(S. 2371) Mining in the National Park System Act: The vote is on the Stevens amendment to leave a section of Glacier Bay National Monument open to new mining claims because industry hoped to find additional nickel deposits. The press had publicized the despoliation of Death Valley and five other National Parks and Monuments which had been left open to new mining claims. The Senate bill sought to protect these areas and close them to mining. National Parks are established for the purpose of preservation and not for commercial use. Conservationists have long maintained that mining is incompatible with the purposes of the National Park System. The President took no position but the Interior Department favored the amendment. February 4, 1976. Rejected 33-53. The correct vote is no.