October 5, 2001

 TO:                 ALL NATIONAL PARK SERVICE EMPLOYEES

FROM:            DIRECTOR FRAN MAINELLA  

I am deeply honored to have been nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate as Director of the National Park Service.  I’ve devoted my entire professional career to the cause of parks, recreation, and cultural and natural resource preservation, working in the private sector and at both the local and state levels.  I approach the job with a passion for our purpose, and will be a vigorous advocate of our mandate to conserve park resources “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

I believe the Service’s mission is increasingly recognized for its importance to our nation.  Our quality of life—our very health and well-being—depends in the most basic way on the protection of nature, accessibility of recreational opportunities, and the preservation of places that reflect our heritage. Parks provide context and meaning to our lives as citizens.  They instill a sense of appreciation for our democracy, stimulate pride in our country, and strengthen our connections to the natural world.  In the wake of the September 11 attacks, it is particularly important the American people have access to the nation’s monuments, memorials and parks for the solace and inspiration they provide.      

I assume this position at an important time in the organization’s history. Our visitor approval (95%) is outstanding.  That public acceptance is a tribute to the work of all of you.  We must build on this support to broaden understanding of the challenges we face as an agency and as a society. Only through a committed public will we succeed in passing on the special places we manage unimpaired for future generations.  We can not do it alone.  I am committed to Secretary Norton’s four “Cs”: conservation through cooperation, consultation and communication.   

We enjoy strong Administration support and the promise that the Service-wide maintenance backlog will not be left unnoticed and unattended, and that full support of the “stateside” Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Natural Resource Challenge are top priorities.  

To accomplish our mission, we've got to work smart as a team.  Though working at a variety of distinct duties--managing 385 park units, seven regional offices, design centers, training facilities, and a broad portfolio of programs serving communities nationwide--we are a workforce joined in a commitment to common purposes.  We are one organization. 

I believe full and open communication is essential for advancing our goals. Each employee deserves to know what is happening at all levels in the organization, the reasons for which actions are taken, and how decisions connect to our larger strategic directions.  Good communication is not so much about “telling,” but about engaging others in discovering common understanding.   As Director, I will communicate on a regular basis with employees. I encourage managers and supervisors at all levels to ensure that communication channels are open for regular “give and take” with employees. 

We pursue our mission encouraged and accompanied by great numbers of concerned citizens, private organizations, educational institutions, and public agencies. Our most effective work results from engagement with others, where the collective effort extends the reach of all.  I’m a very strong proponent of partnerships and will encourage a new level of outreach and collaborative work to promote our mission.

I support enthusiastically the growing NPS dialogue about 21^st Century organizational directions inspired by last year's Discovery 2000 conference and the recent report of the National Park System Advisory Board.  In looking to the future, we believe the Service has great potential to serve the public more effectively–as educator, environmental leader, and advocate for a nationwide outdoor recreation network.  I’m energized by this vision.  The power of the park idea is its larger purpose--to create a citizenry committed to conserving its heritage and its home on earth.

Finally, I believe NPS people at all levels and in all jobs are leaders.  We are all responsible for advancing our mission.  My commitment to you is to ensure that decisions are made within the context of that mission, as well as our strategic plan and core values.  I ask for your support and wisdom to do this effectively.  I commend you—the men and women of this great organization—for your dedication and hard work.   You are the Service’s most important asset.

I look forward very much to working with you.