Funding Parks in the Northern Rockies
Grand Teton National Park: Funding Maintenance and Land Acquisition
NPCA's Grand Teton Field Office also works to improve the park's financial resources so Grand Teton has the funding and skilled staff necessary to protect the natural resources and enhance visitor experiences. Organization wide, NPCA is the national leader in building a national parks movement that was successful this year in encouraging Congress to address the National Park Service operating shortfalls (an estimated $600 million a year shortfall) and maintenance backlogs ($100 million in Grand Teton alone). Congress increased appropriations to support national parks by $24.5 million in FY08. Park funding will continue to be an a priority of NPCA in preparation for the National Park Service’s centennial in 2016.
The Field Office in Jackson Hole helps educate local, state, and national leaders to better understand Grand Teton’s needs. For example, when owners of private inholdings desire to have their lands protected in perpetuity as part of the national park, NPCA often advocates for the federal acquisition of these lands. Since 1950 thousands of acres have been protected in this way, but more protection is needed. A renewed effort is required to address a lack of land acquisition funding that affects owners interested in selling to the park.
Read more about NPCA's Grand Teton Field Office
