Editorial: This space for sale or lease

Friday, Dec. 9, 2005 | 8:14 a.m.

Imagine hoisting a backpack, stepping up to an information kiosk at Grand Canyon National Park and seeing a plaque that says, "Trail map provided by a grant from Exxon."

It could happen under an Interior Department proposal that would allow corporations and other private donors to be recognized on plaques, benches and other undetermined spots in America's national parks.

In an attempt to bolster a pitifully funded park system that is plagued by a yearslong backlog of maintenance projects, National Park Service Director Frank Mainella has proposed a policy that seeks to raise money through commercial sponsorships and encourages park managers to court corporate donors. (The proposal can be read at www.nps.gov/policy/DOrders/DO21draft.html.)

The measure doesn't allow plaques on historic structures or natural features, but it does call for "donor recognition through benches, bricks or paving materials, plaques or other features." Those "other features" are not clearly defined to give park managers flexibility in customizing recognition packages based on the size of the donation.

Under the proposal, a corporate sponsor also could use the official park service arrowhead logo in advertisements announcing it is a "Proud Partner" of the service. All companies can be considered potential donors, including those that sell oil, alcohol or tobacco products. Imagine: Philip Morris benches at scenic pullouts in Glacier National Park.

"Influence peddling will soon become a major recreational activity in our national parks," says Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). PEER, a nonprofit watchdog group, lodged its opposition to the proposal before the public comment period closed Dec. 1.

This commercial assault on our nation's natural wonders is the latest installment in a nightmarish collection of environmental policies enacted by the Bush administration, which has cut parks' manpower and budgets.

We need to preserve a few places in America where even "tasteful and unobtrusive" corporate commercialism isn't allowed. The Grand Canyon isn't Disney World. And those who wish to donate to our national parks should be willing to do so without expecting advertising disguised as appreciation.