An investigation has found that National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis intentionally skirted the Interior Department's Ethics Office to write a book, a Guidebook to American Values and Our National Parks, for a cooperating association contractually tied to the Park Service, an action that brought the director an official reprimand from top Interior Department officials, who also removed him from any dealings with the Park Service's ethics office for the rest of his career as director.
Furthermore, Deputy Interior Secretary Michael Connor ordered Director Jarvis to receive monthly ethics training for the rest of his tenure.
"I am also concerned about the attitude the (investigation) demonstrates Director Jarvis exhibited toward important Departmental institutions such as the Ethics Office, the Office of the Solicitor, and the Office of the Secretary," Deputy Secretary Connor wrote in a letter (attached below) to Mary L. Kendall, deputy inspector general for the department.
In a short statement Thursday evening the director said, "I regret that I did not seek guidance on the most appropriate path forward to publish this book. I wrote the book to inspire and engage more Americans in our national parks, particularly during the National Park Service's centennial year. I consider it a good lesson learned and will ask for guidance if and when similar situations arise in the future."
Interior's Office of Inspector General began looking into the matter last June after being alerted to the book published by Eastern National, a cooperating association that has been working with national parks for 50 years At issue was "whether Jarvis used his public office for private gain by seeking a book deal with Eastern National and whether he misused any U.S. Government resources in the process."
Ethics Office guidelines specifically state that government employees who want to do outside work with any business or organization seeking to do business with the Interior Department must first gain approval from the Ethics Office, regardless of whether there's payment involved. Additionally, an attorney in the Ethics Office said "that even if Jarvis was not personally receiving money from the sale of the book, having his name associated with it could create the appearance that he was using his official position for personal gain."
The investigation also showed that Director Jarvis approached Eastern National with the idea, but that he had told Interior Secretary Jewell that Eastern National had asked him to write the book. It also showed that Eastern National Chief Executive Officer George Minnucci, after discussing the project on the phone with the director, later wrote him an email worded as if the idea was his. In his interview with OIG staff, Mr. Minnucci said Director Jarvis had not asked him to word his email in such a way, but rather he did so because "he wanted his staff to think the book was his idea and that it was 'a CEO decision.'”
The OIG report (attached below) stated that Director Jarvis said he "did not consult with the Ethics Office on the book because doing so would have taken too long, and with NPS’ centennial approaching, the book would be 'really powerful.'”
"Jarvis explained that he was frustrated with the Ethics Office for not being able to approve 'very, very simple things,'" the report stated. "As an example, he explained that a thank-you letter to a donor from him and the Foundation took 6 weeks for the office to approve, which led him to believe that approving the book was going to be a problem."
In one interview with investigators, Director Jarvis said he wasn't afraid of taking chances, such as failing to clear the project with the Ethics Office.
I think I knew going into this there was a certain amount of risk. I’ve never been afraid of a risk. . . . I’ve gotten my ass in trouble many, many, many times in the Park Service by . . . not necessarily getting permission . . . I’ve always pushed the envelope. . . . And I felt that this values analysis . . . could be a very, very powerful tool to not only connect to the next generation but to resonate across political spectrums.
“And from my view, from my experience, in the ethics world, having been an SES [Senior Executive Service employee] for almost a decade, I did not feel like I was violating any ethics issues because I set this up [with] no personal benefit, nothing gained for me personally," he continued. "What I was trying to prevent is having it edited."
While Director Jarvis did not seek to be paid for the book, and directed that any royalties go to the National Park Foundation, there was concern among some Interior officials that he retained the copyright to the title and allowed the use of the Park Service arrowhead logo on the cover and his title as Park Service director in places, "giving the appearance of Government endorsement."
In the end, it doesn't appear as if there will be any royalties for anyone. Eastern National officials told OIG investigators that while it had cost them $11,000-$12,000 to print the $7.95 book, they had only sold a little more than 200 copies and they didn't expect to make their investment back.
The investigation determined that Director Jarvis used his government iPad to write the manuscript; while he claimed to have worked on it outside office hours, the investigation determined that "it appears" there were at least nine occasions when Director Jarvis worked on it or corresponded with Eastern National officials concerning the book "on weekdays when he was not on leave and Government offices were open."
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
Ax to grind? Not personally here. Just disgusted at the obvious and blatant hypocrisy displayed by a Director who knows better and considers himself above the rules he sets for others. Conversely, I suspect that at least some of his defenders on this site are beneficiaries of his "Leadership". If there is any doubt, check out NPS abysmal, declining scores in recent years, especially in the leadership categories, on the website "The Best Places to Work in the Federal Government.
Is this another Jim Wright book case? Why can't people get off trying to cause a problem?
Ed: Jim Wright book controversy can be found in this New York Times story from 1988: http://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/12/us/behind-jim-wright-s-book-his-friend...
