GREENING OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

"... The service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments and reservations hereinafter specified by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purpose of the said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by which means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

This legislation established the National Park Service in 1916 and set forth the mandate that the service shall manage it's areas in such a manner that future generations will be able to enjoy them unimpaired. With that mandate in mind, how can we not utilize sustainable energy and practice environmental leadership whenever possible in our national parks?

A workshop held in Shepardstown W.V., in June, 1998 created a working relationship between the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior and initiated "Green Parks: Making the National Parks a Showcase for an Energy Efficient Future".

On April 27th. 1999, a memorendum of understanding between the Secretary of Energy and the Secertary of the Interior was signed which officially inaugurated the joint program which aims to promote the use of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies and practices in our National Parks, and to educate the visiting public about these efforts. See for the full text of the MOU.

Terry Brennan , (202) 513-7207 is the coordinator for the Green Energy Program.

An environmental leadership summit was held in January 1999 to develop a program to establish the National Parks as leaders in sustainability and environmental compliance. This will be accomplished through a "Greening of the National Park Service"

On July 13th 1999 Director Stanton issued a memorandum on Environmental Leadership for the National Park Service. See for the full text of the memo.

Shawn Norton , (202) 354-1835 is the coordinator for the Environmental Leadership Program.

Discovery 2000, The National Park Service General Conference, Discovery 2000, presented the theme of sustainability throughout the conference.

One outcome of the workshop and summit was the identification of the need and the requirement to establish a source of information for National Park Service employees to use in furthering "greening" activities at the park level. This web site has been created for you to utilize as a "Green Toolbox" as you gather information, share your knowledge or experiences while furthering the use of sustainable energy and the practice of resource conservation in your area. The toolbox contains many sections including regulations, renewable energy, conservation, electronic forms and other resources. One thing to remember is this toolbox will be filled with the information you need, it is therefore yours to use, and feel free to interact so the site will remain alive, usefull and provide all the tools you require.

The site will additionally provide information on the National Park Service and it's greening activities to other stakeholders to include park visitors, designers and managers at the regional and service center levels, concessionaires, park and conservation employees in other bureaus and at state, regional, local and private areas, educators, elected officials, taxpayers, utility and businesses, and the renewable energy/energy efficiency industries.

Throughout the Park Service there are many grassroot activities at the local area level which are promoting and implementing sustainable practices and resource conservation activities. Often we wonder if others are having the same level of success we are and what their achievements, challenges and even failures have been. The listing of Case Studies is where you will find other champions and perhaps ideas and inspiration for your projects. The listing has been generated from local knowledges and will continue to grow with your input.

Biodiesel in the National Parks
Twenty three National Park units are utilizing biodiesel or biodiesel blends to reduce their use of petroleum fuels.

The Sustainability Committee was established to provide leadership in the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the National Park Service.

Made with 100% recycled electrons.