(Washington, DC, July 27, 2006) — Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen today expressed her deep regret at the sudden and unexpected resignation yesterday, of National Park Service Director, Fran Mainella.

“Director Mainella has been an outstanding champion of our National Parks and a true friend to me and the Virgin Islands.  She visited the islands several times and was very instrumental in helping us to secure the Ranger Center at Salt River National Park and Ecological Preserve.”  Delegate Christensen said. 

Director Mainella was the first director to ever visit many smaller and lesser-known national parks. During her tenure she oversaw a number of contentious issues including a draft NPS management proposal that would have placed more emphasis on recreation and expanded the use of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles on federal land which was widely denounced by environmental groups and lawmakers alike.

“As the Ranking Democrat on the National Parks Subcommittee on the House, Fran and I developed a good working relationship over her six year tenure as NPS Director.  She will be missed not just for the attention she gave to the Park Service issues in the Virgin Islands but because of sense of dedication and enthusiasm for our national treasures across the nation.”  Christensen said.