OUR NATIONAL PARKS

Our national parks are majestic, awe-inspiring places that help to illustrate, and commemorate our great nation. However, our 385 national parks are in trouble. Pollution, encroaching development, mining, timber harvesting, increased visitation, and other threats have put a strain on parks across the country and without increased funding, things will get worse.

Research shows that the National Park Service’s annual budget falls at least $600 million short of what is needed to properly maintain our parks and preserve our national treasures. This money is needed to alleviate many of the threats that plague the parks, to educate visitors, and to protect wildlife, historic structures, museum artifacts, and other park resources. However, the Department of Interior’s budget request falls far short of meeting park needs, compromising the ability of the National Park Service to protect park resources and provide a high-quality experience for each of us who visit the national parks.

During his campaign, President Bush pledges $4.9 billion over five years for the “upkeep of these national treasures.” His recent budget does not adequately reflect this commitment and promise.

Our national parks are a reflection of our national identity. They serve as a reminder of the freedoms we enjoy and preserve our heritage. In the wake of September 11^th, a record number of us found so much comfort and solace and wonder in our parks. Don’t we owe the same opportunity to current and future generations, including my 12-year-old son, Zachary, and his children’s children?

Back in ancient Greece, Socrates said, “Leisure is the best of all possessions.” The history of mankind has shown that people have always needed a sanctuary of unspoiled land, a place of solitude where they may turn their busy thoughts inward and wonder at the miracles of creation. That we live in a world that moves crisis by crisis does not make contact with nature any less important. In fact, these circumstances increase the significance of nature and God’s creation in our lives.

Former Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall said, “Every generation of Americans has a rendezvous with the land (National Parks).” If our generation is to meet this rendezvous, we must show special respect for the fundamental values of nature and of natural beauty, and we must pay special attention to the way these relate to the good of people and society. We must preserve these lands through our wallets, minds and hearts! Every year millions upon millions of nerve-shaken, overcivilized Americans and foreigners run towards the mountains, forests, rivers, oceans and waterfalls to find renewed strength, to create anew, to become refreshed and invigorated, a rebirth into the glory and joy of life. Nature promotes love of country and world!

Burlington, Iowa native, Aldo Leopold said, “Every woodland or forest in addition to yielding lumber, fuel, and posts, should provide those who frequent it with a liberal education about nature. This crop of wisdom never fails but unfortunately it is not always harvested.” I, too would not have survived this world of shades of gray, if not for the National Parks. Throughout my 38 years, I’ve spent endless hours restoring my sense of adventure, challenge, and cultural, psychological, sociological, physiological, educational, and spiritual values. Without nature, I would be devoid of all enrichment and fulfillment that the world offers. I found and worshipped God in places like Isle Royale National Park to Everglades in Florida and recently Big Bend in Texas. I am a better person today, due to the National Parks. Together, lets save our humanity!

God Bless the World!