Washington, D.C.—The nation’s leading voice for the national parks, the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) today submitted testimony for consideration at the Senate Subcommittee hearing on national parks, which supports legislation to create more service opportunities in national parks and other public lands.

“In tough economic times, we have an opportunity to engage all Americans in protecting our national parks and public lands across the country,” said NPCA Legislative Representative Alan Spears. “Establishing a Public Land Service Corps will help reduce the maintenance backlog facing our national parks, and foster stronger connections between public lands and communities all across America.”

The Senate Subcommittee Hearing on Public Lands and Forests today will discuss S. 1442—the Public Lands Corps Act. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), builds upon the Serve America legislation and the existing Public Lands Service Corps Act of 1993 to create thousands of new, long-term service positions for young people and older Americans in national parks, national forests, and other public lands. NPCA advocates for the addition of at least 10,000 new, full-time service positions to be devoted to work in our national parks within the next few years, through the expansion of this bill.

In the national parks, which have a backlog of maintenance projects that exceeds $8 billion, new Service Corps members might rehabilitate campgrounds, restore historic structures, eradicate invasive species, and help conduct science and research projects in the park system. They might also reach out to communities and help enhance interpretations and education of national park visitors.

The Senate Subcommittee hearing on Public Lands and Forests will take place today, October 29 at 2:30 p.m. Companion legislation (HR 1612) is pending passage in the House.

To view NPCA's testimony, please click here. 

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