Funding cuts are pushing our national parks to the breaking point

I worked for the National Park Service for 41 years, working in program offices, battlefield sites, and large national parks such as Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite. I retired nearly 11 years before he did and became an advocate and member of the American National Parks Conservation Coalition, where I currently serve as its National Parks Chair.

In over 50 years, the National Park System has never been adequately funded. This is unacceptable.

More than five months into fiscal year 2024, Congress has finally passed some legislation. spending bill — Includes funding for the National Park Service and other public land agencies. Thanks to recently passed legislation, we were thankfully able to avoid another complete government shutdown.

I appreciate the efforts of the expropriators to reach a compromise, and especially that they was denied The most egregious of the anti-environmental policies proposed, it would have caused further harm to our national parks and public lands, their wildlife, and our nation’s clean air and water.

Unfortunately, however, the National Park Service’s 2024 budget is $150 million reduction From the 2023 level. Last year’s funding was not enough to restore lost staffing levels, and further cuts and inflationary pressures will only exacerbate the chronic problems plaguing the National Park Service.

National parks and the programs and offices that support them are understaffed. Over the years, as visitor numbers to national parks have increased, the number of National Park Service employees available to fully and safely operate national parks has decreased by more than 3,000.

Staffing national parks from 2012 to 2022 The number of visitors increased by 10%, but the number of visitors decreased by 13%. And the NPS budget is Less than one-fifteenth of one percent of the federal budget. Rising cost of living and inflation have absorbed the small budget increases seen over the years.

National Park Service employees are overworked and underpaid as the agency struggles to maintain basic operations.That employee is no wonder. morale Very low.

I don’t understand why Congress would refuse to invest more in our national parks when they are so important to local economies and the American people. From a high-minded perspective, they provide spaces of adventure, shelter, and fun for millions of Americans. From a practical point of view, they help protect irreplaceable natural and cultural resources and convey the history of our country. And from a purely economic point of view, 3 billion dollars By investing in our national parks, $50.3 billion It benefits the country’s economy and supports 378,400 jobs.

Simply put, national parks, forests, monuments and wildlife reserves all need more funding. Parks and program offices need to hire more staff to protect resources and provide a safe and memorable experience for visitors. The agency will tackle critical repair projects and crumbling infrastructure, address the effects of climate change, and provide additional affordable housing so parks can hire the staff they need to operate during peak seasons. , in need of additional funding.

2024 will be a tough year for national parks and public lands. The “do more with less” mode of operation is reaching breaking point. More facilities such as campgrounds and visitor centers will close to save money. Tours and programs are canceled. Visitors are already feeling the effects of budget shortfalls, but it will get worse.

It is long past time for Congress to recognize the importance of national parks and public lands. We call for more funding to be allocated to national park systems and other land management and environmental protection agencies by 2025.

Time is running out to truly protect our national parks and public lands for future generations.

Phil Francis has worked for the National Park Service for more than 40 years and is chairman of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.