A meaningful public process takes time.
As Emily Thompson said, “The American people have a right to participate in a public process and give considered responses with an appropriate amount of space and time to learn about an issue."
Read more:
protectnps.org/2026/04/17/n...
“This is a dangerous precedent….any public land order that has been done over potentially decades could then be rescinded by some partisan act of Congress just willy nilly” – Senator Tina Smith on how the Senate CRA vote has left the entire nation’s #PublicLands in jeopardy.
This is a dark day for the overwhelming majority of Americans who believe our national parks and public lands should be protected.” – Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
And once pollution enters this water system, it cannot be contained nor undone.
And let’s be clear, those who want to see mining on our public lands and in our national parks won’t just stop at the Boundary Waters. They will soon come for other protected lands and parks.
Copper mining in this sensitive watershed poses an unacceptable risk to clean water, treaty rights, surrounding communities and Voyageurs National Park.
History has shown time and time again that no matter what companies say about protective measures, contamination is inevitable.
The Boundary Waters are the most visited Wilderness area in the United States, offering unmatched opportunities for solitude, adventure, and connection to nature. Its pristine waters, thriving wildlife, and unique interconnected ecosystem are irreplaceable.
"Today’s vote to use the Congressional Review Act to open the Boundary Waters to mining is a reckless decision that puts one of America’s most treasured landscapes at risk. To put it bluntly, we will be living with the consequences of this ill-informed and ill-advised decision for generations.
Mining in this fragile watershed puts all of that at risk, along with surrounding communities, treaty rights, and nearby Voyageurs National Park.
Read our statement below:
Today’s Senate vote to open the Boundary Waters to mining is a reckless decision with consequences that will last for generations.
The Boundary Waters are one of America’s most treasured landscapes — a place of clean water and remarkable wildlife.
www.instagram.com/p/DXM6H0ykjf...
At a time of deep challenges for the National Park Service, this moment is a reminder that people across the country care deeply about our national parks and are ready to stand up for them.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us.
This milestone represents a powerful and growing community of current, former, and retired National Park Service employees and volunteers, along with supporters, who are speaking up for our parks and the people who protect them.
5,000 members. One shared commitment: protect America’s national parks.
We’re proud to announce that the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks has officially reached 5,000 members.
We submitted comments opposing any effort to revoke or weaken Chaco protections.
Rolling back PLO 7923 would risk more oil & gas development near Chaco Culture National Historical Park and threaten culturally significant lands and sites. This rushed process is unacceptable.
“Our parks are in crisis. They are understaffed and under-resourced.” — Emily Thompson
Interior is planning more National Park Service staffing changes, but forcing more critical staff out will only deepen the crisis.
Read more: www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2026/04/inte...
This ruling will help prevent this at Manassas National Battlefield Park.” – Emily Thompson, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks
Read more: protectnps.org/2026/03/31/v...
But just like oil and gas drilling and the recent draconian cuts to essential funding and staff from the National Park Service, the boom in building data centers—which will consume wide swaths of land and devour energy resources—threatens our parks and public lands.
"We applaud this ruling. America’s national parks and public lands represent the very best of this nation. Unrivaled in their natural beauty and significance, these vast and glorious spaces of refuge, recreation, and reflection define our history.
nearby Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Today, the Court of Appeals of Virginia upheld an earlier court ruling voiding land rezoning changes essential to the construction of the Prince William Digital Gateway. These court rulings halt development of the Gateway, a massive, destructive data center project which poses serious threats to
In the latest episode of National Parks Traveler, former Capitol Reef Superintendent and Coalition member Sue Fritzke discusses Capitol Reef’s proposed visitor use management plan and what it could mean for the park’s future.
Listen here: www.nationalparkstraveler.org/podcast/2026...
In this PBS NewsHour segment, NPCA’s Alan Spears explains why national parks and historic sites must tell the full American story, not just the easy parts. From Gettysburg to today’s debate over public history, this is worth watching.
Watch here: www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
We joined partners in protesting BLM’s proposed Montana-Dakotas Q2 2026 oil & gas lease sale.
Why? Because 23 parcels should not move forward without a full review of climate, wildlife, water, air & park impacts, including threats near Theodore Roosevelt NP.
protectnps.org/2026/03/23/c...
America’s public lands are under growing threat — from mining and drilling to censorship, development, and chronic understaffing. This recent article highlights 10 of the most endangered public lands in 2026 and what’s at stake if we don’t act.
www.outsideonline.com/adventure-tr...
Federal employees must be evaluated on merit, not political loyalty.
The Coalition submitted comments urging OPM to reject a proposed rule that could allow forced rankings, unfair evaluations, and serious damage to workforce morale.
Read our full comments: protectnps.org/2026/03/20/c...
Trump’s pick to lead BLM is a threat to our public lands.
Coalition Executive Council member Elaine F. Leslie explains why Steve Pearce’s record on public lands, monuments, and fossil fuel extraction makes him the wrong choice to lead the agency.
Read more: www.dailycamera.com/2026/03/19/t...
The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is proud to be a co-plaintiff in a motion for a preliminary injunction to halt and reverse censorship in national parks nationwide. Visitors deserve honest history, real science, & the full truth in our parks. Read more: www.npca.org/articles/113...
📸: Bryce Canyon National Park; NPS photo Peter
Densmore. Big Bend National Park; NPS Photo. Denali
National Park and Preserve; NPS Photo.
"These are places of wonder. These are places of respite. These are places where families want to enjoy some incredibly beautiful scenery.” – Linda Mazzu, former superintendent of Bryce Canyon National Park & CPANP executive council member
Our organizations are calling on Mariposa County to carefully evaluate the proposal and reject the development if it threatens public safety, local communities, or the park’s natural resources.
