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 The transfer of control of National Park and other public lands management to outside interests is now occurring so quickly that it is no longer efficient for me to point out single examples. Like with an avalanche, once started the process gains speed without outside intervention. Unlike with an avalanche, the process can be stopped and even reversed. All it takes is understanding of the problem and the will to fix it.
Pasted below are excerpts from five recent articles —each of which presents another example of park policy being dictated from the outside, each published within the past seven days.
Whenever public policy is dictated, THAT is privatization. Each additional instance of privatization adds weight and momentum to a privatization avalanche. Some of the impetus for increased privatization comes from self-serving, or commercial, profit-motivated interests. Some of the impetus comes from "friends".
I offer these five examples as evidence of the range of interferences now occurring. Next week I could, I expect, provide 6 or 7 additional examples and perhaps10 examples the week after that ... the avalanche is gaining speed that quickly.
Scott
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National Geographic team to lead development of heritage area
A National Geographic team will lead development of plan for a national
heritage area in 40 counties in eastern Kansas and western Missouri.
The National Geographic team will help develop the area's economic,
cultural and educational potential while enhancing an area's
geographical character.
The plan is to be completed by fall 2008. Before federal funds can be
allocated, plans must be approved by the National Park Service and the
Secretary of the Interior.
Lend a Hand: Help Design a National Park
NPCA launched "Envisioning Gateway," an international public design
competition and open call for ideas to transform Gateway into an iconic
national park.
In May, a distinguished jury reviewed nearly 100 designs and selected
six finalists. Now NPCA needs your help! Pick the ideas that will
transform this site into a world-class park--one that will be both a
global model of public space as well as a great regional resource.
Group urging Hanford B Reactor tours
Supporters of saving Hanford's historic B Reactor as a museum are
proposing offering about 125 bus tours annually to the reactor.
The coalition envisions people visiting The Reach center, then buying tickets for a bus ride and tour of the reactor.
It is proposing that the Reach center operate and coordinate the tours,
while the Department of Energy continues as landlord of the reactor,
paying for maintenance and protection of the property.
The National Park Service should have a study completed by the fall on
preserving the reactor and that report will be predicated on the Reach
being a partner.
A tour of the reactor would take enough time that many visitors will
stay overnight in the Tri-Cities, Gerber said. They're likely to
participate in other Tri-City activities, such as golfing or visiting
wineries. In addition, the coalition envisions a variety of tour
options. Some B Reactor tours might be linked to a dinner cruise on the
Columbia River or winery tours.
Battle lines at Valley Forge
Under the new plan, the complex, to be built on 78 privately owned
acres within the official boundaries of Valley Forge National
Historical Park, would include a 131,000-square-foot museum, a
three-story hotel, a tavern and restaurant, a conference center, a
dormitory for visiting scholars, a small campground, and other
amenities.
[Park Service officials and planners] worry that the center's proposed ordinance is so loosely worded it would permit:
No limits on the size of the hotel or conference center.
Millions of square feet of commercial space, including a stadium, a
shopping center, a 130-foot-high observation platform, and cabins for
camping.
Paving over 70 percent of the site for buildings, parking lots, sidewalks, plazas, courtyards and recreational amenities.
"As currently written, the proposed ordinance opens the door to
extensive development of the site," park superintendent Mike Caldwell
wrote in a letter to township officials.
Firm to develop green plans for Yellowstone
The nonprofit Yellowstone Park Foundation announced Monday it has
contracted with Ecos Climate Solutions to help create an “environmental
action plan” for Yellowstone operations.
Once the plan is completed later this summer, and if it is approved by
park leaders, the Yellowstone Park Foundation will consider whether to
accept the plan at its September board meeting and select specific
projects for which to seek private-sector contributions.
The Yellowstone Park Foundation is a nonprofit that funds projects and programs for the park.
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- Privatization 
