NPCA Applauds Senate Passage of Key National Park Bills that Tell More of America's Stories

Background: On July 9, the Senate successfully passed a package of public lands bills including the Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act, Oregon Caves Revitalization Act, Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act, and Lower Mississippi River Study Act.

Statement by Kristen Brengel Senior Director of Legislative and Government Relations for the National Parks Conservation Association:

“We applaud the Senate for passing key national park bills including the Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act, Oregon Caves Revitalization Act, Harriet Tubman National Historical Parks Act, and Lower Mississippi River Study Act. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) thanks Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Mary Landrieu, Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski and Senators Ron Wyden and Ben Cardin for their leadership and sponsorship of these bills that better preserve our history and natural resources. We encourage leaders in the House of Representatives to swiftly pass these bills. Our National Parks receive the best protection, provide outstanding visitor education and are enjoyed by so many citizens. Once enacted, we welcome the expansion of the incredible Oregon Caves and amazing life of Harriet Tubman; and finally begin to study the lower Mississippi to preserve its forts and other historical and recreation sites. With yesterday’s vote, the traditional gathering of gull eggs for cultural purposes for the people of Huna Tlingit in Glacier Bay National Park will be preserved, as the Huna Tlingit Traditional Gull Egg Use Act heads to President Obama’s desk to sign into law.”

Statement by Rob Smith, Northwest Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association:

“The ‘marble halls of Oregon’ moved a step closer to better protection - work that began with President Taft when he first established Oregon Caves National Monument in 1909. Today, that worked is being championed by Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Peter DeFazio through the Oregon Caves Revitalization Act. Expanding the national monument will protect the waters that still sculpt the caves and provide a place to live for plants and animals found nowhere else.”

Statement by John Adornato, Sun Coast Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association:

“Touching more than 30 states, the Mississippi River is one of America’s Great Waters and a tremendous source of economic, recreational, and cultural values. Senator Landrieu recognizes these attributes through her sponsorship of the Lower Mississippi River Study Act. If the legislation successfully passes the House, the National Park Service will have the opportunity to study areas to be considered for inclusion in our National Park System, including the Civil War history-rich Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana, and the Southern Louisiana estuary, considered one of our country’s most dynamic migratory bird and wildlife ecosystems.”

###

About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.