Our National Parks

[ColoRockiesFan]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

The current trend to make parks totally self sustaining by counting on user fees or volunteers to cover expenses is not working well. Many of the parks we have visited show obvious signs of deterioration from lack of maintenance. Many parks have little monitoring / supervision due to inadequate park staff. My state recently cut all general funds for the parks and cut the maintenance / improvement budget by 20%.. The States stated goal is that if the parks can't go it alone then the parks should be sold to private concerns.
I wonder what our National and State parks system would look like today if years ago the same sentiment prevailed.
We are short changing our children and grandchildren ! IMHO

From what I understand, all the user fees, etc, go back into the general budget. I bet our National Parks could be self sustaining if all the fees went back into the parks themselves.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by ColoRockiesFan

From what I understand, all the user fees, etc, go back into the general budget. I bet our National Parks could be self sustaining if all the fees went back into the parks themselves.

Numerous states have tried the self funding route using user fees as the sole funding method for their parks. From the studies I have seen /read non have been successful. . The only thing that it has accomplished is reduced park hours , reduce repairs and maintenance , reduced programs and park closings. Parks near major population centers may generate enough income to be self supporting but parks in rural area would suffer . This is in the same vein as the gas tax which does not generate enough revenue to maintain and build our roads .

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Fox News say that budget cuts are not the reason for the deterioration of our National Parks. The problem stems from too many people using the resource. If we all stayed home the problem would be solved.

I intend to contribute to the deterioration of (i.e., visit) several national parks this summer!

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Mike Magee

I intend to contribute to the deterioration of (i.e., visit) several national parks this summer!

We have the same plans . We have never been to Glacier National Park and want to see it before the Glaciers melt.. If you believe the
Internet it's scheduled for the year 2020. Have fun on your trip.

[ljswanson53]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Fox News say that budget cuts are not the reason for the deterioration of our National Parks. The problem stems from too many people using the resource. If we all stayed home the problem would be solved.

Yes, that would be Fox News and their reasoningeyes