House Natural Resources Committee Holds Hearing on Historic Leasing in National Parks
Congressman Bruce Westerman speaking at our Champions of the Historic Tax Credit Reception earlier this year. Photo Credit NTCIC
This week the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on historic leasing in our National Park system. At the invite of Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), the hearing was held in Hot Springs, AR which has utilized historic leasing to rehabilitate several historic bathhouses in Hot Springs National Park. The hearing focused on some of the challenges to accessing historic leasing and what has worked well in Hot Springs and how those results be replicated elsewhere.
At a time when the National Park Service faces a $11.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog, an estimated 47% of which is attributed to historic assets, parks are looking for innovative tools to address the backlog. Historic leasing programs allow for organizations and companies to lease NPS buildings and properties, who in return agree to restore aspects of those assets.While committee members pointed out that historic leasing alone could not solve the deferred maintenance backlog, it can be a useful for many parks.
The hearing's panel featured local NPS property leasees, Hot Springs Mayor, Pat McCabe, and Tom Cassidy with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, among others. The hearing was followed by a tour of historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park. Check out the committee website to watch the full hearing.
Celebrate National Public Lands Day
Yosemite National Park
This Saturday, September 22nd, is the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day. Volunteer events and programs will be taking place across the country this weekend that allow you to lend a hand in sprucing up America's public lands. National Public Lands Day (NLPD) is the largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. Previous NLPD's have brought together over 200,000 people to volunteer for America's public lands. Now is your chance to give back. Find a NPLD event near you!
In addition to the numerous volunteer opportunities, all federal public lands, including all units of the National Park Service will be admission free on September 22nd in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Also, if you volunteer tomorrow, you will receive a fee-free day coupon to be used on a future National Park visit. Whether you participate in one of the volunteer events or visit one of our National Parks, take to time appreciate and celebrate America's extraordinary public lands.
Gold Rush: Party Time! PAF Auction Returns on Nov. 14th in San Francisco. Get Your Tickets Today!
Get your tickets today for Preservation Action Foundation's
Legendary Party and Live Auction in San Francisco. The annual after party and auction will take place on November 14, 2018 immediately following the Opening Reception of the National Preservation Conference. Enjoy the atmosphere and exhibits at theCalifornia Historical Society, located in the former San Francisco Builders Exchange building in the vibrant Yerba Buena neighborhood, just a mile from the conference headquarters.
The annual auction has long been a highlight for Preservation Action Foundation and of the National Preservation Conference. Last year's auction in Chicago was a huge success and were excited to top that this year!
Take advantage of early-bird prices! Get your tickets today!
This is our largest fundraiser of the year and the proceeds from this event are used to assist the education and training, advocacy, and programs of the
Preservation Action Foundation.
We are currently seeking donations of auction items like hotel stays, tours of historic sites and other unique experiences. This is a great way to highlight your organization and city/state to an active and interested group of people. Download the 2018 Auction Request Letter and Donation Form and check out our website for more information.
Preservation Action is the only national
non-profit dedicated exclusively to lobbying for the best preservation policies at the federal level. We seek to make historic preservation a national priority by advocating to all branches of government through a grassroots constituency empowered with information and training.
