Budget Cuts And National Parks

Multiple benefits come from a road trip with family and friends to go on a nature hike or simply experience the outdoors. National parks hold the beauty that has not been touched or destroyed by humans; thus, it is a safe place for a multitude of different species and plants. However, the opportunities to visit these natural wonders could decrease due to budget cuts that threaten preservation and maintenance. The budget cuts can affect the national parks in ways such as less staff, reduced maintenance operations, as well as other problems that will be expanded upon shortly. The government is decreasing the amount of federal funding needed for the protection of our national parks when visitation rates have been higher than ever. Decreased income to our National Parks affect these tourist sites; therefore, budget cuts should not be implemented.
The parks are under severe budget cuts with almost $600 million needed to help repair a variety of park amenities and management. National Park Conservations Association stated, “There have been more than a 7%, or $173 million reductions in the account to operate national parks and more than a 12%, or $364 million reductions in the total budget for the National Park Service over the last five years” (Garder). Areas that need improving include the multiple trails, roads, certain wildlife sanctuaries, and employment job opportunity cuts. The national parks estimate these expenses to take about 50 years to pay