New Leadership, New Resolve: NPCA’s Moment to Defend America’s Parks Without Compromise

Values Worth Fighting For

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is America’s oldest and largest non-profit dedicated to protecting our national parks. The organization recently announced that Theresa Pierno, its longtime President and Chief Executive Officer, is stepping down. In the press release, Pierno described the decision as “deeply difficult."

In a former chapter of my career, I had the privilege of working for NPCA and under Theresa’s leadership. While I’m no longer directly involved and don’t have insider information, I can say this. If Theresa is anything like I remember, she likely struggled with this decision because of how deeply she believes in the mission. She knows, firsthand, the powerful, often life-changing opportunity NPCA offers its staff and supporters to take meaningful, effective action on behalf of some of America’s most cherished places and ideals.

NPCA has long prided itself on being a nonpartisan organization, describing itself as “the only independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocacy on behalf of the National Park System.” For decades, this approach worked well. By appealing to a broad cross-section of the political spectrum, NPCA helped achieve landmark conservation victories, from wilderness designations to air and water protections. The idea was simple but profound: everyone, regardless of party, should support preserving our shared national treasures.

But today’s political landscape is no longer defined by good-faith debates over the priorities or management of public lands. We now confront a much more existential threat, one in which some factions question whether the federal government should even own or manage public lands at all. This is a fundamentally different fight!

Under the Trump administration, for example, we witnessed a series of unprecedented rollbacks and attacks on public lands and the National Park Service itself. These include proposals to dramatically reduce the number of national parks and monuments, renewed pushes for resource extraction on public lands, censorship of scientific research, the erasure of Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized histories from park interpretive materials, the shuttering of the agency’s premier training facilities, erecting statues to traitors, and the firing or termination of hundreds of career park rangers. These actions aren’t policy tweaks; they are calculated steps to weaken the very foundations of America’s national park legacy.

In that context, Theresa's decision to step aside may reflect a recognition that a new era requires a new kind of leadership.

If NPCA is to remain the nation’s most influential and effective defender of the National Park System, it must reassess its stance on nonpartisanship, at least for now. Being nonpartisan should never mean being neutral in the face of harm. When one side of the political spectrum is actively undermining the park system’s integrity, science, history, and future, staying silent or striving for neutrality can become a form of complicity.

Instead, NPCA must recommit to its core mission and values, and, when necessary, take unapologetically strong positions in defense of the parks. That includes publicly opposing any political administration, regardless of party, whose policies threaten park resources, access, staffing, or public trust. It means mobilizing its members, supporting litigation and legislation, leading protests, and flooding congressional offices with constituent voices demanding better.

Now more than ever, NPCA needs a leader who will not flinch, someone with a bold, visionary, and uncompromising commitment to protecting America’s natural and cultural heritage. A leader who understands that our national parks are not just pretty landscapes or economic engines, but are essential to our national identity, our environmental resilience, and our shared story.

The national park system we know today didn’t emerge by accident. At the time of Yellowstone’s founding, powerful interests sought to privatize, exploit, and develop nearly every acre of the American West. But a few determined individuals like Henry Washburn, Nathaniel Langford, and Ferdinand Hayden pushed back. They believed places like Yellowstone and future parks like Glacier, Gettysburg, and beyond should belong to all Americans, not just the privileged few.

Their vision gave us one of the most admired and imitated public land systems in the world. But that vision is under threat.

If we are to honor their legacy and safeguard these lands for future generations, we must be willing to fight for it. That fight begins now.

If you are a member of NPCA, I encourage you to contact the organization and advocate for a leader who will rise to this moment, someone who understands the gravity of what’s at stake and is ready to act with urgency, resolve, and principles. Our parks deserve nothing less.

The next generation is counting on us.

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Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
conservationist and former National Park and Forest Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, Mount St. Helens, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and in the QR code included. 

America’s Parks Are Not for Sale: Sounding the Alarm on Trump’s 2026 Budget

In 1872, Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant did something revolutionary—they created Yellowstone National Park, establishing for the first time in human history the idea that land could be preserved not for kings or corporations, but for everyone. That bold vision eventually gave rise to the National Park Service in 1916, with a simple yet profound mission: to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein... for the enjoyment of future generations.

