Number: 1978-17
WHEREAS, many units of the National Park System are undergoing increased visitor use; and
WHEREAS, increased visitation often dictates the accompanying increased availability of essential services; and
WHEREAS, in some instances, these services are supplied by private concessionaire firms and/or individuals; and
WHEREAS, on occasion, the concessionaires have assumed a disproportionate influence over park management policy decisions stemming from previous contract arrangements;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 16-19, 1978, Phoenix, Ariz., supports the basic principle that private concessionaires should provide services essential to visitor safety and enjoyment, but opposes the development of facilities and/or programs which function as attractants in themselves and often detract from the appreciation of the natural features for which the parks were established; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization generally endorses efforts of the National Park Service to revise standardized contracts which allow concessionaires to exert controls over park policies.