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Group Thinks NPS Uniforms, Vehicles, Play A Role In Lack Of Diversity In National Parks

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Does the appearance of this vehicle discourage some visitors to the National Park System?/MPD01605 via Wikimedia Commons

A group seeking to increase diversity of visitors in national parks is suggesting, among other things, that the National Park Service change the look of its uniforms and vehicles because they project a law enforcement image, "which presents a significant impediment to engaging all Americans."

That was one in a list of recommendations the group offered up in calling on President Obama "to issue an Executive Order to ensure the second century of conservation in America reflects the full diversity of our nation’s citizens; respects the historical, cultural and spiritual stories and unique contributions of all Americans; and actively engages all people."

“The face of America is rapidly changing; yet our public lands do not reflect this demographic and ethnic diversity. We have a moral responsibility to fix this disconnect now, for our children, for our grandchildren and for all those that came before us. We must head into the next 100 years with a strong commitment to a more inclusive approach to public lands that puts a priority on engaging all Americans and protecting cultural and natural landscapes that tell our country’s complex history,” said Dr. Carolyn Finney, author of Black Faces White Spaces and coalition participant.

More than two dozen organizations called for the Executive Order. Among them were The Dignitas Agency, VotoLatino, Valle del Sol, the Trail Posse, Rural Coalition, Faith Based Alliance, Soul River Inc.-Runs Wild, Environmental Learning for Kids, and The Colorado Lation Leadership, Advocacy, and Research Organization, Continental Trail Divide Coalition, the National Urban League, and the Children and Nature Network.

Among other recommendations were requests that the federal government:

* Leverage the National Park Foundation, National Forest Foundation, and other private partners to advertise the range of experiences already available in America's national parks and public lands -- everything from rugged backcountry activities to vacations with concierge services. Seek innovative ways to connect with culturally diverse communities and demonstrate how these places relate to their personal experiences and varied travel interests.

* Establish new outreach, interpretation and education positions inside land management agencies at all federal hiring grade levels, with diverse backgrounds, to start developing and implementing park interpretation and education innovations.

* Identify public or private partners who can train land management agency representatives to be aware of their interactions with those veterans who suffer from war-related trauma, as well as youth and newcomers to parks, to ensure public actions and events do not intentionally and negatively affect them.

* Identify strategies to partner with faith groups and local organizations to facilitate events and outreach efforts that leverage parks and other public lands as a forum for critical conversations and atonement -- allowing for community restoration and reconnection in a meaningful way.

"Conservation of America's public lands and waters, including our national parks, forests, monuments, wildlife refuges, National Conservation Lands, and recreational areas should be driven over the next 100 years by three guiding principles: 1) every child will have the opportunity to discover his or her own history and heritage; 2) federal land agencies will demonstrate engagement that is respectful and inclusive of different cultures via outreach, stewardship and interpretation; and, 3) a responsibility to actively engage all people," the group said in setting down its recommended policies and priorities.

"Our vision for a more inclusive approach to public lands conservation over the next 100 years includes a commitment to engaging all the segments of our country's population so they become active users and vital advocates in protecting our public lands and waters for the future," the group said.

“President Obama has shown great leadership on parks and public lands, but there is always more progress to be made. We challenge this President and the next one to embrace a vision for the next century of conservation that focuses on the importance of national parks and public lands for all Americans,” said Maite Arce, President/CEO of the Hispanic Access Foundation.

Comments

What poppy cock. If the look of law enforcement is an "impediment" to someone coming to a park, I don't want them (the visitor) there in the first place.  Currently am in Florence.  The streets are filled with police and military, all carrying weapons of some kind including assault rifles.  The streets are packed with a very diverse and well protected crowd.  


I was a bit skeptical of this article at first, but then remembered my own reaction on first seeing the park service winter uniforms resembling those of the enemy in the Korean War.  Those 'iconic' NPS flat hats do look a lot like those worn by about ten thousand soldiers on Pershing's punative expedition into Mexico during WW I.

For a different take on uniforms, including many worn by minorities, don't miss this fine article :
http://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/a-uniform-look-what-we-w...


Stop with the namby pamby cry baby oh my feelings get hurt to easily crowd.

So sick of these weenies.


I do not want to feel like the parks are a "police state" but I understand the need for a park ranger to have authority. Having authority does need the appearance of authority. Maybe interpritive rangers could have a more relaxed look but I am not sure I would change it much.


I'm not impressed.  If you're in a park and you need a ranger, you want to recognize and find one FAST! 


We should remove all bears, snakes and wolves from the parks, as they may present a significant impediment to engaging all Americans.


As with other similar articles I've read recently -- from all kinds of "special" groups -- I think I see only complaints here and vague generalizations.  What I don't see is anything specific telling exactly what is wrong and how it can be addressed without causing angst to others.

Compromise and cooperation are in danger of extinction in America.


Hopefully we'll also be removing all girl scouts from the parks.


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