Expansion of North Cascades National Park

At the risk of being accused of being senatorial  , I wanted to note that I'm finding it interesting that you all seem to agree to a surprising extent. I don't see Scotsman saying "hold NPS funding hostage to this one geographic issue" so I'm not sure he's agreed to disagree there (in fact he said he's NOT saying "starve the beast").

The most recent posters seems to agree that there are problems in NPS management, and that it goes beyond the one bad actor and his conflict-of-interest-actions - it goes to the core of whether many of us trust the NPS to make calls we'd agree with on how to manage the area in question. Lowell - I agree with you that we get the government we deserve. I'd go further - we ARE the government in this country. I also agree with you that it appears that even with a positive shift in how NPS is funded and treated (the pendulum swinging far away from James Watt's influence), it will take decades to see many of the real and important changes occur. In the meantime, I'm frankly not eager to see this area fall into a management style that currently seems rather tone-deaf and which precedent shows would be quite likely to take this area off my yearly "must do" list and put it onto the "wish I could do" list.

To be clear, I'm a big fan of general notion of the park system, and would not suggest starting to remove any land from the system - I'm just not eager to add this hwy 20 corridor area to the portfolio at this point. Let's help the service do a better job of managing what they've got first...

I have yet to see JRD or his organiation make a crisp statement of prioritized problems to be solved in the area in question, instead of putting out a grand proposal (that concerns many of us) along with an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink list of supposed benefits, many of which come off as pure pandering. So how about it, anyone, what ARE the key problems or threats in this area, in stack ranked order (aside from the risk that this proposal goes through)?

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At the moment the FS provides us somewhat more control, greater involvement ...

spot on..

The American Alps Legacy Proposal legislation can be written to specifically allow larger party sizes in backcountry areas for non-profit organizations providing outdoor experiences for youth.  That is what we fully intend to put into the American Alps Legacy Proposal legislation.  It will overrule the NPS standard party-size limits for the area specified (i.e., the new additions to the North Cascades National Park).

Although I appreciate the sentiment, having worked at length with our parks, and having reviewed park legislation, that specific exemption language is not an appropriate part of any park-forming legislation. There are two primary reasons: 1. Language that creates exemptions for permit holders sets a precedent for other parks; 2. If you read any of the park-forming legislation, it is much broader and more vague (as it should be). Basically, while it's a nice thought, it is not feasible to create individual exemptions (for group size, dogs, bikes, etc.) withing the legislation. The park bureaucracy can make exemptions in their management plans, but it is completely within the park management's discretion (and can change depending on who the park administrator is).

Joshua Cole
Program Director, Outward Bound Washington

At the risk of being accused of being senatorial 

So Jim if you decide to run as an independent this is what we can offer.
If you agree to put a moratorium on WMC proposal and guarantee no Park expansion in Highway 20, Yammadog and I will get the sledders to vote for you.
We want PNWBrit appointed as public relations officer.
acarey put in charge of state land affairs.
RonJ put in charge of the longmire gate and road clearing operations at MRNP.
Lowell appointed as cultural ambassador and poet laureate.
Aaron appointed as human resources manger for all state agencies.
Sukiakiumo put in charge of Hanford Nuclear power plant.
Marcus appointed to the State Supreme Court

Me , all I ask is that we get the MRNP  super changed to a person without the anti-skier bias.

Do we have a deal?

I'd like to get a gravy job also....

maybe coordinating state parties or something. You know you need a token smokey motor person so show your bipartisan side....;>)

I was thinking presidential, but as I said before, I'm stumping for Robie..