Boulder Artist’s Stickers Ignite Debate Over National Parks Passes

A controversy has emerged surrounding the 2026 National Parks passes as artist Jenny McCarty from Boulder, Colorado, has created custom stickers designed to obscure President Donald Trump‘s image on the new designs. This act of artistic protest has sparked a national dialogue about public lands and the role of political expression within them.

The stickers, which feature McCarty’s vibrant watercolor paintings of nature, aim to highlight growing concerns about recent policy changes affecting the National Parks Service. The shift in the pass design eliminated the public’s opportunity to vote for their favorite photographs, an element that many citizens cherished. McCarty’s artwork includes scenes of wildlife, such as a brown bear in a field and the iconic Denali mountain, capturing the essence of America’s natural beauty.

McCarty’s initiative is more than just a personal statement; it resonates with broader sentiments among public lands advocates. Critics argue that the new park pass design violates an act that relies on an annual photo contest, which has traditionally allowed citizens to engage directly with the national parks. The response to McCarty’s stickers has been significant, with over 1,000 orders received since their launch on December 10, 2023. The stickers are available for various types of passes, including those for seniors and military personnel, making them accessible to a wide audience.

Public Response and Support for the Initiative

The movement has garnered extensive support, including collaboration offers from a California sticker manufacturer and a former park ranger, who expressed willingness to assist with printing needs. Despite not yet receiving feedback from the National Park Service or other governmental bodies, McCarty sees the stickers as a creative outlet for peaceful dissent.

Her connection to the national parks is deeply personal, stemming from childhood visits that continued into her adult life. McCarty views the parks as shared lands meant to inspire joy and facilitate a connection with nature. The stickers serve as a non-violent means of expressing discontent with federal policies that affect public lands, including increased development and budget reductions that could threaten the integrity of the parks.

Many individuals have shared with McCarty how her project has provided them with a platform for political expression regarding federal policy changes. For those concerned that park rangers might not accept the sticker-covered passes, McCarty has suggested using a clear credit card holder to display the stickers.

In a philanthropic move, McCarty plans to donate every dollar from sticker sales to the National Park Foundation, emphasizing her commitment to preserving the national parks while advocating for public involvement in their management.

The stickers not only reflect McCarty’s artistic vision but also symbolize a collective desire for engagement and activism surrounding America’s treasured landscapes. As the debate continues, McCarty’s work highlights the intersection of art, politics, and public lands, resonating with many who wish to voice their concerns in a meaningful way.