Photo credit: NPS/Bonney/Flickr

Friend, our national parks and monuments do more than protect land—they tell America’s story. In these places, we see both the struggles and the triumphs that have shaped our nation.

Right now, the National Park Service is asking for public input on how to improve the visitor experience in our national parks—and tomorrow, October 9, is the deadline to weigh in. This is a rare opportunity to ensure our parks continue to tell the complete American story.

SUBMIT A COMMENT

This year, we’ve seen attempts to erase history: signs and photos removed, visitors encouraged to report “negative” historical content, and cuts to staff that threaten the Park Service’s ability to carry out its mission.

Don’t let these stories disappear. Tell the National Park Service: Our parks must reflect the full scope of our nation’s history.

1 Share your name.

And if you like, where you live or what parks you love.

2 Thank the National Park Service.

Let them know you appreciate the chance to weigh in.

3 Say why this matters to you.

Explain why it’s essential that park interpretation reflects all of America’s history—and why strong staffing and funding are needed to make that possible.

4 Add your personal touch.

Share a meaningful park memory or experience—something that helped you learn or feel connected.

5 Close with your request. 

Call on the NPS to research, preserve, and share all aspects of our history—and to fund this work so these stories can be told.

SUBMIT A COMMENT

This button will take you to Regulations.gov, the federal site where you can send your comment straight to the National Park Service.

Need inspiration? Here’s a sample comment.

Hello, my name is [Name], and I live in [State]. Thank you for the chance to share my thoughts about improving visitor services in our national parks. 

I believe our parks should reflect the full scope of America’s history—the triumphs as well as the challenges. On past visits to [Example Park], a ranger’s program about Indigenous history gave me a deeper appreciation for the land and the people who shaped it. Experiences like that show how powerful our parks can be as places of learning and connection.

I urge the National Park Service to continue researching, preserving, and interpreting our nation’s history in a way that reflects the experiences of all Americans. And to make this possible, it’s critical that our parks are fully staffed and adequately funded.

Thank you again for your commitment to ensuring that park visitors for decades to come can experience the full story of America in our parks.

Future generations deserve to know the whole story—and we can help make sure it’s told.

For parks and for people,

Myke Bybee

Senior Director of Federal Relations

Trust for Public Land

PS: The comment period closes tomorrow, October 9, at 11:59 p.m. (EDT). Don’t miss this chance to speak up for our parks and the stories they tell by submitting your comment today.

TAKE ACTION NOW

How strongly do you feel that our national parks should tell the full American story—including the hard truths?

💚 Very strongly

👍 Somewhat strongly

🚫 Not strongly

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