Toast to Jon Jarvis, Director, National Park Service

WNPF party for Jon Jarvis

Toast to Jon Jarvis, Director, National Park Service

As president of the board of the Washington’s National Park Fund I had the honor of toasting Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service. I said: It’s an honor to toast Jon Jarvis during the centennial of the National Park Service. As an avid backpacker who is forever telling or writing about my National Park adventures, I’m so excited about the work Jon and his team are doing in helping visitors find the parks that inspire them. But I also want to recognize the positive impact, both economic and social, that the National Park Service here at our three national parks has on our local communities. More than ever I see our superintendents reaching out and engaging with the business, social and governmental organizations that surround the national parks. Every park visitor supports family business and delivers tax dollars that enhance the services of local municipalities. I thank the National Park Service for that.

What about the second century of National Park Service stewardship? How can we help the NPS with their continued vision of preserving our park’s natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations? I’m proud of how our Washington’s National Park Fund Board of Directors, Executive Director and staff are taking bold steps to become stronger and more meaningful partners with our superintendents. This is the Washington’s National Park Fund vision – strong, vibrant, youthful and everlasting National Parks. We commit to you, Jon, that we will work together with our local National Park Service partners to help make that happen.

I agree with filmmaker Ken Burns when he said that the National Parks are America’s best idea. So let’s us toast the second century of National Park Service leadership and continue to find ways to partner with Jon and his visionary organization!