Case: National Parks Conservation Association v. Department of the Interior

1:26-cv-10877 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Feb. 17, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges the removal or alteration of interpretive materials pursuant to a Trump Administration Order that sought to censor science and history exhibits across the national park system. Plaintiffs, a coalition of nonprofits including the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), filed this action on February 17, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Plaintiffs sought to challenge the Department of the Interior (DOI) and National Park Service's (NP…

This case challenges the removal or alteration of interpretive materials pursuant to a Trump Administration Order that sought to censor science and history exhibits across the national park system.

Plaintiffs, a coalition of nonprofits including the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), filed this action on February 17, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Plaintiffs sought to challenge the Department of the Interior (DOI) and National Park Service's (NPS) implementation of Secretary’s Order 3431, which directed the removal or alteration of interpretive materials that purportedly “disparaged” Americans or emphasized topics disfavored by the administration. Plaintiffs contended that the Order was arbitrary and capricious, contrary to multiple NPS statutes that mandated accurate and inclusive interpretation, and adopted without the required procedures. The complaint asserted causes of action under the APA, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (NPOMA), the National Park Service Organic Act (NPSA), and the National Park Service Centennial Act (NPSCA). Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief to vacate the Secretary’s Order, halt further removals, and restore interpretive materials that had been taken down. The case was assigned to District Judge Angel Kelley.

On March 18, Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, which added the plaintiff, the Society of Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD), and expanded the factual record with new examples of removals of interpretive materials. The same day, Plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction and stay. On April 8, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. 

On June 4, 2026, the motion to dismiss was denied, holding that Plaintiffs established standing, the court had jurisdiction over this matter, and that the Secretary’s Order was a final agency action reviewable under the APA. 2026 WL 1601790. That same day, Plaintiffs notified the court of the NPS’s intent to remove three quotes at the Bunker Hill National Monument of Washington for being “woke.” 

On June 12, 2026, the court granted Plaintiffs’ motion for a stay and preliminary injunction, holding that: “Plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood that Defendants' efforts, ostensibly taken in the name of restoring dignity, instead seek to rewrite the Nation's history with a white-out pen.” 2026 WL 1706963. The court enjoined Defendants from taking any other action to enforce Secretary’s Order 3431 and ordered Defendants to restore any materials at NPS park sites that were removed, altered, or damaged pursuant to the Secretary’s Order. The court also ordered Defendants to file a status report every seven days detailing the steps they take to comply with this order.

On June 15, 2026, Defendants appealed the order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (Case No. 26-1714) and requested an administrative stay. In the district court, Defendants moved to stay the order pending appeal. On June 17, 2026, Defendants filed their status report pursuant to the court’s order. The court denied Defendants’ motion to stay pending appeal on June 18, 2026, holding that Defendants did not advance new arguments or offer proof that would show their likelihood of success on the merits. 2026 WL 1758422.

On June 18, 2026, Defendants filed an emergency motion in the First Circuit to stay pending appeal and made a separate request for an administrative stay pending resolution of the stay motion. 

On June 23, 2026, the First Circuit granted Defendants’ request for an administrative stay pending its final decision on the emergency motion, staying the order enjoining Defendants from enforcing Secretary’s Order 3431 or restoring park sites modified pursuant to the Secretary’s Order. 178 F.4th 805. 

On July 2, 2026, the First Circuit granted the stay motion, holding that Plaintiffs did not meet their burden of demonstrating that, without the injunction, they would face irreparable harm. The court found that Plaintiffs only demonstrated that harm would come to their members, not to themselves, and further reasoned that Defendants are likely to succeed on the merits of their appeal because Plaintiffs failed to meet their burden. 180 F.4th 348. 

On July 22, 2026, Defendants moved to stay all deadlines in the district court pending the appeal of the court’s preliminary injunction order. On August 6, 2026, Judge Kelley denied this motion. The court reasoned that the harm to Plaintiffs in staying the proceedings outweighs any harm to Defendants from denying a stay, which was articulated only as the burden of litigating the case.

