November 19, 2021 (Golden, Colo.) — Today, Chuck Sams III made history when he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as the Director of the National Park Service, making him the first Native American to serve in the position in the 105-year history of the agency. Sams is a member of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes, part of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
“With the growing popularity of our National Parks, we applaud the confirmation of Chuck Sams, who brings decades of experience and expertise to the stewardship of our lands and waters. His confirmation will continue to help us recognize and elevate the role of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in the stewardship of these special places, as well as help to reimagine what conservation, sustainability, and accessibility for all people looks like along the Continental Divide,” said Teresa Martinez, CDTC Executive Director. “CDTC looks forward to the leadership, passion, and vision he will bring to preserving our nation’s most iconic landscapes, and we are excited to work with him and our agency partners in ensuring that these important sites and greenspaces are preserved for generations to come.”
The Director of the National Park Service is responsible for the oversight and stewardship of over 400 national park sites, including Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The National Park Service has not had a confirmed director of the agency since 2017 and has only been led by acting directors.
The Director of the National Park Service will play an integral role in achieving the goals of the America the Beautiful Initiative, including protecting 30% of the nation’s land and water by 2030, strengthening relationships with tribes and Indigenous communities, and increasing accessibility to parks and historic sites. This position is under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna and also the first Native American to serve as a Cabinet member.
“Under Chuck Sams’ leadership, the National Parks Service is better poised than ever to address challenges like ever-increasing visitation and the growing threat of the climate crisis, while making the most of opportunities for the sustainability of our nation’s parks and protecting the clean air, water, and healthy wildlife communities depend on,” says Luke Fisher, CDTC Trail Policy Manager. “Sams has a proven track record of a community-led approach to conservation, bringing together coalitions of Tribes, communities, stakeholders, and government at every level. We are excited to see the unique perspective, innovative solutions, and dedicated leadership that he will bring to this position, and look forward to working with Sams and all our agency partners in stewarding the lands and waters of the Divide.”
Given the Biden administration’s recent efforts to better the federal government’s coordination with Tribal Nations, Sams is positioned in this role within the National Parks Service to strengthen relationships with Tribes and chart a new course forward between the agency, Tribes, and Indigenous communities as well.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition looks forward to working with Chuck Sams and all agency partners to protect our public land and waters, manage landscapes and trails that serve as some of our nation’s most crucial natural infrastructure, and advocate for communities to achieve the most enjoyable, equitable experience for all along the Continental Divide.
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About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
