National Park Service

The US National Park Service (NPS) is the agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks, monuments, and other conservation and historical properties. Recent news highlights several aspects of the NPS's operations and policies. The reappearance of Lake Manly in Death Valley after record rains, a natural event within a national park, showcases the dynamic environment the NPS manages. A coyote's presence on Alcatraz Island raises questions about wildlife management within park boundaries. Controversially, the NPS is offering free admission on Donald Trump's birthday while eliminating free entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, sparking criticism and accusations of downplaying civil rights history. A lawsuit challenges the use of the former president's image on park passes. These events underscore the NPS's role in conservation, recreation, and its susceptibility to political influence.