This case is ongoing as of August 13, 2026. 

 

Summary Authors

Jason Bondurant (8/3/2026)

Madeline Dollard (8/14/2026)

Ben Hefter (2/27/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72285106/parties/national-parks-conservation-association-v-department-of-the-interior/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Bressler, Steven Y. (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

George, Abraham R. (Massachusetts)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Corrigan, Megan (Massachusetts)

Dinning, Samuel (Massachusetts)

Firestone, Michael (Massachusetts)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:26-cv-10877

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

National Parks Conservation Association v. U.S. Department of the Interior

Feb. 17, 2026

Feb. 17, 2026

Complaint
28

1:26-cv-10877

Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

National Parks Conservation Association et al. v. U.S. Department of the Interior et al.

March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

Complaint
37

1:26-cv-10877

Memorandum And Order On Defendants’ Motion To Dismiss

National Parks Conservation Association et al. v. U.S. Department of the Interior et al.

June 4, 2026

June 4, 2026

Order/Opinion

2026 WL 1601790

47

1:26-cv-10877

Memorandum And Order On Defendants’ Emergency Motion For Stay Pending Appeal

National Parks Conservation Association et al. v. United States Department of the Interior et al.

June 16, 2026

June 16, 2026

Order/Opinion
51

1:26-cv-10877

Memorandum And Order On Defendants’ Emergency Motion For Stay Pending Appeal

National Parks Conservation Association et al. v. United States Department of the Interior et al.

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

Order/Opinion

2026 WL 1758422

108466238

26-01714

Consented-To Amicus Curiae Brief By The City Of Boston In Support Of Appellees’ Opposition To Emergency Motion For Stay

National Parks Conservation Association et al. v. Department of the Interior et al.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief
108470604

26-01714

Order of the Court

National Parks Conservation Association et al. v. U.S. Department of the Interior et al.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Order/Opinion

180 F.4th 348

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72285106/national-parks-conservation-association-v-department-of-the-interior/

Last updated Aug. 30, 2026, 3:26 a.m.

Docket for: National Parks Conservation Association v. Department of the Interior
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Feb. 17, 2026

COMPLAINT against Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Doug Burgum, Jessica Bowron Filing fee: $ 405, receipt number AMADC-11552572 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Category Form)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Category Form

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Clearinghouse
2 Feb. 17, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Brooke Menschel Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11552983 by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Brooke Menschel)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

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3 Feb. 17, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Michael J. Torcello Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11553070 by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Michael J. Torcello)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

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4 Feb. 17, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Pablo A. Moraga Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11553090 by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Pablo A. Moraga)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

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5 Feb. 17, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Steven Y. Bressler Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11553113 by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Steven Y. Bressler)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
6 Feb. 17, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Robin F. Thurston Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11553126 by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Robin F. Thurston)(Samburg, Mark) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
7 Feb. 17, 2026

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. District Judge Angel Kelley assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. (CEH) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
8 Feb. 17, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ORDER entered. Standing Order Regarding Motion Practice. (CEH) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

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9 Feb. 17, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 2 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Brooke Menschel. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (CEH) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
10 Feb. 17, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 3 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Michael J. Torcello. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (CEH) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
11 Feb. 17, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 4 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Pablo A. Moraga. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (CEH) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
12 Feb. 17, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Steven Y. Bressler. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (CEH) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
13 Feb. 17, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 6 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Robin F. Thurston. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (CEH) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
14 Feb. 17, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Steven Y. Bressler on behalf of American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists (Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
15 Feb. 17, 2026

Summons Issued as to All Defendants. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (MAL) (Entered: 02/17/2026)

RECAP
Feb. 17, 2026

Notice of Case Assignment

Feb. 17, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

16 Feb. 19, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Brooke Menschel on behalf of American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

RECAP
17 Feb. 19, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Robin F. Thurston on behalf of American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists (Thurston, Robin) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

RECAP
18 Feb. 19, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Pablo Moraga on behalf of American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists (Moraga, Pablo) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

