Atlanta, Ga. –Representatives John Barrow (GA-12), Sanford Bishop (GA-2), Henry Johnson (GA-4), John Lewis (GA-5) and David Scott (GA-13) have been honored with a Friend of the National Parks award from the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for their contribution to protecting and enhancing America’s national parks. The award, presented to 236 members of Congress on June 21st recognizes members with pro-park voting records during the 111th Congress.

 “Georgia’s national parks are significant economic generators for recreational and heritage tourism in the state.  These Representatives have demonstrated a solid commitment to sustaining these assets for future generations,” said NPCA Program Manager Chris Watson.  “Support from Representatives Barrow, Bishop, Johnson, Lewis and Scott is critical for the continuing vitality of our national parks.”

 NPCA’s Friend of the National Parks award was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members’ votes on significant park issues. For the 111th Congress, NPCA examined 12 key House votes and six key Senate votes. Senators who voted pro-park four out of six times received the award as did House members who supported parks on at least seven out of twelve votes.

 A complete list of the 57 senators and 179 representatives who received NPCA’s award is available online at http://www.npca.org/protecting-our-parks/policy-legislation/park-policy/friend-award.html.  

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 600,000 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.

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