FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Public Lands Alliance (PLA) congratulates Charles "Chuck" Sams on his confirmation as the 19th Director of the National Park Service. Below is a statement by PLA President and CEO Dan Puskar:
"Chuck Sams is the leader that the National Park Service needs right now. America's national parks face incredible challenges from climate change to historic visitation. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to leave park facilities and programs closed to the public. PLA is confident that Director Sams will bring fresh perspective and insights to the NPS.
"PLA and our community's nonprofit park partners enthusiastically welcome Director Sams as he begins his new role. Park partners are integral to so many aspects of the NPS mission - raising hundreds of millions of dollars annually through philanthropy, retail sales and registration fees to expand visitor services and information, conduct critical conservation programs, develop interpretive products, recruit and manage tens of thousands of conservation corps members and volunteers and deliver inclusive educational opportunities to the next generation of public lands stewards. We are excited to work with Director Sams to meet today's challenges and to ensure that the national park system remains strong for future generations."
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