RECAP
19 Feb. 19, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Torcello on behalf of American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists (Torcello, Michael) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

RECAP
20 March 3, 2026

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to US Attorney by Union of Concerned Scientists, Association of National Park Rangers, American Association for State and Local History, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design. All Defendants. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

RECAP
21 March 3, 2026

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Union of Concerned Scientists, Association of National Park Rangers, American Association for State and Local History, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

RECAP
22 March 3, 2026

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Union of Concerned Scientists, Association of National Park Rangers, American Association for State and Local History, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

RECAP
23 March 3, 2026

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Union of Concerned Scientists, Association of National Park Rangers, American Association for State and Local History, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

RECAP
24 March 3, 2026

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Union of Concerned Scientists, Association of National Park Rangers, American Association for State and Local History, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

RECAP
25 March 3, 2026

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Union of Concerned Scientists, Association of National Park Rangers, American Association for State and Local History, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/03/2026)

RECAP
26 March 9, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Ian Swenson on behalf of Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service (Swenson, Ian) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

RECAP
27 March 18, 2026

Joint MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages and for Briefing Schedule by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

RECAP
28 March 18, 2026

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Doug Burgum, Jessica Bowron, filed by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists.(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

Clearinghouse
29 March 18, 2026

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and Stay pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 705 by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit 1 (Management Policies), # 4 Exhibit 2 (Director's Order #6), # 5 Exhibit 3 (Declaration of Alan Spears), # 6 Exhibit 4 (Declaration of Cybelle Jones), # 7 Exhibit 5 (Declaration of Donna Graves), # 8 Exhibit 6 (Declaration of Jennifer Goepfert), # 9 Exhibit 7 (Declaration of John Dichtl), # 10 Exhibit 8 (Declaration of Bill Wade), # 11 Exhibit 9 (Declaration of Emily Thompson), # 12 Exhibit 10 (Declaration of Julian Jon Reyes))(Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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3 Exhibit 1 (Management Policies)

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4 Exhibit 2 (Director's Order #6)

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5 Exhibit 3 (Declaration of Alan Spears)

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6 Exhibit 4 (Declaration of Cybelle Jones)

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7 Exhibit 5 (Declaration of Donna Graves)

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8 Exhibit 6 (Declaration of Jennifer Goepfert)

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9 Exhibit 7 (Declaration of John Dichtl)

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10 Exhibit 8 (Declaration of Bill Wade)

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11 Exhibit 9 (Declaration of Emily Thompson)

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12 Exhibit 10 (Declaration of Julian Jon Reyes)

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RECAP
30 March 19, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING the Parties’ 27 Joint MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages and for Briefing Schedule. The Court ADOPTS the Parties’ proposed page limits and briefing schedule, with minor modifications, as follows:-Plaintiffs’ motion for a stay pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 705 or preliminary injunction shall not exceed 35 pages;-Defendants’ combined opposition to Plaintiffs’ motion, and their motion to dismiss, shall not exceed 35 pages, and shall be filed no later than 21 days after the filing of Plaintiffs’ motion;-Plaintiffs’ combined reply in support of their motion and opposition to Defendants’ motion shall not exceed 20 pages and shall be filed no later than 14 days after the filing of Defendants opposition; and-Defendants’ reply in support of their motion shall not exceed 20 pages and shall be filed no later than 14 days after the filing of Plaintiffs’ reply. (CEH) (Entered: 03/19/2026)

RECAP
March 19, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

31 April 8, 2026

First MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction and in Support of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Bowron Declaration, # 4 Executive Order 14253, # 5 Secretary's Order 3431, # 6 SEGD 2025 Strategic Plan)(Swenson, Ian) (Entered: 04/08/2026)