For over a century, America’s national parks have represented our highest ideals—freedom, democracy, discovery, and stewardship. They are living classrooms, sacred homelands, and wild refuges. From the geysers of Yellowstone to the cliffs of Yosemite, from Civil War battlefields to Selma’s bridge, they preserve not just nature, but narrative—who we were, who we are, and who we hope to become.

Today, that legacy is under attack.

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Trump’s 2026 Budget: A Direct Assault on Public Lands

President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget is nothing short of an existential threat to our national parks and public lands. It slashes $163 billion from non-defense discretionary spending—a staggering 22.6% reduction—gutting the agencies tasked with protecting America’s most cherished places. The National Park Service (NPS), already strained by understaffing and crumbling infrastructure, is among the hardest hit.

Within a few months of this budget’s rollout, the NPS laid off approximately 13% of its staff. Seasonal hiring has slowed to a crawl. Visitors this summer can expect shuttered campgrounds, closed visitor centers, reduced ranger presence, and neglected trails. Behind the scenes, wildlife monitoring, cultural preservation, and wildfire preparedness are quietly vanishing—out of sight, but not without consequence.

And it gets worse.

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Selling the American Inheritance

Beyond the budget cuts lies a more insidious agenda: the privatization and sale of public lands. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has openly floated the idea that public lands are worth "$100 trillion" and should be monetized. The Trump administration has already begun terminating leases for 34 NPS buildings—including visitor centers and historic landmarks—as part of a broader federal divestment strategy.

Let’s be clear: this is not fiscal responsibility. It is the liquidation of the American legacy.

Our national parks were never intended to turn a profit. They were set aside precisely because they are priceless, irreplaceable treasures that belong to all Americans. But here’s the irony: the economic return on our investment in national parks is staggering. According to the National Park Service, in 2022 alone, park visitors contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 378,000 jobs. Parks aren’t just sanctuaries of nature and history—they’re economic engines.

To sell or privatize them is to abandon our obligation to future generations. It is to turn sacred lands into playgrounds for the rich and pipelines for the powerful. It is to betray the very idea of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

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What We Stand to Lose

Privatization and budget cuts threaten:

• Irreplaceable cultural heritage sites that tell the story of American history—warts and all.

• Critical wildlife habitat, including endangered species like grizzly bears, wolves, and condors.

• Indigenous ancestral lands, many of which are protected within park boundaries.

• Scientific research and education—the kind that fuels conservation breakthroughs.

• Affordable access for all Americans, regardless of income or background.

Once lost, these things do not come back. You cannot reintroduce an extinct species. You cannot rewind an oil spill. You cannot buy back a mountain sold to mining interests.

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What We Can Do

We are not powerless—but we must act.

1. Contact your members of Congress and demand full funding for the National Park Service in FY 2026. Remind them these lands belong to the American people, not billionaires or lobbyists.

2. Speak out. Write letters to the editor. Post on social media. Rally your communities. Share stories of what parks mean to you and your family.

3. Support watchdog organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), who are fighting this agenda in the courts and the halls of Congress.

4. Vote—at every level. From city council to the presidency, elect leaders who believe in conservation, science, and public access.

5. Visit your parks this summer, and when you do, notice what’s missing. Then tell your representatives what you saw.

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The Parks Are Calling. Will We Answer?

In 1903, standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, President Theodore Roosevelt warned: “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”

Today, we are marring it—not just through neglect but through deliberate policy choices. But we can change course. We must. National parks are not just scenic places. They are moral places. They remind us that some things are worth more than money, and some legacies are too sacred to sell.

Let’s rise to the challenge.

Let’s protect the parks.

Let’s preserve the promise.

###

Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Congress Declared Your Public Lands Worthless

In early 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a rules package that drastically alters how public lands—including national forests, parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands—are valued. Proponents argue this change will among other things streamline the transfer of land for housing development, potentially easing the housing crisis. But a closer look reveals significant flaws in this approach—particularly in how it devalues public lands and lacks any safeguards to ensure the land serves the public good.

