CHANNEL ISLANDS : Association to Run Park Center Studied

Channel Islands National Park officials want to form a community-based association to operate concessions in the park’s visitor center and to organize educational programs.

The new group was tentatively named the Channel Islands Nature and History Assn. in a feasibility study recently completed by park officials, said Channel Islands spokeswoman Carol Spears.

Park officials expect the association to officially debut by June, when it will replace the Southwest Parks and Monuments Assn.,a Tucson, Ariz., foundation currently operating concessions in the park’s visitor center.

The main responsibility of park associations is the sale of educational books and pamphlets about the natural and human history of the islands, Spears said. The association sells the materials and provides a percentage to the park.

An association made up of volunteers will be able to provide a better selection of educational materials, Spears said.

Almost all of the country’s national parks operate their own natural and historical associations, Spears said. “It is really part of the growing-up stage for a park to form its own association.”