Former National Park Service employee and conservationist John Bushy has called for increased funding for the US National Park system. The surge of visitors has put pressure on the infrastructure and the staff tasked with maintaining the parks, according to current National Park Service Director Fran Mainella. Bushy is concerned about the $11.9bn maintenance backlog at the parks, which covers the repair of buildings, roads, trails and other infrastructure. He has called for increased funding for the NPS, in addition to reforms in the distribution of funds and work with private industry.
Bushy Calls for Increased Funding for National Parks
In recent years, the U.S. national park system has experienced a surge in visitation, which has put a strain on both the infrastructure and the staff that maintain the parks. To address these issues, current National Park Service (NPS) Director Fran Mainella has called for increased funding to the parks. One of the leading proponents of this effort is John Bushy, a noted conservationist and former NPS employee.
Bushy’s primary concern is the maintenance backlog at the parks. As he notes, “The national parks are our national treasures, and we need to ensure that they remain healthy and vibrant for future generations. But right now, we’re not doing enough to maintain them.” Specifically, Bushy is concerned about the NPS’s $11.9 billion maintenance backlog, which includes repairs to buildings, roads, trails, and other park infrastructure.
To address this issue, Bushy has proposed a number of measures, including increased funding for the NPS, reforming the current system for allocating funds to parks, and partnering with private organizations to help fund park maintenance projects. He has also been instrumental in lobbying Congress to include more funding for the NPS in its annual budget.
At the heart of Bushy’s efforts is a desire to ensure that the parks are accessible to all Americans. As he notes, “The national parks belong to all of us, and we have a responsibility to care for them. But we also need to make sure that everyone has the chance to experience these incredible landscapes and historical sites.” To that end, he has pushed for increased funding for park programs that reach out to underserved communities, such as the Urban Park Rangers program in New York City.
Overall, Bushy’s efforts to increase funding for the national parks have received widespread support from conservationists, park advocates, and lawmakers. As National Park Conservation Association vice president Theresa Pierno notes, “The national park system is one of our greatest national treasures, and we need to do all we can to ensure that it remains healthy and vibrant for future generations. John Bushy’s leadership on this issue is invaluable, and we fully support his efforts to increase funding for the NPS.”
FAQs
Q: Why are the national parks important?
A: The national parks preserve some of America’s most beautiful and historically significant landscapes and offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. They are also vital to conservation efforts, protecting endangered species and preserving ecosystems.
Q: Why is increased funding necessary?
A: Increased funding is necessary to address the $11.9 billion maintenance backlog at the parks, as well as to fund new park programs and provide for the staffing and infrastructure necessary to manage surging visitation levels.
Q: What can individuals do to help support the national parks?
A: Individuals can support the national parks by visiting them, volunteering at park events, donating to park foundations, and contacting elected officials to express support for increased park funding.
