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Instead of reporting incidents of "negative" depictions of American history as requested by the Trump administration, national park visitors are scanning signs' QR codes to submit hundreds of comments in support of the National Park Service.
According to SFGate, the hundreds of comments that have poured in through June 16 show staunch support for better funding for national parks and increased protections for public lands.
“The National Parks, as the Department of the Interior states, belong to Americans, all Americans,” one comment reads. “This means sharing the history, experiences, and stories of all the people who’ve called the United States home, even if it’s perceived as a ‘dark’ or ‘negative’ time in our history.”
Several comments focused on the lack of Indigenous history portrayed at national park sites, and many included positive stories about interactions with park rangers.
“The vast majority of public comments show what we’ve always known: people love their national parks and deeply value the dedicated staff who protect them every day,” said Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. “It’s clear this administration is completely out of step with the American people when it comes to safeguarding these treasured places and the stories they tell.”
House Republicans mobilize to block public land sales
On Thursday, five House Republicans warned Speaker Mike Johnson they will vote against President Donald Trump’s budget bill if public land sales are included. The members include Montana Representative Ryan Zinke, who served as Interior secretary during Trump's first term, as well as Mike Simpson of Idaho, Dan Newhouse of Washington, Cliff Bentz of Oregon, and David Valadao of California. Opposition from five House members would be enough to sink the bill in the lower chamber.
Happy Fourth of July!
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Rangers, have a lovely day. You are appreciated.”