1 Memorandum in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunctio

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2 Proposed Order

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3 Bowron Declaration

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4 Executive Order 14253

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5 Secretary's Order 3431

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6 SEGD 2025 Strategic Plan

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RECAP
32 April 13, 2026

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Hearing. A Status Conference has been set for 5/12/2026 03:00 PM in Courtroom 8 (Remote only) before District Judge Angel Kelley. This hearing will be conducted by video conference. Counsel of record will receive a video conference invite at the email registered in CM/ECF. If you have technical or compatibility issues with the technology, please notify the courtroom deputy of the session as soon as possible.Audio access to the hearing may be available to the media and public. Please check the Court schedule. In order to gain access to the hearing, you must sign up at the following address: https://forms.mad.uscourts.gov/courtlist.html.For questions regarding access to hearings, you may refer to the general orders and public notices of the Court available on www.mad.uscourts.gov or contact the session here.(MS) (Entered: 04/13/2026)

RECAP
April 13, 2026

Notice of Hearing

33 April 22, 2026

REPLY to Response to 29 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and Stay pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 705, 31 First MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint filed by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Torcello, Michael) (Entered: 04/22/2026)

RECAP
34 May 6, 2026

REPLY to Response to 31 First MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint filed by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit)(Swenson, Ian) (Entered: 05/06/2026)

1 Exhibit

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2 Exhibit

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3 Exhibit

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35 May 12, 2026

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before District Judge Angel Kelley: Status Conference held on 5/12/2026 by video conference.The Court discussed next steps with the parties and set a tentative motion hearing date for June 26, 2026. Motion Hearing set for 6/26/2026 11:00 AM in Courtroom 8 (In person only) before District Judge Angel Kelley. (Court Reporter: Linda Walsh at lwalshsteno@gmail.com.)(Attorneys present: Swenson, Menschel) (MAL) (Entered: 05/12/2026)

RECAP
May 12, 2026

Status Conference AND ~Util - Set Hearings

36 May 13, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Having conferred with the Parties during a Status Conference on May 12, 2026, the Court has determined to decide Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss Dkt. 31 on the papers. The Motion is hereby TAKEN UNDER ADVISEMENT. Should a future hearing on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction and Stay Dkt. 29 be necessary, the Court will proceed on the currently scheduled hearing date of June 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM. [See Dkt. 35].(CEH) (Entered: 05/13/2026)

RECAP
May 13, 2026

Order

37 June 4, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ORDER entered. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER. For the foregoing reasons, Defendants' Dkt. 31 Motion to Dismiss is DENIED. (CEH) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

Clearinghouse
38 June 4, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The Court, having reviewed and become familiar with the facts and legal arguments presented in this action following its disposition of Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss [Dkt. 37], and having conferred with the parties, who have indicated no objection, has determined to decide Plaintiffs’ Motion for Stay, or, in the Alternative, Preliminary Injunction [Dkt. 29] on the papers, in the interest of expeditious resolution. The motion hearing currently set for June 26, 2026, is CANCELLED, and the Motion is TAKEN UNDER ADVISEMENT.(CEH) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

RECAP
39 June 4, 2026

ELECTRONIC NOTICE CANCELLING HEARING. Motion Hearing set for 6/26/2026 11:00 AM in Courtroom 8 (In person only) before District Judge Angel Kelley is CANCELLED. (CEH) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

RECAP
40 June 4, 2026

NOTICE by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists of Factual Development (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

RECAP
June 4, 2026

Notice Cancelling Hearing

June 4, 2026

Order

41 June 12, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ORDER entered. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER. Plaintiffs' 29 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction and Stay pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 705 is GRANTED. (CEH) (Entered: 06/12/2026)

RECAP
42 June 15, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Romney Philpott on behalf of Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service (Philpott, Romney) (Entered: 06/15/2026)

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43 June 15, 2026

NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 37 Memorandum & ORDER, 41 Memorandum & ORDER,,,, by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Fee Status: US Government. NOTICE TO COUNSEL: A Transcript Report/Order Form, which can be downloaded from the First Circuit Court of Appeals web site at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov MUST be completed and submitted to the Court of Appeals. Counsel shall register for a First Circuit CM/ECF Appellate Filer Account at http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/cmecf. Counsel shall also review the First Circuit requirements for electronic filing by visiting the CM/ECF Information section at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/cmecf. US District Court Clerk to deliver official record to Court of Appeals by 7/6/2026. (Philpott, Romney) (Entered: 06/15/2026)

