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Labor History Makes Headway in NPS

Roughly a week ago, President Obama designated Pullman (IL) a National Monument under the Antiquities Act. The community is home to rich histories, which shaped both the labor and civil rights movements. Yet, it remains one of only a handful of NPS units that examine industrial work and collective action on the part of labor to any significant degree.

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Sustainability – is it really what we want?

What does it mean for new types of parks and protected areas, like heritage areas, to be financially “sustainable”? Is that the best approach to the conservation of complex, lived-in landscapes or does it lead to unrealistic goals, especially in the realms of fundraising and yearly operating budgets.

Read More »

The Recreation Imperative

In 1970, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation completed a long awaited study of outdoor recreation resources in the United States, entitled “The Recreation Imperative.” The ambitious document laid out a new direction for conservation, calling for an infusion of some $6 billion, with the majority of funds going to cities – a major change from previous allocation patterns. Ultimately, neither the Nixon nor the Ford Administrations ever released the report and it was only made public in 1974 through action by a Congressional Committee.

Read More »

Labor History Makes Headway in NPS

Roughly a week ago, President Obama designated Pullman (IL) a National Monument under the Antiquities Act. The community is home to rich histories, which shaped both the labor and civil rights movements. Yet, it remains one of only a handful of NPS units that examine industrial work and collective action on the part of labor to any significant degree.

Read More »

Sustainability – is it really what we want?

What does it mean for new types of parks and protected areas, like heritage areas, to be financially “sustainable”? Is that the best approach to the conservation of complex, lived-in landscapes or does it lead to unrealistic goals, especially in the realms of fundraising and yearly operating budgets.

Read More »

The Recreation Imperative

In 1970, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation completed a long awaited study of outdoor recreation resources in the United States, entitled “The Recreation Imperative.” The ambitious document laid out a new direction for conservation, calling for an infusion of some $6 billion, with the majority of funds going to cities – a major change from previous allocation patterns. Ultimately, neither the Nixon nor the Ford Administrations ever released the report and it was only made public in 1974 through action by a Congressional Committee.

Read More »