National Parks
America’s National Parks are the “crown jewels” of our country. They represent the natural and cultural history of our nation and embody the American spirit. They are home to rare and endangered plant and animal species, and are sources of the clean air and clean water that we depend on. They provide places for every American to find peace and inspiration, to escape from the pressures of the ‘civilized’ world, and to experience our heritage.
Since its creation in 1872, the National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior has been in charge of protecting and managing nearly 400 National Parks and thousands of natural landmarks and historical sites. As our population increases, so do the dangers that threaten to destroy these special places. Lots of work and great care is needed to protect our parks for future generations. EcoFlight uses the aerial perspective along with tribes, non-profits, local governments, businesses and concerned citizens to give these places a voice, tell their story and ensure that our Parks are protected for present and future generations to enjoy.
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State: Arizona Description: On January 9th 2012, the Obama administration officially announced a ban on new mining on lands near Grand Canyon National Park. The 20-year ban will not affect any existing claims but will prevent any new mining claims in the area which have increased 2,000 percent in the past seven years. |
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State: Colorado Description: Rocky Mountain National Park is the living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains, but it is under from people and the pine beetle. |
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State: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah Region: Four Corners States - American Southwest Description: EcoFlight's 2011 Flight Across America Student Program was a three day intensive study of iconic national parks in the American southwest and the environmental pressures being imposed on them. EcoFlight and four students from CU Boulder and Colorado Mountain College flew over the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon National Parks. |
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State: Montana Description: This remote beautiful landscape, with 149 miles of the Missouri River corridor designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, has begun to be recognized as a national treasure. |
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State: New Mexico Region: northwestern New Mexico Description: Chaco National Historical Park is designated as a World Heritage Site and is one of the finest examples of Puebloan culture centers in the southwest United States, yet it too is impacted by intensive energy development. |
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Region: Southern Utah Description: Bryce Canyon, famous for its unique geology, consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colorful limestone rock of the Claron Formation into bizarre shapes, including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called "hoodoos". |
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State: Utah Region: Cedar City, Utah Description: Cedar Breaks National Monument is a canyon located on the west side of the Colorado Plateau. This area is significant for its external beauty but also contains a treasure chest of information due to it's geological characteristics. |
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State: Wyoming Region: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Description: The park is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes the remarkable Teton mountain range, magnificent Snake River corridor, and the incredible and diverse wildlife in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone region. |