RECAP
44 June 15, 2026

MOTION to Stay Pending Appeal on Expedited Basis by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support of Motion, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 1: 2d Bowron Decl)(Philpott, Romney) (Entered: 06/15/2026)

1 Memorandum in Support of Motion

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2 Exhibit Exhibit 1: 2d Bowron Decl

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RECAP
45 June 16, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Before the Court is Defendants' Expedited Motion for Stay Pending Appeal. [Dkt. 44]. If Plaintiffs intend to file a response to the Motion, they are directed to do so by June 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.(CEH) (Entered: 06/16/2026)

RECAP
46 June 16, 2026

Certified and Transmitted Abbreviated Electronic Record on Appeal to US Court of Appeals re 43 Notice of Appeal (CEH) (Entered: 06/16/2026)

RECAP
47 June 16, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ORDER entered. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER. For the foregoing reasons, Defendants are DIRECTED to file by noon (12:00 PM) EST on June 17, 2026:-An inventory of each item removed, including (1) the reason(s) for removal; (2) the item’s medium (i.e., poster, paper, film, etc.); (3) the item’s current location, and if it has been moved or is in storage; (4) the item’s condition, including if the item has been damaged or destroyed; and (5) if the item has been destroyed, the expected process necessary for re-fabrication, such as reprinting as opposed to requiring an outside vendor.-What actions, if any, Defendants have taken to-date to comply with the Court’s June 12, 2026, Order. This deadline aligns with the directive in the Court’s Order for Stay that Defendants provide an initial status report within five calendar days.Defendants’ Emergency Motion for Stay Pending Appeal [Dkt. 44] is otherwise taken under advisement pending receipt of the requested information.(CEH) (Entered: 06/16/2026)

Clearinghouse
June 16, 2026

Order

48 June 17, 2026

Opposition re 44 MOTION to Stay Pending Appeal on Expedited Basis filed by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

RECAP
49 June 17, 2026

STATUS REPORT by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit, # 2 Exhibit)(Philpott, Romney) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

1 Affidavit

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2 Exhibit

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50 June 17, 2026

USCA Case Number 26-1714 for 43 Notice of Appeal, filed by Jessica Bowron, Department of the Interior, Doug Burgum, National Park Service. (CEH) (Entered: 06/17/2026)

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June 17, 2026

USCA Case Number

51 June 18, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ORDER entered. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER. Defendants’ [Dkt. 44] Motion for Stay Pending Appeal is DENIED. Defendants are further DIRECTED to ensure that when the exhibits are reinstalled, they remain available and visible to the public, subject to lawful changes or modifications. Defendants may seek limited extensions or exemptions from the Injunction Order, as needed, for specific interpretive material that have already been destroyed or damaged. (CEH) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

Clearinghouse
52 June 18, 2026

Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to June 25, 2026 to File Answer by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Philpott, Romney) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

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53 June 18, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 52 Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to June 25, 2026 to File Answer (CEH) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

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June 18, 2026

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

54 June 24, 2026

STATUS REPORT by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Administrative Stay)(Swenson, Ian) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

1 Exhibit Administrative Stay

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55 June 25, 2026

ANSWER to 28 Amended Complaint, by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service.(Philpott, Romney) (Entered: 06/25/2026)

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56 July 2, 2026

ORDER of USCA as to 43 Notice of Appeal, filed by Jessica Bowron, Department of the Interior, Doug Burgum, National Park Service (CEH) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

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57 July 10, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ORDER entered. The parties are directed to consult and submit an agreed-upon schedule outlining: (1) the time frame for Defendants production of the certified administrative record, (2) any disputes regarding the administrative record such as supplementing the record or propounding discovery, and (3) the filing of dispositive motions, no later than seven (7) days before the Scheduling Conference. The parties may follow the attached sam ple scheduling order, to the extent applicable. If the parties are unable to agree on a joint proposal, then separate proposed orders should be submitted. If the Court finds parties' proposed deadlines reasonable or requires only minor adjustments, it may enter a scheduling order in lieu of holding the scheduling conference. Otherwise, Scheduling Conference set for 8/18/2026 10:30 AM in Remote Proceeding : Boston before District Judge Angel Kelley. (CEH)

