America’s Next National Parks: Top Prospects for Expansion

America’s national park system stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to preserving its most extraordinary natural and cultural treasures. With 63 designated units currently under the National Park Service, the push for expansion continues through advocacy, legislation, and growing public support. These prospective parks promise to safeguard diverse ecosystems, from vast rainforests to ancient indigenous sites, ensuring future generations can experience untouched wilderness and rich heritage.

Why Expand the National Park System?

The designation of national park status elevates protections, limits development, and boosts conservation funding. Organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) champion these efforts, collaborating with lawmakers to nominate sites based on biodiversity, cultural significance, and recreational value. Recent additions, such as New River Gorge, demonstrate how such upgrades can revitalize local economies while shielding irreplaceable landscapes from threats like logging, mining, and urbanization.

Proposals often originate from local communities, scientists, and indigenous groups, emphasizing climate resilience—such as carbon-storing forests—and habitat for endangered species. Senate bills and congressional acts signal momentum, with unanimous support in some cases highlighting bipartisan appeal.

Tongass National Forest: The Temperate Rainforest Giant

Spanning Alaska, Tongass National Forest represents the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest and America’s biggest national forest. Encompassing millions of acres of old-growth trees, glaciers, and fjords, it supports grizzly bears, salmon runs, and bald eagles. Advocates push for enhanced protections amid logging pressures, positioning it as a prime candidate for national park elevation to preserve its role in global carbon sequestration.

• Biodiversity hotspots: Home to over 300 bird species and ancient cedars over 1,000 years old.
• Climate impact: Stores vast amounts of carbon, mitigating climate change.
• Challenges: Balancing timber interests with conservation.

Klamath-Siskiyou Forests: A Coniferous Wonderland

Straddling Oregon and California, the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion boasts one of the planet’s richest temperate coniferous forests. A proposed Ancient Forest National Park would stretch 230 miles from the Rogue River to the Eel River, protecting diverse tree species, rare plants, and wildlife corridors. This biologically dense area, with its rugged mountains and wild rivers, faces threats from logging and road-building.

Northwoods: Midwest’s Vast Wilderness

In Michigan and Wisconsin, the Sierra Club envisions a North Woods National Park encompassing three million acres. This would include the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, glacial lakes, wild rivers, and expansive wetlands. Dense with carbon-rich boreal forests, it offers pristine paddling, hiking, and wildlife viewing, potentially becoming the region’s largest protected area.

Local support grows as communities recognize tourism benefits over extractive industries, with proposals emphasizing water purity and moose populations.

Katahdin Woods and Waters: Maine’s Northern Gem

Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, highlighted by Senator Angus King, emerges as a strong contender. Spanning remote forests around Mount Katahdin, it features moose, ancient pines, and the Penobscot River. A pending bill seeks to expand it by 43,000 acres, enhancing its path to full national park status due to cultural ties with indigenous Penobscot Nation and recreational allure.

• Expansion potential: Adds key river corridors.
• Cultural significance: Sacred to native tribes.
• Activities: Backcountry skiing, river rafting.

Delaware Water Gap: Eastern States’ Pioneer Park

Bridging New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area could become the first national park for both states. Its dramatic river gorge, waterfalls, and Appalachian trails draw millions annually. Upgrading status would strengthen protections against development along the Delaware River, preserving scenic vistas and hiking networks.

Florida Big Bend: Coastal Haven

Florida’s panhandle holds the longest undeveloped coastline in the contiguous U.S. A proposed 1.9 million-acre Florida Big Bend National Park would safeguard beaches, wetlands, rivers, springs, and seagrass beds. Vital for sea turtles, manatees, and blue carbon storage, it combats erosion and supports fisheries amid rising seas.

Separate efforts target Ocala National Forest’s springs for a Florida Springs National Park, building on the state’s Everglades legacy.

Mojave Desert and Sacred Sites

In California, the NPCA advocates for Mojave Desert expansions post-landfill victories. Vast dunes, Joshua trees, and desert tortoises define this arid expanse, with proposals aiming to link existing preserves.

Cahokia Mounds in Illinois, a UNESCO site, represents ancient Mississippian culture with massive earthen pyramids. Alongside Nevada’s Swamp Cedars and Georgia’s Ocmulgee Mounds, it underscores indigenous heritage pushes within the park system.

Other Rising Stars

Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona: Proposed bills in 2016 and 2023 seek Chiricahua National Park status for its hoodoos, canyons, and biodiversity hotspots, including coatimundis and over 300 bird species.

Shawnee National Forest, Illinois: Known as the ‘Land of the Ozarks,’ activists propose Shawnee National Park for its hills, caves, and gardens, potentially Illinois’ first.

Guadalupe Mountains, Texas: Expansion bills target this Permian fossil haven, enhancing Permian Reef trails and high peaks.

Craters of the Moon, Idaho: Volcanic landscapes gain traction for surreal lava fields and cinder cones.

Legislative Landscape and Challenges

Senate bills, like one for Klamath-Siskiyou passed unanimously in March, show progress. However, hurdles include local economic concerns, federal funding, and political divides. NPCA’s pipeline prioritizes sites with strong coalitions.

Visitor Impacts and Accessibility

New parks could transform tourism, with recent Interior Department updates modernizing access and fees to balance crowds. Policies aim for affordability while prioritizing preservation, including higher fees for international visitors to fund maintenance.

FAQs

What makes a site eligible for national park status?

Criteria include outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value, with congressional approval required. NPS studies precede designations.

How many national parks exist today?

There are 63 units, from Yellowstone to recent additions like New River Gorge.

Which state lacks a national park?

Several, including Delaware, but gaps drive proposals like Delaware Water Gap.

Can visitors access these prospective parks now?

Many are national forests or monuments open for exploration, with varying protections.

What role does climate play in these proposals?

Sites like rainforests and seagrass beds are prioritized for carbon storage and resilience.