A Zero-Dollar Valuation: The Quiet Erosion of Public Assets

Buried in the House rules (Sec. 3, Part 3, (2)(A-B)) is a provision that assigns a zero-dollar value to any federal land when considering its sale or transfer. This accounting gimmick makes it easier to dispose of land managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management, by removing the need to account for the loss of federal revenue in budget calculations. Even more concerning: the rules authorize not just the sale of public lands—but allow Congress to give them away entirely.

Historically, public lands have delivered immense economic value through outdoor recreation, tourism, clean water, ecosystem services, and cultural preservation. By stripping these lands of any monetary worth, Congress disregards their contributions to the economy and the American identity. This shift sets a dangerous precedent: once public land is handed to private interests, reclaiming it becomes nearly impossible.

No Guarantees for Affordable Housing

Supporters claim this policy is meant to address the housing affordability crisis. Yet, the rules package contains no legal requirements ensuring the transferred lands will be used for affordable housing. The only mention of such a plan comes from a vague Wall Street Journal op-ed—hardly the foundation of a sound national strategy.

Without enforceable provisions, these lands could just as easily be used for commercial development or high-end housing, doing nothing to lower costs for working families. In fact, this approach could worsen inequality by enabling private interests to profit from public land while leaving the root of the housing crisis untouched.

Environmental and Recreational Consequences

Beyond economics and housing, the implications for conservation and public access are equally alarming. Public lands often provide wildlife critical habitat, vital for protecting biodiversity, and irreplaceable spaces for outdoor recreation. They also safeguard watersheds, preserve cultural and historical landmarks, and offer sanctuary for millions of Americans seeking connection with nature.

Transferring these lands to states or private entities introduces major risks. Management becomes fragmented, enforcement of environmental protections weakens, and conservation often takes a back seat to development. Mining, logging, and large-scale construction could soon replace forests, trails, and sacred landscapes.

What You Can Do to Protect Public Lands

1.  Contact your elected officials.
Call, write, or email your senators and representatives. Let them know you oppose the devaluation and giveaway of public lands. If you live in one of the following swing districts—where Republicans won tight races in districts carried by Kamala Harris in 2024—your voice carries even more weight:

o   Don Bacon (NE-2)

o   Mike Lawler (NY-17)

o   Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1)

2.  Speak up in local media.
Submit letters to the editor or opinion pieces to your local newspaper supporting public lands and opposing this policy. Personalized, heartfelt messages can resonate powerfully. 

3.  Amplify the message online.
Use social media to share this blog post and raise awareness. Post your own experiences and photos from national parks and forests. Encourage others to take action.

4.  Support defenders of public lands.
Join or donate to non-profits dedicated to conservation, such as the National Parks Conservation Association, The Wilderness Society, or local land trusts.

5.  Get outside—and show it matters.
Visit national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Support local communities that depend on public land tourism. Every visit demonstrates their value and reminds decision-makers these places aren’t just lines on a map—they’re a living legacy.

A Shift Against the Public Interest

This rules package represents a fundamental shift in national land policy—one that could have enduring negative consequences for the environment, the economy, and future generations' access to public lands. By treating these spaces as disposable and omitting any meaningful guardrails for their use, Congress is not solving problems; it's creating new ones.

Citizens have a right—and a responsibility—to demand better. Public lands belong to all of us, not to the highest bidder or most connected developer.

Public lands are more than real estate—they are shared spaces that define our national character. They offer economic value, cultural significance, environmental protection, and deep personal meaning for millions of Americans.

The new House rules may treat these lands as worthless, but we know better. Let’s act like it.

Let’s fight to protect what’s ours—before it’s gone.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

President Biden’s Ambitious Conservation Goal: A Pivotal Step in American Environmental History

In a historic move reflecting America's growing environmental consciousness, President Joe Biden has

Tule Lake ~ USFWS

 set an ambitious goal to conserve 30% of the United States' land and waters by 2030. This target, known as the "30x30" plan, is a critical component of Biden's broader environmental agenda aimed at combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. This initiative marks a significant shift from the previous administration's policies under Donald Trump, who emphasized development over conservation.

