July 26, 2006

Dear Employees,

Serving as National Park Service Director has been the most rewarding experience of my life. What has made this experience so rewarding was the chance to work with an amazing group of professional employees in carrying out the mission of the National Park Service.  I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to serve with you.  You, the work that you do, and your complete dedication to the stewardship and enjoyment of the parks have made me proud to be a part of the everlasting legacy of the National Park Service. 

But now, I have had to make a difficult decision, and I have decided to resign as your director to spend more time with my family, especially my parents and in-laws who have been having health issues.  I will, however, continue to work with you for the next few months, working to finalize Management Policies, celebrate the NPS’s 90th anniversary, and finish several key projects. 

As I wrote to the President, and find very important to say to all of you also, is that it has been a privilege to be entrusted with leading the National Park Service in preserving and protecting America’s national parks— some of the most beautiful lands, most significant sites and most treasured heritage of the nation.  Our work has been based on the conviction that preservation of the parks and their enjoyment by present and future generations is one of the greatest of American undertakings. 

Thank you for always stepping up to the plate doing the most you can with limited resources and extremely complex challenges.

As the National Park Service moves forward toward its 100th birthday, know that I will be there with you, assisting in any way that I can.  National parks represent the soul of America and a gift to the world.  Remember, you, the employees of the National Park Service, are its best asset! 

With my best regards and deep personal respect and appreciation,

Fran P. Mainella

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Director Mainella's letter to President Bush:
http://inside.nps.gov/blankReports/Directors_Letter_to_President.pdf

Secretary Kempthorne's letter to Director Mainella:
http://inside.nps.gov/blankReports/Sec_Kempthornes_letter_to_Director.pdf