The Peaks, Plateaus and Canyons Association (PPCA) is a network of non-profit cooperating associations representing public lands throughout the Colorado Plateau. PPCA covers such diverse lands as red rock canyons, white gypsum sand dunes, dinosaur quarries, geologic wonders, historic pioneer ranches and so much more! And it all started from humble beginnings nearly a century ago.
The year was 1920, just four years after the creation of the National Park Service. Park ranger Ansel Hall recognized the need for a partner to help the Park Service provide high-quality materials to park visitors.
He founded the Yosemite Museum Association which later became the Yosemite Natural History Association; a non-profit partner to the Park—now called a “cooperating association”—dedicated to the support of visitor education.
From that small start, cooperating associations have grown into a national force in sustaining the educational and scientific efforts of the National Park Service. More recently the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and other federal land management agencies have become partners as well.
Cooperating associations throughout the nation assist their federal agency partners through the publication of high-quality area-specific publications. Books, posters and audio-visual materials provide visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation of their public lands.
They also make information available to those who may not be able to visit in person. “Traveling information trunks” and websites are two ways associations are able to reach people. Public lectures and educational courses are also offered throughout the country from Hawaii to Maine and Alaska to Florida.
Your purchase from a non-profit cooperating association bookstore helps to support the public lands you visit. On behalf of the cooperating associations who make up the PPCA, we thank you for your support.