National Parks in Peril

America houses upwards of 394 National Parks—from Alcatraz Island to Zion. And Saturday marks the beginning of National Park Week (April 16-24). According to the National Park Service, this year’s focus is “Healthy Parks, Healthy People,” highlighting connections between human and environmental health “and the vital role America’s national parks play in both.” This vital role, however, continues to be plagued by budgetary wrangling on the federal front and looming park closures.

New York Times: “‘There are about 375 major upcoming events planned throughout the park system,’ said David Barna, chief spokesman for the National Park Service. If the federal government closes, all of the events will be canceled. Among the events planned include the 150th commemoration of the beginning of the Civil War at Fort Sumter National Park on Tuesday, April 12.”

From Outside: “Five months into the fiscal year, the federal government’s inability to find common ground on the annual budget is threatening the closure of all federally managed parks, monuments, museums, refuges, and recreation areas. And while the politicians curse each other as obstructionists and the line of compromise approaches the forefront of objectives, those of us seeking less tempestuous climes within our National Parks may be out of luck.”

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