NATIONAL PARK SERVICE:

Partnering & Managing for Excellence

On July 2, 2003, in Washington, D.C., Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Gale Norton and I presented a report detailing National Park Service (NPS) successes to President George W. Bush. The report “National Park Service: Partnering and Managing for Excellence,” records the NPS’s accomplishments in four specific areas, including Maintenance Backlog and Facility Management Excellence; Enhancing Partnerships, Volunteers, and Recreation; Resource Protection through Science and Cooperation; and Serving Visitors and Keeping Parks Safe, and identifies “next steps.” This report stands as an accounting of the incredible work being done in national parks by our employees and partners across the nation and is the first document of its kind to be prepared in the 21st century.

First announced in May 2001 at Sequoia National Park, President Bush affirmed his commitment to “ensure proper care of the National Park System” and to “improve outdoor opportunities” through his National Parks Legacy Project, which set forth a vision for caring for and enhancing these special places—the national parks. Now President Bush’s leadership team is carrying out this vision through what Interior Secretary Norton refers to as the 4 C’s—conservation through cooperation, communication and consultation.

Under the leadership of Secretary Norton and myself, the NPS is broadening opportunities for Americans to enjoy their parks. The NPS is restoring old facilities, improving landscape health, and inspiring volunteers to participate in their care. As national parks continue to play a vital role in our great Nation, we must all do our share to see that they are in pristine condition for the next generation. Secretary Norton and I view this as a great opportunity to invite all of America to visit their national parks and have our works in progress speak for themselves! I encourage everyone to read this report and learn about the many successes we have had and are having in the NPS. Just click on the links below to access the report and other information.

As always, we look forward to seeing you in the parks!

Fran Mainella
Director, National Park Service

Partnering & Managing for Excellence Report»

(Acrobat PDF – 40 pages – 1.9MB)

Cooperación y Administración a Favor de la Excelencia»

(Acrobat PDF – 40 pages – 1.9MB)

Fact Sheet»

News Release»

(Acrobat PDF – 2 pages)

National Park Service Facility Management»