National Park Week

On Tuesday, April 18, as part of National Park Week 2000, the National Park Service and its nonprofit partner, the National Park Foundation, launched the "National Parks Pass."

In addition to a national news conference and ceremony where NPS Director Robert Stanton will sell the first Pass, parks across the country will hold special events. "The Pass is a wonderful way for us to reach out to the American public and invite them to join us as stewards of the national parks," says Director Stanton, who notes that more than 80 percent of the proceeds from National Parks Pass sales will go directly to park projects that make experiencing America's special places so meaningful.

The $50 National Parks Pass will provide Pass holders with year-long admission to any of the 379 national parks that have an entrance fee. In addition to the Pass, purchasers will receive a "Proud Partner" decal, a Pop-OutTM U.S. map that locates all 379 national parks and an offer for a free subscription to the new GoParks Newsletter.

About National Parks Pass
* $50 Parks Pass is good for one year from purchase and is valid for entrance fees (but not valid for other fees such as camping, tours or concessions).

* Pass package includes a Pop-Out™ map of the National Parks, a Proud Partner decal and an offer for the free GoParks Newsletter.

* Pass can be purchased (beginning April 18th) online at
www.nationalparks.org/pass.html or by calling 1-888-GO-PARKS.

* Pass can also be purchased at National Park entrances and visitor centers. Those who wish to order by mail can do so by sending a check for $50 to National Parks Pass, 27540 Avenue Mentry; Valencia, CA 91355.

* More than 80 percent of revenues from sale of the Pass will support vital National Park programs such as:

* Protecting wildlife such as whales in Glacier Bay, grizzly bears in Yellowstone or bighorn sheep in the Badlands.

* Rebuilding trails like the Mt. Rushmore Presidential Trail, lookouts and campgrounds to protect the environment and add to park enjoyment.

* Conducting crucial research, such as gauging natural predictors for earthquakes and volcanoes, tracking endangered species and so much more.

* The Parks Pass is being marketed by the National Park Service and its official nonprofit partner, the National Park Foundation, which honors, enriches and expands the legacy of private philanthropy that helped create and continues to sustain America's National Parks.

The National Park System
* Encompasses 379 National Parks and historic sites ranging from Acadia National Park in Maine to Manzanar National Historic Site in California.

* The National Park System encompasses approximately 80.7 million acres, ranging in size from Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial, Pennsylvania at 0.02 of an acre to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska at 13,200,000 acres.

* The National Park Service is composed of more than 20,000 rangers, archaeologists, historians, biologists, architects, laborers, gardeners and other professionals who care for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

* National Parks receive over 265 million visits each year, more than NFL attendance, Disney attractions and Universal Studio attractions combined.

* Americans love their National Parks: 89,000 National Park volunteers donate a total of 3.5 million hours of work each year, worth an estimated $50 million.