National Parks Conservation Association Praises Obama Budget for National Parks

"President Obama has proposed a fiscal year 2010 budget for
the national parks that takes needed action toward restoring our
national treasures.

"The president's budget proposal includes an increase of $135
million to operate and maintain our national parks and a total of $68
million to acquire land from willing sellers and prevent inappropriate
development inside national parks. It also provides $25 million for the
parks' public-private partnership program, which is awaiting
authorization by Congress. Moreover, the president's initial investment
in a 21st Century Youth Conservation Corps is a positive step toward
engaging and training the next generation of national park stewards.

"We also applaud the president for proposing $183 million for land
management agencies, including the National Park Service, to implement
clean energy initiatives and activities to assess and respond to the
effect of climate change on wildlife. Safeguarding national parks like Glacier and the Great Smoky Mountains
will ensure the protection of wildlife and wild places for our children
and grandchildren, and provide economic and other benefits for the
communities that thrive near these priceless places.

"The Obama Administration clearly recognizes the importance of
national parks to our economy and quality of life; we now look to
Congress to continue the federal commitment toward restoring our
national parks in time for the 2016 centennial of the National Park
Service."