President Trump’s Proposed Budget Could Decimate At Least 350 National Park Sites

Washington, DC – The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has calculated the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the National Park Service budget could result in more than a 75% reduction to the National Park System. With 433 national park units across the country, that would essentially wipe out budgets and staffing for at least 350 national park units. The administration’s recently released budget proposal calls for a cut of more than $1 billion to the National Park Service, which includes a $900 million cut to the operations of our national parks, the largest proposed cut in the Park Service’s 109-year history. A list of targeted national parks will likely not be available until the president’s full budget comes out later this month. However, based on a review of the latest reliable budget data for each unit in the Park System, achieving a $900 million cut to operations would require eliminating funding for roughly 350 park sites — from the smallest to some of the largest.

Despite their soaring popularity and the economic and cultural value they provide, the administration continues to systematically dismantle the Park Service—freezing hiring, forcing resignations, eliminating purchasing ability, canceling leases and banning travel. And with a major workforce reduction still looming, the worst is yet to come.

Below is a statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association:

“The president’s proposed budget plan is beyond extreme. It is catastrophic. Every action taken so far by this administration has chipped away at national parks and their staff, but this budget is the final blow. If enacted by Congress, our national park system would be completely decimated.

“The numbers speak for themselves. Proposed cuts of this magnitude could shutter at least 350 national parks sites across the country, effectively more than 75% of our Park System. This proposal is an all-out assault on America’s national parks.

“Our national parks aren’t just places on a map. They’re our shared legacy, safeguarding the beauty, history and culture of our country. For over a century, Americans have loved and protected our national parks, battlefields, historic sites, recreation areas and so much more. We can’t be the generation that lets an administration’s reckless agenda unravel this great legacy.

“Silence is complicity. Congress must get off the sidelines and act now. Every member of Congress must stand up and reject this reckless proposal.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.