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America's national parks inspire us as a nation, teach our children about history and the wonders of the natural world, and aim to realize the dreams of our forefathers that "the parks contain the highest potentialities of national pride, national contentment, and national health." But to fulfill this intention, we must take immediate action to address the chronic funding shortfalls that are crippling the National Park Service’s ability to serve as guardian of the nation’s heritage.

To be sure, the Park Service does a great job with the limited funding available, and most visitors enjoy their vacations. But behind the scenes--and sometimes peeking through the curtain--is a growing litany of problems caused by chronic under funding. Without greater investment, a crippling annual operating shortfall, which now exceeds $800 million, threatens America's national parks. We can no longer neglect our responsibility to act. The national parks represent America’s heritage--our legacy to the future.

With the 100th birthday of the National Park System approaching in 2016, we have a prime opportunity to renew our commitment to these national treasures and reinvest in their protection to ensure a healthy, happy birthday for the park system and the dedicated park staff that inspire generations of Americans, and the world. 

Download examples of the critical needs of our national parks, sorted by state (PDF).