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58 July 10, 2026

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Hearing. Scheduling Conference set for 8/18/2026 10:30 AM in Remote Proceeding : Boston before District Judge Angel Kelley. (CEH) (Entered: 07/10/2026)

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July 10, 2026

Notice of Hearing

59 July 22, 2026

MOTION to Stay All Deadlines by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support of Motion to Stay All Deadlines, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Swenson, Ian) (Entered: 07/22/2026)

1 Memorandum in Support of Motion to Stay All Deadlines

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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60 July 22, 2026

MEMORANDUM in Support re 59 MOTION to Stay All Deadlines filed by Jessica Bowron, Doug Burgum, Department of the Interior, National Park Service. (CEH) (Entered: 07/23/2026)

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61 Aug. 5, 2026

Opposition re 59 MOTION to Stay All Deadlines filed by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 08/05/2026)

RECAP
62 Aug. 6, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Before the Court is Defendants’ Motion to Stay All Deadlines pending the First Circuit’s review of the Court’s June 12, 2026, preliminary injunction order. [Dkt. 59]. Plaintiffs oppose the Motion. [Dkt. 61]. For the following reasons, Defendants’ 59 Motion to Stay is DENIED.Ordinarily, “[a]n appeal from the grant or denial of a preliminary injunction does not divest the trial court of jurisdiction or prevent it from taking other steps in the litigation while the appeal is pending.” Contour Design, Inc. v. Chance Mold Steel Co., 649 F.3d 31, 34 (1st Cir. 2011) (quoting 11A Wright & Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure § 2962, at 438-39 (2d ed. 1995)). District courts have inherent discretionary authority to stay pending litigation “when the efficacious management of court dockets reasonably requires such intervention.” Marquis v. F.D.I.C., 965 F.2d 1148, 1154 (1st Cir. 1992) (citing, inter alia, Landis v. N. Am. Co., 299 U.S. 248, 254-55 (1936)). That said, “stays cannot be cavalierly dispensed: there must be good cause for their issuance; they must be reasonable in duration; and the court must ensure that competing equities are weighed and balanced.” Id. at 1155. The movant “bears the burden of establishing its need.” Clinton v. Jones, 520 U.S. 681, 708 (1997).Defendants contend that there is good cause to stay proceedings while their appeal is pending. They argue that a stay “would conserve the parties’ resources and judicial resources” because the two proceedings present “overlapping” issues, including concerns relevant to irreparable harm, standing, and the merits of Plaintiffs’ claims.Weighing the competing interests in this case, the Court finds that the harm to Plaintiffs in staying the proceedings outweighs any harm to Defendants from denying a stay. The First Circuit has already stayed this Court’s preliminary injunction order, reducing any harm to Defendants from the relief previously ordered. At the same time, Defendants may implement the Secretary’s Order pending appeal, and Plaintiffs therefore continue to suffer meaningful harm from its implementation—even if the First Circuit ultimately determines that such harm does not rise to the level of irreparable harm necessary for a preliminary injunction. The only harm Defendants articulate is the burden of litigating this case. But merely “being required to defend a suit, without more, does not constitute a ‘clear case of hardship or inequity.’” Ctr. for Biological Diversity v. Ross, 419 F. Supp. 3d 16, 21 (D.D.C. 2019) (quoting Landis, 299 U.S. at 255). Moreover, the litigation remains at an early stage. The only pending obligation is for counsel to submit a proposed schedule for preparing the administrative record, extra-record discovery, if necessary, and summary judgment briefing. There is no imminent trial, final judgment, or other particularly burdensome procedural step in the immediate future. The Court thus declines to exercise its discretion to stay the proceedings at this time.Defendants’ invocation of Coinbase, Inc. v. Bielski, 599 U.S. 736 (2023), does not alter this conclusion, as the Supreme Court’s holding in that case “reaches only arbitration appeals under § 16(a)” of the Federal Arbitration Act. Id. at 761 (Jackson, J., dissenting). That context is inapplicable here.Accordingly, Defendants’ Motion to Stay All Deadlines is DENIED. (CEH) (Entered: 08/06/2026)

