that national parks are huge economic engines, pumping billions into the national and gateway economies.

Mount St. Helens is at least on par with the areas mentioned in HR 3998 and the volcano's resources, wildlife and gateway communities deserves the benefits that would come from elevating it to a national park.

The Olympian: Time to Consider National Park Idea

2007-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Support for elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park continues to grow. The Olympian writes today the idea is worth considering. Specifically, the Olympian notes that "elevating Mount St. Helens to the same stature as other national parks . . . has the potential to substantially increase tourism." Increased tourism would be a boon to the volcano's gateway communities.

Thanks in large part to Representative Brian Baird and Senator Maria Cantwell, a conversation has begun regarding the future of the volcano and its surrounding communities. A citizen task force to study the idea will form shortly.

Check back soon for more information on how and when to join the discussion.

National Park Idea Gaining Ground

2007-11-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

The Olympian reported today the creation of a task force to study the elevation of Mount St. Helens to a national park. This announcement coincided with stories running in Sunday's Olympian and today's Seattle Times. Congressman Brian Baird and Senator Maria Cantwell have called for this task force to decide how best to manage the volcano and its resource for present and future generations. NPCA salutes this move and is encouraged by the growing interest in both the national park idea and the volcano in general.

Mount St. Helens National Park May Be Best Option

2007-10-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

Breaking News!!! Today the Longview Daily News came out in support of an investigation into adding Mount St. Helens to the National Park system. Specifically the Daily News wrote:

"Designating Mount St. Helens a national park would give the volcano a higher profile among would be visitors. It also would provide some funding stability. . . And, too, the National Park Service is better suited than the Forest Service to the task of managing tourism and developing recreational facilities. Tourism most certainly would increase under the park service."

Moreover the editorial makes the point that elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park "may not entail the use restrictions that many critics fear." It concludes with it's time to investigate putting "the monument under National Park Service control."

Well said!

Read the complete editorial here.

Mount St. Helens National Park = More Stable Funding

2007-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Columbian ran a story over the weekend about the impending closure of Mount St. Helens' Coldwater Visitor Center. In it, Ted Stubblefield former Gifford Pinchot supervisor, states the closure is a sign of our "throw away society." Mr. Stubblefield goes on to say if the monument was important enough to establish in 1982, then it deserves a "stable source of funding."

We couldn't agree more. Mount St. Helens is a national gem and deserves the nation's highest recognition and support. That would be a national park. Bestowing national park status upon Mount St. Helens would bring new recognition and interest in the volcano and its surrounding communities.

In addition, elevating the mountain to the a national park would bring additional funds. As Mr. Stubblefield rightly points out the US Forest Service is spending more and more of its budget on non recreation based activities such as fire fighting. Mr. Stubblefield appears to blame congress for this problem. However, the US Forest Service also shares much of the responsibility for the monument's poor funding condition. Over the past several years, the Forest Service has cut its Congressional requests for monument support in some cases by 90 percent. Asking for less money has led to less money being allocated. Thus the need to cut back on visitor services and facilities. By comparison National Park units enjoy specific line item Congressional support, rendering their funding better immune to economic disruptions, as well as political and administrative meddling. In other words, this is the more stable volcano funding Mr. Stubblefield is calling for.

Around the country countless communities recognize the numerous benefits brought by national park service management of area wonders and are pushing legislation to establish new national parks such as Great Falls National Park, Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, and the Bainbridge Island Japanese/American Internment Memorial. Others near already established parks such as Grand Teton, Saguaro, Minute Man and Mesa Verde are supporting legislation to add new resources and land to current park boundaries. Other communities such as those around Texas' Big Bend National Park supported a congressional resolution recognizing the benefit of the National Park Service to the region.

Mount St. Helens, its resources and gateway communities deserve the "more stable source of funding" and a higher level of recognition national park designation would bring. Please join the "We Deserve a Park Coalition" and urge Congress to support making Mount St. Helens a national park. Click here to contact your Congressional delegation.

Coldwater to Close, Park to Open?

2007-10-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Last Friday the Olympian ran another excellent piece on the impending and sad closure of Mount St. Helens' 14 year old Coldwater Ridge visitor center. The shuttering of Coldwater Ridge and its state of the art exhibits closes the only year round visitor center in the monument. Many people including school groups coming to Mount St. Helens during the months of November thru May will have no indoor facility to hear ranger programs, warm up or get something to eat. The Forest Service blames decreasing budgets as the reason for the closure.

However, the Coldwater closure didn't have to happen. Over the past several years, the Department of Agriculture has been requesting less money for monument operations. Specifically, DOA requests for monument maintenance of visitor centers and other facilities have dropped nearly 90% since fiscal year 2004. Smaller requests means less money for operations. Less money leads to the closure of facilities like Coldwater.

By comparison the National Park Service sees regular park budget increases. In addition, Congress is considering legislation to add billions to the Park Service coffers by the system's 100th birthday in 2016. If Mount St. Helens were added to the park system, some of this new money would be available for its management and the upkeep of visitor facilities.

Please contact your member of Congress here and urge him/her to support Mount St. Helens becoming a national park.

