A 2016 Washington Post headline included the question: “Yosemite, Sponsored by Starbucks?” That headline stirred loud opposition and lots of jokes, such as the suggestion that Old Faithful might be used to pitch Viagra. The National Park Service (NPS) quickly indicated that the sale of national park naming rights was not in its plans, and NPS rules and guidance clearly state that “commercialization” is prohibited by law and by NPS policy. In-park recognition of donors on temporary signage, brochures, banners, paving stones. is permitted. In response to discussions of a wider corporate role, one unidentified Park Service superintendent said: “For me as a federal employee and a taxpayer, I think it is unethical to be advertising for a corporation.” The national parks are significantly underfunded and have billions of dollars of deferred maintenance. 

a. Do you see anything unethical about an increased corporate presence at our national parks? Explain. 

b. Do you think an increased corporate presence at our national parks would in any way threaten those parks? Explain.