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Aug. 6, 2026

Order on Motion to Stay

63 Aug. 11, 2026

Proposed Document(s) submitted by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists. Document received: Proposed Scheduling Order. (Menschel, Brooke) (Entered: 08/11/2026)

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64 Aug. 11, 2026

Recommendations for Scheduling Order . (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Swenson, Ian) (Entered: 08/11/2026)

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65 Aug. 12, 2026

NOTICE of Objection by American Association for State and Local History, Association of National Park Rangers, Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Union of Concerned Scientists re 63 Proposed Document(s) submitted, 64 Recommendations for Scheduling Order, 57 Order, (Menschel, Brooke) Modified on 8/13/2026 to modify docket text (CEH). (Entered: 08/12/2026)

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66 Aug. 18, 2026

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before District Judge Angel Kelley: Scheduling Conference held on 8/18/2026. The Court heard the parties' proposed scheduling order deadlines. Plaintiffs shall submit briefing on jurisdictional discovery issue no later than 8/26/2026. Further order regarding scheduling order deadlines to issue at a later date. (Court Reporter: Linda Walsh at lwalshsteno@gmail.com.)(Attorneys present: Menschel, Bressler, Torcello, Moraga, Samburg, Swenson) (MAL) (Entered: 08/18/2026)

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Aug. 18, 2026

Scheduling Conference

67 Aug. 19, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ORDER entered. Having reviewed and considered the parties' Proposed Scheduling Orders [Dkts. 63; 64], it is hereby ORDERED that the proposed deadlines be ADOPTED IN PART and set as follows:SCHEDULING ORDER DEADLINES:Defendants to file Administrative Record by September 17, 2026Amendments to pleadings due no later than September 25, 2026Motions to supplement Administrative Record, if any, due by September 30, 2026Deadlines regarding fact discovery, if any, and dispositive motions to be determined following this Court's ruling on Plaintiffs' forthcoming briefing on jurisdictional discovery, as discussed with the parties during the August 18, 2026, Status Conference. [See Dkt. 66].(MAL) (Entered: 08/19/2026)

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69 Aug. 21, 2026

NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, available on the court website at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/transcripts.htm (DRK) (Entered: 08/24/2026)

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Aug. 24, 2026

Notice of Filing of Official Transcript

71 Aug. 28, 2026

District Judge Angel Kelley: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. As explained at the August 19, 2026, Scheduling Conference and in the Court’s Scheduling Order issued that same date, the Court has not yet determined whether to permit discovery on standing and therefore has not set relevant deadlines. [Dkt. 67]. Put another way, discovery has not started and may not be allowed. The Court permitted Plaintiffs to submit briefing on the propriety of permitting Defendants to engage in discovery. In Plaintiffs' briefing, they attached Defendants’ discovery requests. [Dkts. 70-2; 70-3]. Consequently, the Court clarifies its prior orders to avoid wasted time and efforts to respond to the broad requests and STAYS discovery pending this Court's ruling on Defendants’ request for jurisdictional discovery. If Defendants intend to file any briefing on the propriety of jurisdictional discovery, Defendants have seven (7) days from this order to do so.(CEH) (Entered: 08/28/2026)

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Aug. 28, 2026

Order

Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 17, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Coalition of environmental, historical, and labor nonprofits dedicated to protecting and enhancing the National Park System.

Attorney Organizations:

Democracy Forward

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Department of the Interior

National Park Service

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Parks

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:26-cv-10877

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit 26-01714

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

None yet

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Order Duration: 2026 - 2026

Issues

General/Misc.:

Government services

Discrimination Area:

Content/viewpoint discrimination

Environmental Justice and Resources:

Funding

Recommended Citation