Western National Parks Association

“Membership is open to any person interested in furthering the aims of the association. The association shall have the following classes of membership: (1) annual members shall be nonvoting members. Annual dues, as periodically reviewed and set by the board of directors, entitles membership for twelve consecutive months following acceptance of the application. Dues information is available upon request to the executive director/chief executive officer. (2) life members shall be nonvoting members. A one-time fee set by the board entitles membership for the life of the individual. A roster of members will be maintained. No dues will be required from members of the board of directors or employees of the association. Voting members of the association are comprised solely of the board of directors nominated and elected as set forth in the organization's bylaws.”

“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 of interest. The statement affirms the individual has read and understands the policy and has agreed to comply with it. Any conflicts are disclosed on the statement and reviewed by the board of directors per the policy.”

“The board executive committee reviews comparative data on compensation from other cooperating associations. This data, along with a performance review, determines executive officer compensation. The executive director/ceo and human resource director/manager 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.”

“Interpretive and education services: the association plays a significant role in connecting people to parks. The 80 park stores in national park visitor centers staffed and operated by wnpa offer thousands of books and products that provide meaningful and long-term connections to the parks for visitors. Wnpa operates in 12 states and 66 national parks. To further its mission, wnpa has been publishing educational books and products since 1938. More than 200 publications are currently in print, with many award winners among them. New literature is published annually, including park-relevant items available to visitors at no charge. Also in tucson, wnpa hosted six american indian art shows with speakers and cultural demonstrations. Eight similar events were hosted in national parks in arizona, new mexico, nevada, california, and texas.”

“Grants and donations to park partners: in addition to providing educational opportunities through national park stores, wnpa makes direct donations to the national parks in support of cultural, historical and educational activities developed by park rangers. These activities enhance 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 an international youth indigenous cultural exchange, living history demonstrations and encampments, several cultural festivals, junior ranger camps, art exhibitions, and archeological and geographical surveys. Each of the 66 national parks with which wnpa affiliates received direct donations in 2014. 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 to create a better understanding of the parks, including the natural resources; the culture and heritage of the people who once lived there; and the social, economic and political history at the park sites. Since inception, wnpa has funded more than $2 million for research in the parks.”

“Community programs: at its headquarters in tucson, az, wnpa hosts free weekly educational presentations (96 annually), at which attendance exceeded 5,000 in 2013. The association's premier outreach event of the year is the sponsorship of a national parks pavilion at the tucson festival of books. The pavilion provided the opportunity for 20 national parks from the western united states to connect with over 100,000 festival attendees in 2014. Wnpa also offers a series of classes and workshops at the tucson headquarters and selected park locations on such relevant topics as native american basketry, flute-making, pottery techniques and navajo rug weaving. In 2013 5 classes were offered with the participation of 63 attendees. In addition, wnpa organizes guided tours to selected affiliated national parks. Wnpa provided funding for other organizations with similar missions including parks in focus, camp moreno project, naturebridge, and student conservation association.”

“Board expenses: program service expenses 15,755. Management and general expenses 15,668. Fundraising expenses 15,668. Total expenses 47,091. Publication, product & services development: program service expenses 9,286. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses 9,286.”

“There has been no change in either the oversight process or the selection process during the tax year.”