Preserving the Serenity: The National Park Service's Proposal to Limit Commercial Air Tours

The United States National Park Service (NPS) has always been committed to preserving the natural beauty and tranquility of our national parks for the enjoyment of future generations. In recent years, the surge in commercial air tours has posed a significant threat to this objective. As a frequent visitor to the Grand Canyon's Tusayan region, known as "Little Saigon," due to its bustling helicopter tour industry, I wholeheartedly support the NPS's proposal to limit comment air tours. This blog post will explore the reasons behind this proposal and its potential benefits.

Balancing Preservation and Recreation:

National parks are not only valuable for their scenic landscapes but also as sanctuaries for biodiversity and delicate ecosystems. The constant stream of helicopter tours disrupts the natural habitat of wildlife and disturbs the peace and quiet visitors seek when exploring these pristine areas. By limiting commercial air tours, the NPS better preserves the environment and allows visitors to experience the parks more sustainably.

Protecting the Visitor Experience:

Parks like Hawai'i Volcanoes are awe-inspiring and deserve to be experienced in all its glory. However, the excessive noise and visual pollution caused by helicopter tours detract from the true essence of this natural masterpiece. Visitors deserve to immerse themselves in the breathtaking vistas and enjoy the tranquility that only the transforming wilderness can offer. By reducing the number of air tours, the NPS can enhance the quality of the visitor experience, fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Preserving Cultural and Historical Significance:

National parks often embody cultural and historical importance, preserving our nation's heritage. The Badlands, for example, holds immense cultural significance for various Native American tribes. Limiting air tours ensures that the cultural integrity of these sacred places is respected. By minimizing noise disturbances, we can also allow visitors to appreciate these sites' spiritual and historical significance without unnecessary distractions.

Environmental Considerations:

Commercial air tours have an undeniable impact on the environment. Helicopters emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Furthermore, the constant presence of aircraft can disrupt the migratory patterns of birds and other wildlife, leading to potential long-term ecological consequences. By implementing restrictions on air tours, we can take a step towards reducing carbon emissions and protecting the delicate ecosystems within our national parks.

Conclusion

The National Park Service's proposals to limit commercial air tours are crucial to safeguarding our national parks' natural beauty, tranquility, and ecological integrity. By striking a balance between recreation and preservation, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy these pristine landscapes as we do today. As someone who has witnessed the negative effects of excessive air tours at the Grand Canyon, I wholeheartedly support this proposal and encourage others to do the same. Let us work together to protect and cherish our national parks for generations.

The NPS is taking public comment on several air tour management plans right now. A list of open plans and where to send feedback can be found here. 

References:

National Parks Traveler. (2023, May 17). Update: National Parks Proposing Ban, Significantly Cut Back On Commercial Air Tours. Retrieved from https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2023/05/update-national-parks-proposing-ban-significantly-cut-back-commercial-air-tours

National Park Service. (n.d.). National Park Service: Air Tour Management. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/airtourmanagement/index.htm

#####

Sean Smith is an award-winning conservationist and author. He is a former National Park Ranger at Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades. He is a TEDx speaker and private pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1989 with a degree in Political Science. He got his master's in Natural Resources Management from Central Washington University in 1996. He currently runs Washington State's efforts to reduce and eliminate toxic chemicals from consumer products and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem of Covington.

He has been writing stories since childhood and currently writes national park thrillers from the shadow of Mount Rainier.  All his novels can be found here: Mr. Sean D Smith