Western National Parks Association

“The complete form 990 is emailed as a pdf to the full board of directors, with a hard copy if requested. They are given several days to review the document and respond with questions or comments. When the deadline is reached and no questions or comments are raised, the form 990 is considered to be approved by the board. The form 990 is then filed.”

“The organization requires all directors and officers to sign an annual statement of conflict or potential perceived conflicts of interest. The statement affirms the individual has read and understands the policy and has agreed to comply with it. Any conflicts and potential perceived conflicts are disclosed on the statement and reviewed by the board of directors annually per the policy. An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when an employee is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for that employee or for a relative as a result of wnpa's business dealings. For the purposes of the policy, a relative is any person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the employee is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage. Personal gain may result not only in cases where an employee or relative has a significant ownership in a firm with which wnpa does business, but also when an employee or relative receives any kickback, bribe, substantial gift (gifts valued at $100 or more), or special consideration as a result of any transaction or business dealings involving wnpa. No "presumption of guilt" is created by the mere existence of a relationship with outside firms. However, if employees have any influence on transactions involving purchases, contracts, or leases, it is imperative that they disclose to human resources or a member of wnpa's executive management team as soon as possible, the existence of any actual or potential conflict of interest so that safeguards can be established to protect all parties.”

“The board executive committee annually reviews comparative data on compensation from other cooperating associations and other relevant market data. This data, along with a performance review, determines the chief executive officer & president compensation. The chief executive officer & president and the chief financial officer & executive vice president of operations evaluate compensation for other officers and key employees by reviewing comparative data on compensation for the local market and from other cooperating associations.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request. In addition, summary financial information taken from the audited financial statements is printed in the annual report and sent to members and it is also available on the company website.”

“Volunteers served 2,653 hours between 10/01/2023 and 09/30/2024. The volunteers provided assistance with wnpa retail operations and wnpa community engagement events.”

“Interpretive and education services: wnpa plays a significant role in furthering the connection people have to parks. Wnpa partners with the national park service to support its mission and enhance the visitor experience, understanding, and appreciation of national parks through the discovery of relevant products, programs, and services. Wnpa operates more than 78 park stores in visitor centers at 72 national park service units across 12 western states, offering thousands of interpretive and educational books and other products. These books and products provide meaningful and long-term connections to the parks. Wnpa was founded in 1938 as a nonprofit publishing partner to help the national park service connect people with their parks. We continue that tradition with award-winning, well-researched, beautifully engaging books to help visitors learn more about our partner parks. More than 200 publications are currently in print. Wnpa also publishes junior ranger booklets for park visitors available at no charge. At the national parks store in tucson, arizona, wnpa hosted art shows with speakers, cultural demonstrations, author events, and other experiences in an effort to introduce people to the nature, culture, and history within parks and the regions in which they exist.”

“Community outreach & programs: wnpa hosted nearly 100 free public programs (e.g., presentations, films, author events, and cultural demonstrations) at its headquarters in tucson, az, reaching approximately 2,000 total attendees in 2024. Wnpa also hosted the national park experience pavilion at the tucson festival of books, the third largest book festival in the us which introduced thousands of festival visitors to wnpa and its partner parks. Volunteers and staff participated in more than a dozen community outreach events in tucson and southern arizona, including the southeast arizona birding festival, la fiesta de tumaccori, and tucson meet yourself. Staff also participated, along with park partners, in the annual tucson rodeo and tucson pride parades as well as other community events. Wnpa provided programs to local community groups in tucson focused on wnpa, the national parks store, and local partner parks. Wnpa provided funding for youth organizations with similar missions, including parks in focus, a program that connects middle school youth to nature through photography; and ironwood tree experience, a program for young people to engage with the natural world and become stewards of the environment. This funding helped engage more than 800 arizona youth with our national parks and public lands. Finally, wnpa staff attended the national park friends alliance, public lands alliance, arizona association for environmental education, and the national association for interpretation annual conference.”

“Grants and donations to park partners: wnpa provided over $1 million in direct aid and research grants to more than 70 partner parks across 12 western states in fy24. In addition to providing educational opportunities through national park stores, wnpa gives direct donations to the national parks in support of cultural, historical, interpretative, and educational activities developed by park rangers. These activities enhance the visitor experience, provide opportunities to connect with youth, and engage the local community. Numerous events were funded during the year in national parks. Events included living history demonstrations and encampments, several cultural festivals, junior ranger camps, art exhibitions, and archeological and geographical surveys. Each of the partner parks affiliated with wnpa received direct donations in 2024. The association supports scientific research in national parks with grants awarded to qualified individuals and institutions. Grants are used to support a wide range of research projects that help create a better understanding of the parks, including the natural resources; the culture and heritage of the people who once lived there; climate impacts, and the social, economic, and political history at the park sites. Wnpa celebrated its 85th anniversary in july 2023, and since its founding in 1938, wnpa has provided nearly $149 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.”