The Authority
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has two main purposes:
- to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area; and
- to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public.
In carrying out these aims, we also have a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities.
The membership of the Authority is set out in legislation. It consists of 22 members: 12 appointed from the local County and District Councils and 10 appointed by the Secretary of State (six in recognition of the national status of the area and four to represent the parishes in the National Park).
Secretary of State members appointed to represent the national interest may be appointed for up to four years - this can be extended to a maximum of 10 years. (For more information about the appointment of members by the Secretary of State, visit the Defra website)
The Authority also employs approximately 140 staff. They are managed by the Chief Executive, who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Authority.
It is the National Park Authority's job to:
- help anyone who visits, works or lives in the area to protect and maintain the National Park, and
- help people to understand and enjoy the landscape, wildlife and local history of the Yorkshire Dales.
In this section of our website you can read about how the Authority works, find out more about Authority and other committee meetings, download copies of meeting agendas and associated papers and obtain contact details for members. If you would like to read about our current strategies for managing the National Park visit Plans, strategies and policies.
