Stress value. (Perspectives).

Conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources of our Nation is one of NRPA's core values and programmatic goals. However, unlike some organizations that appear to pursue conservation objectives from the point of view of preservation for preservation's sake alone, NRPA always puts people into the equation. Like the language of the 1916 National Park Service Organic Act, the conservation of places of special value across America is for enjoyment, in a manner that will leave the resources unimpaired to be sure, but for various types and levels of use that will bring enjoyment to people. Public use is of equal importance for all public agencies that manage public lands and recreation facilities and programs, even though the particular uses that they provide will vary widely. The most important distinction among the various agencies is that not every type or level of recreational use is appropriate on every parcel of land -- there is a spectrum of recreation opportunity across the full range of federal, state, and local public lands. There is a place for every legal recreation activity, just not every activity in every place.

As we know from the role played by parks and recreation in the two World Wars of the 20th century, and as we have seen again and again since the September 11 terrorists attacks in New York and Washington, at times of great stress and universal crisis, Americans flock to their public parks in huge numbers, especially close to home or when they can be reached as a day trip. Public parks and other open spaces have proven time and time again to be the place of choice for Americans who need the peaceful, compassionate socialization offered by parks, need the stress relief provided by active recreation, and who also need the opportunity for passive contemplation of nature, scenery, or other aspects of our cultural heritage.

Numerous articles in magazines and newspapers have cited the chilling effect that the terrorist attacks have had on domestic policy and legislation, as well as on federal, state, and local funding for things not directly related to eliminating the terrorist threat and preventing further attacks at home. Most purely conservation or environmental bills pending in Congress have indefinitely stalled.

However, this may be among the best of times to emphasize the essential role that public lands play in the quality of life enjoyed in America. Since the PUBLIC PLACE for enjoyment is the most critical element, a great deal of habitat conservation, wetlands protection, cultural landscape protection and wilderness protection can still be accomplished -- FOR USE BY PEOPLE, in these times where personal stress is this high. This conservation agenda will only be successful, though, if it is pursued from a human point of view. In these times of stress and the great need for stress relief, putting the benefits to people that derive from protecting public spaces will prove to be the formula for success.

There are still numerous places across this great land that merit protection in their own right, either as increasingly rare examples of critical wildlife habitat, historic landscapes that typify America, unique geological formations, or simply green open space for children and adults to play together. Too many Americans still do not have ready access to such public open spaces, and it is one of the responsibilities of government to assure that these open spaces are protected and professionally managed to serve the public needs for all forms of recreation.

Throughout our history, some of the most important lands conservation measures have been enacted in times of war. Abraham Lincoln protected Yosemite Valley in 1864 at the height of the Civil War; Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service, and protected Rocky Mountain National Park during World War I; Franklin Delano Roosevelt proclaimed the Jackson Hole National Monument in 1943 (today's Grand Teton National Park), while World War II raged in Europe and the Pacific; Lyndon Johnson oversaw the addition of 64 sites to the national park system, its most impressive period of growth, during the Vietnam War.

In times of great national crisis, the value of and need for conserving recreation open spaces in every corner of America is never greater. Our elected leaders need to understand that the American people support the war on terrorism, and will make the necessary adjustments and take the necessary precautions to support homeland security. However, the American people do not and will not tolerate these changes at the expense of their opportunity to use and enjoy public parks and recreation facilities. Both are essential to preserving our way of life.

T. Destry Jarvis Executive Director