How to Bring Mount St. Helens Closer to the Public

2007-10-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Chester Allen of the Olympian writes today about his sadness over the impending closure of Forest Service's Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center at Mount St. Helens. He feels closing this facility puts Mount St. Helens farther away from the average citizen. For example, closing the Coldwater VC severely restricts west side winter access. After November 4, the remaining Forest Service run visitor center will be at Johnston Ridge. Unfortunately, the Forest Service only has the resources to operate Johnston Ridge from May through November. Without a warm place to rest and refuel, Mr. Allen laments one can forget about taking the family to the mountain in February. However, Mr. Allen points out the Coldwater Ridge closure is merely a symptom of the much larger problem that current volcano management has not captured the public's attention.

Elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park would solve many of these problems. It would likely bring more interest in the volcano and increased federal management resources. This in turn will likely generate more economic activity for gateway communities and businesses. That's why Cowlitz County Commissioners, the mayors of Kelso and Castle Rock, several state legislators, as well as the Oregonian back the park idea.

Help us make Mount St. Helens a national park. Mount St. Helens and its surrounding communities deserve the recognition and ecological and economic benefits that would flow from national park status. Please send a letter to the Olympian in support of this effort by clicking here.

Mount St. Helens National Park Answer to Management Problems

2007-10-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Oregonian today printed an opinion piece by USFS employee Linda Goodman. Ms. Goodman is the USFS regional forester and her op-ed was in response to the Oregonian editorial on September 23 calling for the elevation of Mount St. Helens to a national park.

The USFS op-ed was misleading. Mrs. Goodman correctly points out that the issue is not who manages the volcano but how its managed, but glosses over the fact that who manages the monument is fundamental to how it’s managed. Also, the National Park Service would not be another bureaucracy, it would be a different bureaucracy with fewer bureaucratic funding layers. And while “only a few” spoke up in favor of park, unmentioned in the op-ed is that fact that 4 state legislators and two mayors signed a letter in support of elevation.

To send a letter to the Oregonian in support of elevating Mount St. Helens to a National Park click here.

Oregonian Supports Mount St. Helens National Park

2007-09-23T10:46:00.001-07:00

Breaking News! The Oregonian, the largest paper in the state supports elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park! The Oregonian rightly recognizes moving Mount St. Helens to the National Park Service will bring new recognition, resources and economic activity. It urges Representative Brian Baird to support this effort as well and bring a new national park to his district.

The "We Deserve a Park" coalition asks all concerned citizens to contact Representative Baird and urge him to support making Mount St. Helens our newest national park.

Mount St. Helens National Park: A Benefit to Centralia Washington

2007-09-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

The Centralia Chronicle published a letter today advocating for the creation of Mount St. Helens National Park. The letter points out that new national park would likely bring additional federal investment and new visitors, as well as positively impact gateway economies. The people who live and work in and around the volcano deserve the benefits that would come from a Mount St. Helens National Park.

Mount St. Helens Could Benefit from Centennial Effort

2007-09-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

The online Federal Parks and Recreation Newsletter reports today on our effort to add Mount St. Helens to the National Park System. The FPRN article provide background on the campaign and notes the campaign could benefit from the current National Park Service Centennial Initiative. The Centennial Initiative is a congressional effort to add $3 billion to the Park Service budget. The article also notes Rep. Mark Souder's support for an investigation into elevation. Rep. Souder with Rep. Brian Baird are the co-chairs of the Congressional park caucus.

Mount St. Helens National Park: An Intriguing Idea

2007-09-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma News Tribune's Jeff Mayor has weighed in on elevating Mount St. Helens to a national park. Specially, Jeff is intrigued by the idea. He believes Mount St. Helens would be a nice addition to the three parks the state already enjoys.

Yet, Jeff raises some good questions regarding this change. Most notably Jeff asks is there political will to make this move. It is building. During last week's Mount St. Helens Forest Summit hosted by Rep. Brian Baird, Senator Maria Cantwell issued a statement voicing support for elevation. Specifically, the Senator said she believes "elevation of Mt. St. Helens to a national park may provide the best protection and greatest benefits for local communities and the volcano."

The "We deserve a park" coalition thanks the Senator for her support and urges other lawmakers and community leaders to back her position.

Mount St. Helens Summit Report: A good first step!

2007-08-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

This past week, Representative Brian Baird hosted a summit on the future of Mount St. Helens. Press coverage of the summit can be found here. NPCA's Sean Smith served on a round table panel of roughly 30 people, with about 100 in the audience. The panel consisted of NPCA, state agencies, small businesses, Weyerhaeuser and state and county legislators.

Two themes ran through the discussion. First, everyone has a deep love and appreciation for Mount St. Helens. Second, the forest service's management of the volcano could be better. Where there was disagreement was on what to do about it. Alternatives included selling more elk tags and giving the money to the monument, conducting a comprehensive management plan review and elevating it to a national park.

We Deserve A Park!

2007-08-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow a coalition of conservation groups, elected officials and individuals launches a campaign to make Mount St. Helens the country's 59th national park. The coalition includes organizations such as the National Parks Conservation Association, the Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, the Ice Age Floods Institute, the Mountaineers, the Mayors of Kelso and Castle Rock Washington, various state officials and numerous Washington State 3rd district voters.

This diverse coalition comes together with one goal: To elevate Mount St. Helens to a national park.

We are launching this campaign because Mount St. Helens is a national and international gem, with natural wonders found nowhere else in the world. The people who live and work in and near the volcano, as well as the state of Washington deserve the recognition and benefits that would come from making Mount St. Helens a national park.

Please join us in our effort by sending Representative Brian Baird a letter urging him to support elevation.

For more information about how you can help, contact Sean Smith with the National Parks Conservation Association at: ssmith@npca.org