Tell Congress: Do Not Cut Funding to National Parks!

National parks contribute significantly to the tourism economy, with recent reports showing an increase in visitor spending. In 2022, 312 million park visitors spent an estimated $23.9 billion, supporting around 378,400 jobs and generating $50.3 billion in economic

Despite their economic significance, the National Park Service receives a relatively small portion of the budget, accounting for less than one fifteenth of one percent.

National parks have faced chronic underfunding, leading to staff reductions despite growing visitation rates. Between 2012 and 2022, park staffing decreased by 13% while visitation increased by 10%, resulting in diminished visitor services and resource protection capabilities.

The House Interior appropriations bill proposes a substantial 9% ($266 million) reduction in funding for national park operations, which could lead to severe cuts in park staffing and adversely impact resource protection and visitor services.

Additionally, the bill seeks to halve the park service's construction account, essential for addressing the deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks.

The proposed budget cuts would hamper the park service's ability to fulfill protection and visitor needs, potentially leading to significant staff reductions and setbacks in the recovery of parks, which have already been working to regain staffing levels after previous funding challenges.

National parks hold immense value for both Americans and international tourists. Despite their popularity, they have been grappling with inadequate funding for years, hindering their ability to provide expected services and care for natural and cultural resources.

A substantial budget cut like the one proposed in the FY24 House spending bill would impede the recovery of national parks, likely leading to prolonged setbacks in visitor experiences and resource protection efforts.

Sign our petition today to tell Congress not to cut this critical funding to our nation's most treasured open spaces. Our National Parks deserve better.