Former Speaker of the House Jim Wright resigned in disgrace. The appearance of impropriety surrounding his book case was the tip of the iceberg of his ethics problems, much as I believe the Director's current book case is too.
Bravo, Jon Jarvis! I've ordered a copy and expect to be inspired by reading it.
"Director Jarvis lists more than 50 values—such as bravery, patriotism, honesty, sacrifice, and honor, and provides examples of parks that illuminate them. This book features dozens of color photographs of national parks and includes a preface written by Dayton Duncan.
"As it prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2016, the National Park Service now manages more than 400 special places. This book, written by Jonathan B. Jarvis, the 18th director of the National Park Service, examines the evolution of the national park idea. What unites this increasingly diverse system of natural wonderlands and historic sites in an increasingly diverse nation, are the values we share in common. "
http://www.eparks.com/store/product/123318/Guidebook-to-American-Values-...
Liars, cheaters and thieves.
You mean Congress? Or some of our current presidential wannbes?
Lee, could we agree that the whole mechanism is corrupted? I'd like to believe we are making progress on that point. Seems the basic ground rules have gone by the wayside. Jarvis is a piker compared to those on up the ladder. They all seem to keep their jobs by submitting to the corruption. EC, tell us how all this crap can be flushed, please.
We have only ourselves to blame. People (as a whole) don't seek to be educated, they don't particpate in the process, they don't live their convictions and they are more than willing to rely on the government rather than take care of themselves.
You're painting a whole lot of people with an awfully large brush in those accusations. It's pretty hard to live up to your responsibilities when the mechanisms necessary to do so have been purchased by a powerful and corrupt few.
I HOPE trail is right in thinking we may be making progress, but it's sure hard to see if that's right or not. To me, it looks like we're devolving even further.
Thank goodness we can still go to a park and find at least a semblance of sanity. (If you can find a place to park.)
when the mechanisms necessary to do so have been purchased by a powerful and corrupt few.
Have they "purchased" your vote? No, because you are informed (even if misguided ;)) But so many people aren't informed. You however, don't stick to your convictions. As much as you rail against big oil, the coal industry and big business you still drive a car, heat your home and patronize "big business". And as much as you rail against the government - you still want it bigger. The mechanisms haven't been purchased, they have been forfeited.
If this, most recent Jarvis scandal, isn't evidence of a culture of arrogance and abuse of power. Then nothing is. I have dealt with his superintendents and they carry the Jarvis banner well. If someone disagrees with the NPS, they can expect ad hominem attacks from government employees currying favor from someone they obviously fear. When dealing with someone as arrogant as Jarvis who openly says he takes risks and skirts the rules, who wouldn't, under his employ, be afraid?
kudos to Director Jarvis. I liked him befote, all the more after reading this. In deciding to ask forgiveness rather than permission to publish (FOR NO PERSONAL GAIN) a commentary on the values underpinning our national parks he establishes himself as a public servant more interested in the mission than his own personal well being (he knew he would get slammed for this).
while I don't want to undercut the authority of IGs nor the importance of ethics for senior public officials--this case is a testament to his heroism rather than malfeasance. At a time when everyone from ranchers trying to secure sweetheart deals or hunt park wildlife to armed right wingers are taking over wildlife sanctuaries and allowed to threaten federal officials and the public for 40 days without federal intervention, we need defenders of our public lands like Jarvis.
The State Department has a "crisis of conscience" award for employees who put their own careers at risk violating regulations and policies in order to serve a greater good. Interior should adopt a similar award with Jarvis its first recipient.
Thank you John for your committed service to our national parks.
Why does this guy still have a job?
Hey, at least he didn't set up his own email server. This is a really minor transgression. BFD.
In the last 3 years of visiting national Parks people push me off the walk trail this happening in America rural countries sites'
there are some hate ground in unform -alike wolf in sheep skin
It is no wonder our NPS leaders believe they can get away with anything. Director Jarvis is indeed with good intent in writing a book. However, at his level, he should be aware of ethics viololations and held accountable. I am extremely disappointed that the Director was given a simple "reprimanded" by having to take ethics courses. If this were a lower-leveled employee, no matter how good the intent, that employee would have probably received harsher penalties. The DOI handbook of charges and penalties shows guidance for 1 day suspension to removal for the first offense of an ethics violation. Douglas Factor #2 states, "It is a well-recognized principle that a supervisor occupies a position of trust and responsibility and is held to a higher standard of conduct than non-supervisory employees." This is example shows employees that accountability is not important in the DOI and NPS.
Hooray for Jarvis. Wish we had more like him in Government. This will certainly get his book more publicity that it otherwise had. "The only thing worse than being talked about, is not being talked about." "There is no such thing as bad publicity."
