Saving our national parks
California parks face growing threats
Environment California has launched a full-scale effort to restore much-needed funding to our national parks, and protect these places from air pollution and encroaching development.
This year alone, the national parks system is facing an $800 million budget deficit. The good news is that California’s own Sen. Feinstein can do something about it.
Right now, we are calling on Sen. Feinstein, as Chair of the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies within the Appropriations Committee, to use her leadership to restore full funding for California’s parks.
Throughout the coming weeks and months, Environment California will work with our members and a diverse coalition to demonstrate strong public support for our national parks.
Parks at risk: It’s time to act
As Californians, we know we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world—a place that deserves to be preserved. In fact, we have more federally protected areas, such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Death Valley, than any other state in the continental United States. But as many of you have already noticed, and reports recently confirmed, conditions in our national parks are in decline.
For example, 37 species within Yosemite are listed on either the state or national endangered species list, and only 25 percent of Yosemite’s trails receive maintenance each year.
The parks are rife with air pollution and suffer from encroaching development and habitat fragmentation. Invasive species threaten many native plants and animals. And without necessary funding, we can expect the threats facing these parks to grow.
Inadequate funding also hinders basic park functions. As the requirements of staffing, facility repair and educational programs remain unmet, it is growing more and more difficult for park management to adequately address their unique long-term environmental needs.
By addressing the funding deficit, we can protect our parks for future generations.
Hikers in Redwood National Park.
