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91st Anniversary for National Park Service

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A Birthday Cake for the National Parks

A Birthday Cake for the National Parks

Ninety one years ago today, Congress approved a bill which is now simply referred to as the Organic Act. This is the one which directs the National Park Service to manage parks "by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." On August 25th each year, those close to the parks recognize today as Founder's Day. In recent years, the day has become an opportunity to talk about the future of the parks. Last year we learned of the Centennial Initiative, this year, we've heard the Interior's new proposed programs as well as statements from the NPS Retirees, and from the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Raul Grijalva (AZ). He says,

As the NPS Centennial approaches, there is a consensus among policy makers and the American people that this milestone must be viewed as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to enhancing the National Park System and building a stronger, more diverse, better trained, and better equipped National Park Service. I am committed to working to help ensure that our National Parks and NPS employees can successfully meet the challenges of the next 100 years.

 

There are some special events happening around the parks today, on this 91st anniversary of the agency. In Washington D.C., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in President’s Park the celebration will take place at the White House Visitor Center. Visitors can win prizes by testing their knowledge of the NPS in a fun and engaging game show called “Are You Smarter than a Park Ranger?” Book readings, crafts, and games will be available for all family members.

At the brand new Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, the premiere of "Grand Teton National Park: Life on the Edge," a documentary film created by Discovery Communications through the National Park Foundation Proud Partner Program, will premiere. The 24-minute film offers an engaging portrait of the Teton landscape by juxtaposing historic images, such as classic photography by Ansel Adams, and new footage of contemporary recreational activities in the park. The documentary also portrays the park’s geological and biological resources and mountain rescue operations.

In San Diego, California, there will be an open house at the Cabrillo National Monument, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A highlight of the day will be living history and tours at the 19th-century Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This is one of two days each year that the lighthouse’s tower is open to the public. Put into operation on November 15, 1855, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the first eight lighthouses built on the West Coast. It played a critical role in the growth of maritime commerce along the coast and in development in the West.

And, for those of you living or touring through Iowa, stop in at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. There are a number of activities planned for the day, and admission to the site and the Presidential Library and Museum will be free.

Comments

It is quite exasperating to see the money grabbing private enterprizes running some of our national parks. They should not be run on a hotel hilton theme .
Some how the original intent has been lost to profiteering.


I nominate Frank and Beamis to head up the NPT centennial uniform committee. I'd like to suggest the NPS consider uniforms like these from NASCAR. They are built from a fire-retardant material (addresses safety), and there is plenty of room for the logos of Proud Partner organizations. I don't think directors order #21 has any objections to branding of the uniform. This may be a way for the NPS to take in a little more money, although says Beamis, they may not need it.


mulsanne via flickr


Don't know if there is an official committee, but we could start one! I've given our man a straw flat hat for the desert environment of Death Valley ... we have to keep SOME of the tradition alive, how else would we separate the NASCAR drivers from the NPS Rangers?


my flickr mashup


Thanks for the laugh-out-loud photo!


You're welcome Beth! Without trying too hard, conversation can get pretty serious around here. Occasionally, I try to keep it a little light-hearted if I can.


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