I have two favorite phrases that come to mind when I think about our national parks, especially Denali National Park and Preserve.

The first phrase is this: National parks are America’s best idea. The citizens of the United States of America have been behind many extraordinary achievements since this nation came into being. But the idea that there were certain lands that were so special that they should belong to all Americans and be protected in the form of national parks? That was a revolutionary idea back in the day that Yellowstone became our first park in 1872. Over time, our concept of nationally significant places has expanded beyond landscapes to other venues, such as historic buildings, battlefields, and monuments. Today the National Park Service cares for over 390 places, each with its own unique story to tell about what it is to be American. Countries around the world have followed our lead in creating national parks of their own.

The second phrase I like is this: Special places don’t stay special by accident. Simply declaring an area a national park or monument is not enough. To keep a place such as Denali unimpaired for future generations requires all of us. It requires that some people come here to experience this vast landscape that is home to Dall sheep, moose, wolves, and grizzly bears. It requires that we explore this landscape with a light touch and that we stay alert to the stories it has to tell. It requires that we share those stories with others who may never visit, so they can imagine the feel of the wind on their faces in this wild land, and they come to value our wilderness heritage. A unique idea got our national parks started. Your stories will help to protect places like Denali into the future. Just what stories you will tell, well, that is for you to discover.

Sincerely,

Paul R. Anderson
Superintendent