A Brief History of American Conservation

The American conservation movement dates back to the late 19th century. It was rooted in recognizing the need to protect the nation's natural resources from overexploitation and degradation. Key figures like John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, and President Theodore Roosevelt, a staunch advocate for national parks, were instrumental in establishing the framework for modern conservation efforts. Roosevelt's establishment of national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges laid the groundwork for future environmental policies.

The mid-20th century saw the rise of the modern environmental movement, spurred by Rachel Carson's seminal work "Silent Spring," which highlighted the dangers of pesticide use and environmental pollution. This era led to the creation of vital legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act, as well as the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Richard Nixon.

Benefits of Conserving Lands and Waters

Conserving 30% of America's land and waters by 2030 offers numerous benefits:

Climate Change Mitigation: Protected lands serve as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and helping mitigate climate change's impacts. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands play critical roles in carbon sequestration.

Biodiversity Preservation: By safeguarding habitats, conservation efforts help preserve the diversity of species, many of which are currently threatened by habitat loss and climate change.

Water Quality and Availability: Protecting watersheds ensures clean drinking water and reduces the impacts of droughts and floods, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.

Economic Benefits: Conservation supports sustainable tourism and recreation industries, which generate significant revenue and jobs. Additionally, healthy ecosystems provide services such as pollination, which is essential for agriculture.

Cultural and Recreational Value: Natural areas offer invaluable recreational opportunities and spiritual benefits, fostering connections between people and the natural world.

Contrasting Visions: Biden vs. Trump

President Biden's conservation plan starkly contrasts with former President Donald Trump's policies, which focused on deregulation and opening public lands to development. During his tenure, Trump rolled back numerous environmental protections, including reducing the size of national monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante and promoting fossil fuel extraction on public lands.

Trump's stance on development reflects a broader agenda to boost economic growth through resource extraction, often at the expense of environmental sustainability. If re-elected, Trump plans to continue this approach, emphasizing the development of public lands for oil, gas, and mineral extraction, which he argues is essential for energy independence and economic prosperity.

In contrast, Biden's 30x30 plan aligns with global conservation efforts and reflects a commitment to tackling climate change through sustainable practices. By prioritizing conservation, Biden aims to protect the natural heritage for future generations, recognizing healthy ecosystems' intrinsic and economic value.

Conclusion

President Biden's goal to conserve 30% of America's land and waters by 2030 represents a significant and progressive step in the nation's environmental policy. Rooted in the rich history of the American conservation movement, this initiative underscores the importance of protecting natural resources in the face of mounting environmental challenges. As the nation grapples with the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, Biden's plan offers a vision of a sustainable future that balances economic development with environmental stewardship. In contrast, Donald Trump's development-focused agenda presents a divergent path, highlighting the critical choices facing American voters in shaping the future of the country's natural landscapes.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Oppose HR 622

Just sent my local Representative the following letter. I encourage you to send a similar message on HR 622 to your elected officials.

Rep. Reichert:

Thank you for your leadership on standing up for national parks, wilderness, public lands, and the environment.  As you know, protection of public lands, providing clean air and water are good for both our environment and the economy. The eighth congressional district is fortunate to have a strong mix of outstanding public lands like Mount Rainier and the Gifford Pinchot national forest.  But it's also home to industry and agriculture found no where else in the planet.

Recently Rep Chaffetz introduce HR 622 which would strip the Forest Service and BLM of law enforcement responsibilities and provide local sheriffs with block grants to enforce environmental laws.  This is a bad idea on many fronts. Not the least of which is local law enforcement is not versed in federal public lands law and regulations. Moreover, local sheriffs are often already stretched thin with regular crime and would likely provide a lower priority to natural resource crimes such as poaching and vandalism.

I encourage you to call upon Rep. Chaffetz to drop his support of HR622. It's not good for public lands, it's not good for the environment, and it's not good for the economy.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Sean Smith
Former Forest Ranger
Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Former Park Ranger
North Cascades National Park