National Park Foundation Applauds Efforts to Move National Park Service Centennial Act Forward

WASHINGTON – Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, issued the following statement regarding the release of the discussion draft of the National Park Service Centennial Act:

“We're pleased that Chairman Bishop has released a discussion draft of the National Park Service Centennial Act and called a hearing for next week. The draft contains important provisions for the future success of the National Park Service including dedicated funding for the Centennial Challenge and the establishment of an endowment at the National Park Foundation. These provisions are key parts of a holistic funding model to support our parks going forward. Additionally, provisions to strengthen the National Park Foundation’s Board of Directors and authorize appropriations will help the Foundation carry out our mission to protect America’s treasured places, connect people from all backgrounds to them, and inspire the next generation of park stewards. We look forward to working with Chairman Bishop, Ranking Member Grijalva, and the entire Natural Resources Committee to ensure the strongest bill possible moves forward.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org