Get Involved in Planning

The National Park Service relies heavily on civic involvement and public engagement to help guide the stewardship of America's great natural and cultural resources, as well as in supporting parks in implementing the actions within those plans to fulfill their purpose and vision.

What does it mean to “get involved in planning”?

There are many ways you can get involved with planning! The most direct way is to monitor and provide feedback on active planning projects happening across the NPS using the Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) site. PEPC allows you to easily find, learn about and comment on NPS planning and environmental documents, including Congressionally authorized studies of potential new units.

But there are many other ways to get involved! From helping implement a park’s climate action plan by taking the bus and packing a water bottle, to becoming a park volunteer, to joining a friends group or supporting a national advocacy organization such as the National Park Foundation, to simply being better informed about your favorite parks’ purpose and significance by reading their foundation documents. And the list could go on and on. Becoming active with national parks and other public lands can play a critical role in fulfilling their mission and also deepen your connection with these treasured places and stories that belong to all of us.