National Parks Conservation Association Praises Obama Budget for National Parks

Statement by NPCA President Tom Kiernan

“President Obama has proposed a fiscal year 2010 budget for the national parks that takes needed action toward restoring our national treasures.

“The president’s budget proposal includes an increase of $135 million to operate and maintain our national parks and a total of $68 million to acquire land from willing sellers and prevent inappropriate development inside national parks. It also provides $25 million for the parks’ public-private partnership program, which is awaiting authorization by Congress. Moreover, the president's initial investment in a 21st Century Youth Conservation Corps is a positive step toward engaging and training the next generation of national park stewards.

“We also applaud the president for proposing $183 million for land management agencies, including the National Park Service, to implement clean energy initiatives and activities to assess and respond to the effect of climate change on wildlife. Safeguarding national parks like Glacier and the Great Smoky Mountains will ensure the protection of wildlife and wild places for our children and grandchildren, and provide economic and other benefits for the communities that thrive near these priceless places.

“The Obama Administration clearly recognizes the importance of national parks to our economy and quality of life; we now look to Congress to continue the federal commitment toward restoring our national parks in time for the 2016 centennial of the National Park Service.”

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