Victory!
In December 2007, Congress approved $122 million dollars in increased funding
to operate our national parks. As Interior Appropriations Chair, Sen. Dianne
Feinstein (Calif.)
used her leadership to push this first important step in bridging the Parks’
estimated $800 million shortfall. In 2008 we'll work to ensure that all our
Parks—from the Shenandoah
to Yosemite—have the resources for rangers,
trails, and wildlife programs so that our parks remain a treasure from
generation to generation.
How You Can Help
Save the Grand Canyon: Stop toxic mining!
Let your senators
know that you won’t stand for toxic mining threatening the Grand
Canyon. Ask them to pass the strongest possible protections when they
take up their version of the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act.
Background
The diversity of the United States’ landscapes can both shock and stun
the senses. From the vibrant oranges and reds of the fall foliage in
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the mossy greens of California’s
Redwood National Park, it’s easy to see why these parks were created to
protect the crown jewels of our natural heritage.
But over the
past 30 years, Congress has neglected our national parks, leaving them
underfunded and falling into disrepair. Now, beloved places like
Yosemite are plagued by air pollution and threatened by encroaching
vacation homes and oil, gas and timber interests.
But we have
a chance to protect and restore our national parks. With Congress and
the president poised to decide funding for our parks, we need to show
decision-makers how much our national treasures mean to us.
