With such a strong statement on national parks last year, the American people had hoped for a strong commitment in this budget. I urge you to redirect your Administration's efforts toward greater resource protection.
Dear President Bush,
I am writing in regard to your Administration's national parks budget proposal.
In response to the increasing pressures of park visitation, you had made a commitment to "preserve the natural beauty that draws us [to the national parks]." However, your budget proposal of April 9, 2001, makes little progress for the parks, and what progress is made focuses on roads and roofs instead of wildlife and antiquities.
This budget does not show leadership on park protection, nor does it make a bold statement about park protection. Every day, more money is needed to operate our national parks. In total, the parks need $600 million more per year to protect resources.
Continued commitment to fund the Natural Resource Challenge is indeed encouraging news. This will give our national parks needed assistance in understanding some resource problems. Unfortunately, it is simply not enough. It is hard to see how your Administration is working to restore the parks and fund park protection in the short term.
With such a strong statement on national parks last year, the American people had hoped for a strong commitment in this budget. I urge you to redirect your Administration's efforts toward greater resource protection.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
