Washington, DC — Today, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) will honor members of Congress with the Friend of the National Parks Award for their contribution to protecting and enhancing America’s national parks. The award will be presented to 157 representatives currently serving in the 113th Congress for their support of legislation during the 112th Congress that upheld the standards and integrity of the National Park System.

“We are grateful that these honored members of Congress have demonstrated a solid commitment to preserving our national heritage,” said NPCA Acting President Theresa Pierno. “As the National Park Service approaches its centennial in 2016, support from our members of Congress is essential toward ensuring places like Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and the Everglades are preserved and protected for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”

Award recipients will be honored today at a reception on Capitol Hill. To view a complete list of the 157 representatives who received NPCA’s award, visit:   http://www.npca.org/protecting-our-parks/policy-legislation/park-policy/friend-award.html. 

NPCA’s “Friend of the National Parks Award” was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members’ votes on significant park issues. This year, NPCA compiled votes for seven national park-related bills in the House. To receive the award, representatives had to vote correctly at least four out of seven times. Due to an insufficient number of roll call votes on national park-related legislation in the Senate during the 112th Congress, this is the first time that NPCA has only recognized one chamber with the award.

Also demonstrating their support for national parks, 223 members of Congress recently signed a letter to President Obama expressing interest in collaborating on a centennial initiative for national parks. The letter, signed by 51 Senators and 172 House Members, shows broad bipartisan support for revitalizing our national parks leading up to the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016. Park advocates and supporters recognize that this historic occasion provides an opportunity for our leaders to work together to protect America’s national parks legacy for the future.

Note: reception photos will be available online following the event at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30346074@N04/sets/72157634597793116/.

About NPCA: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its 800,000 members and supporters, and many partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for our children and grandchildren.

For more information, visit: www.npca.org.

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