National Park Foundation Statement on the Natural Resources Management Act
WASHINGTON — Will Shafroth, president of the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, issued the following statement regarding the passage of S. 47 the Natural Resources Management Act:
“The National Park Foundation commends the United States Senate for passing S. 47 the Natural Resources Management Act which includes the bipartisan Every Kid Outdoors Act and the bipartisan 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act. The Foundation applauds Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski, Senator Maria Cantwell, and Ranking Member Joe Manchin for shepherding the package and Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Martin Heinrich for leading the effort on the Every Kid Outdoors Act.
The National Park Foundation understands the importance of ensuring that the next generation experiences the wonder of our national parks and has been a longtime supporter of efforts to connect young people to them. Through the Foundation’s Open OutDoors for Kids program, which supports the goal of the Every Kid Outdoors Act, we’re making it possible for students from Title I and other underserved schools around the country to explore these treasured places. Programs like this are vital to helping spark a lifelong love for public lands.
With national parks facing an $11.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog, hiring youth and veterans through the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps to enhance our parks and provide greater access to them is a key tool to help improve the visitor experience.
We look forward to our continued efforts to build the next generation of national park champions.”
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 ENGAGE the next generation of park stewards. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.