U.S. National Park Service Announces Nationwide Listening Sessions

For Immediate Release
03-09-07
Contact: Mark Eller, Communications Director

303-545-9011

On March 9, 2007, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a news release, titled "Secretary Kempthorne, NPS Director Bomar to Hold Listening Sessions on National Park Centennial Initiative." The release announced 17 public meetings where citizens will provide input on how national parks should be managed. IMBA urges mountain bikers to attend the listening sessions, in order to strengthen the productive relationship that mountain bicyclists have forged with the NPS, and to ask for increased bicycling opportunities in national parks.

"The NPS Centennial Initiative would bring new and much-needed resources to improve our treasured national parks. It will also bolster park capacity for active, healthy recreation," said IMBA executive director Mike Van Abel.

Mountain biking provides a sustainable and fun way for people of all ages to explore America's most scenic and historic parks. IMBA and the NPS are already working closely together to bring great biking experiences to park units, including the development of singletrack trails. Mountain bikers who attend the listening sessions will have a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between cyclists and the NPS.

Read Excerpts from the NPS Announcement

Excerpts from the NPS release can be found below.

"We will travel the country listening to our fellow citizens who care deeply about our national parks," Secretary Kempthorne said. "This is a time for a thoughtful review of what needs to be done over the next decade -- a great opportunity to think big and act boldly to develop a plan to prepare national parks for the future."

Participants are being asked to focus their comments on three vital questions:

Think of your children and grandchildren enjoying national parks in 2016 and beyond. How do you imagine their visit? What are your hopes and expectations?
What role do you think national parks should play in the lives of Americans and visitors from around the world?
What are the signature projects and programs that you think should be highlighted for completion over the next 10 years?

Based on these discussions, Kempthorne and Bomar will identify signature projects and programs and set specific goals for more ranger-led programs, restored natural and cultural sites and greater volunteerism and philanthropy. They will present their recommendations to the President by May 31.

The full text of the NPS release is available online.

Dates and Cities (Updated 3-13-07)

As of 3-13-07, the park service had released dates and meeting places for listening sessions in these locations.

/13 Gatlinburg, TN
3/14 Anchorage, AK
3/15 St Louis, MO
3/15 Boston, MA
3/19 Denali NP, AK
3/20 Copper Center, AK
3/20 New York, NY
3/20 San Antonio, TX
3/20 Fairbanks, AK
3/21 Durango, CO
3/21 Lakewood, CO
3/22 San Francisco, CA
3/22 Homestead, FL
3/26 Peninsula, OH
3/26 Cody, WY
3/27 Albuquerque, NM

New venues sessions are still being added. Check the NPS site for updates, as well as directions and other useful information.

The public also may provide comments on the National Park Centennial Initiative online from March 12 through March 31.

Talking Points for NPS Listening Sessions

Mountain bikers who attend the NPS listening sessions will have a rare opportunity to voice their desires for more and better bicycling opportunities in NPS units. Some points to consider voicing when you attend a session follow.

Please include more opportunities for mountain biking on natural-surface trails and dirt roads in NPS units.
With visitation numbers down, mountain biking can help parks be more relevant to citizens, and offer a fun, healthy activity that appeals to kids and families.
Kids should be able to explore, play, and have an adventure at national parks. Mountain biking can help them do just that.
Mountain biking is a quiet, low-impact form of human-powered recreation.
Mountain bikers are dedicated to volunteer service. Last year, IMBA members donated nearly one million hours of trailwork and advocacy for public lands.
Mountain bikers spend money on food, lodging, gas, and in retail shops. Trails tourism can be a strong form of economic development for NPS communities.
The volunteers in the National Mountain Bike Patrol can be a great asset to NPS units, helping all trail users have better experiences.
Many other national parks have wide access for mountain biking. Many Canadian national parks allow mountain biking, including world-renown sites like Jasper National Park. Promoting mountain biking in NPS units will attract international visitors and strengthen local economies.
Research shows that mountain biking has similar impacts to other forms of human-powered recreation, such as hiking and equestrian use.

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