What exactly did this book accomplish? I don't think it paid for itself, much less raise money for the National Park Service. I wouldn't be surprised if I see it among the other cheap books on the remainder table. Did his misconduct save lives? Did it save resources? It shows a disturbing lack of respect for the rule of law. The fact that his career has absorbed multiple times of getting his ass in trouble, by his own admission, is strong evidence of how power and priviledge play out in the National Park Service.
I recently left the park service and my tenure there wasn't pleasant. Superintendents appeared to have free reign to do as they pleased. I would love for someone to compare the type of formal discpline given (or not given) to superintendents and commissioned rangers for known misconduct to the discipline received by lower graded employees who are often women and minorities. In my experience, NPS held secretaries and maintenance workers to higher standards than superintendents and law enforcement rangers. It is all part of the culture that can allow the Grand Canyon sexual harassment to go unaddressed for so long.
Is it just a book? No. It's also a sweet deal with Budweiser, changing policy to appease Coca Cola, corporate logos on signs in the parks and on the sides of cars right along with the arrowhead. It's spending money on EEO settlements that could go towards the maintenance backlog, and offering reassignments to high graded employees who should have been terminated, would have been terminated had the worked in the private sector.
I'm not just disappointment with Jon Jarvis, I'm hurt more by my disappointment in Secretary Jewell. I heard her speak not long after she became the Secretary of the Interior and I was impressed then. I'm disappointed, though, that she passed up the perfect opportunity to start conversations about why ethics matter, why public officials must be above reproach, and why people in positions of power should be held to a higher standard.
The saddest thing, though, is that I no longer get the same emotional and spiritual value from visiting National Parks and other places with the National Park system as I did before I joined the National Park Service. I met and worked for and with some wonderful people. The most valuable mentor I've had so far in my career with a National Park Service employee. I am proud of the work I did, but I also witnessed some things that put a sad and bitter filter over what was once pure and beautiful. I recently traveled through areas of some nice parks, but I found myself passing them by. I'll need some time before I'll find them as enjoyable again.
That is part of the impact of this "harmless" book.
I retired 24 years ago after38 years of (US) Civil & Foreign Service. My first Federal job, as a seasonal Ranger-Naturalist, GS-4, was one of most enjoyable ones. For many decades, the NPS grade (and pay) structure was at the bottom of the pile, and perhaps it was a good thing that there were no jobs available when I got discharged from the US Army (we had mandatory service then). I understand that the grades are now more comparable with those of other agencies. The topic of Jarvis' book led me to corporate sponsorships. which is the result of Congress failing to appropriate sufficient funds!
To many people responding to this article, what Jonathan Jarvis did doesn't seem so bad. He didn't hurt anyone, he wrote a book about the National Park Service and says he'll donate any benefit to a non-profit that supports the NPS, and in the end, this case seems like just a lot of bureaucratic folderol. The problem, however, is that Jon Jarvis isn't some lowly, uninformed Park Service employee and he isn't some newbie who didn't know any better. He was and is the Director of the NPS. He knew the rules, and according to the Inspector General's report, he was more or less aware he was violating some of the basic ethical rules that every federal employee is supposed to know and follow. And that's what is wrong! Instead of complying with both the letter and spirit of the applicable regulations and setting an example by checking whenever there was any ambiguity in them or any uncertainty in how to interpret them, he tried to ignore them or work around them. Equally bad is that he wasn’t really punished or disciplined. To be sure, if the Director can ignore rules and redefine regulations or reinterpret them, and get away with it—or get away with only a minor reprimand---why shouldn't others ignore the rules and violate the regulations and/or do whatever they want----even if it’s blatant discrimination and/or retaliation, or even if they are committing obvious waste, fraud, and abuse?
Yep, crucify Jarvis. Only BHO and Hillary are allowed to break the rules. How about cleaning up the whole damn mess.
Must agree Bruce.
Mr. Jarvis should've bee commended instead of fully investigated by OIG who more than likely have bigger bears to catch in nation parks. He didn't try to make a profit which should be what makes this a lessor crime if a crime at all. Probably has a stellar record in NPS. My tax dollars are spent recklessly!! less
Jarvis was grilled for his refusal to discipline a man who promoted sexual abuse within the NPS. Because Jarvis takes care of his Superintendents who carry water for him. If you do Jarvis bidding, you can harrass and abuse women, apparently.
The man knew the rules when he accepted the appointment, so there is NO excuse for breaking them! The public's lack of trust in our government is due to such actions by the likes of Nixon, Reagan, George W. Bush and now Jarvis. Why are others made to"toe the line", while Jarvis be excused? No, his reprimand was necessary. In fact, I think he should be dismissed from the NSP permanently!
It's curious to me, Disgruntled Citizen, that you mention only Republican presidents.
There is likely a REASON it only sold 200 copies--it's not widely available. I tried both Amazon and Barnes and Noble and the book is not available for purchase.
Pages