The National Park Service (NPS) has been without a Senate-confirmed director for more than four years. The leadership drought might soon end.
President Joe Biden nominated Charles F. Sams III to be the next NPS director. Sams has worked in state and Tribal governments and the non-profit natural resource and conservation management fields for more than 25 years. He currently serves as a council member to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, a body appointed by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.
“The diverse experience that Chuck brings to the National Park Service will be an incredible asset as we work to conserve and protect our national parks to make them more accessible for everyone,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said. “I look forward to working with him to welcome Americans from every corner of our country into our national park system. The outdoors are for everyone, and we have an obligation to protect them for generations to come.”
Sams previously was the deputy executive director for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), president/CEO of Indian Country Conservancy and executive director for the Umatilla Tribal Community Foundation, among other roles.
RVIA noted its support for a Senate-confirmed NPS director.
“We look forward to working with the next National Park Service director on key conservation initiatives to ensure our parks are healthy and vibrant sources of outdoor recreation for generations to come,” RV Industry Association Director of Government Affairs Chris Bornemann said. “The implementation of GAOA funding to support sustainable park infrastructure and campground modernization and expansion is key to ensuring robust access to the great outdoors for RVers and all Americans.”
The National Parks Conservation Association said Sams would bring decades of conservation experience and a unique perspective to the position if confirmed.
“As the director of the National Park Service, Chuck Sams would play an essential role in protecting more than 400 of America’s most treasured places and overseeing the management of 20,000 National Park Service employees,” association President and CEO Theresa Pierno said. “This is no small task, but we believe that Sams is prepared to step up and tackle the many challenges and opportunities facing our parks.”
Pierno said Sams formed powerful relationships in his career, navigating issues in an inclusive and caring way.
“As a descendent of the original guardians of our lands, Sams brings a unique and powerful perspective that can help our national parks continue to evolve in the places and stories they preserve and share,” Pierno said. “We are confident that Sams will help ensure that everyone sees themselves reflected in these important places.”
The gap without a Senate-confirmed director has lasted too long, Pierno said, with NPS lacking a leader to speak for the parks and park staff.
“Sams’s commitment to community will benefit the Park Service staff who have dedicated their careers to protecting the mission of the agency,” Pierno said. “It is critical to care for these people in the same way they care for our national parks. … We look forward to the swift confirmation of Chuck Sams as National Park Service director and all the important work ahead to ensure the protection and future of our national parks.”
