The project funding provided in the economic stimulus bill will create jobs and help to address crumbling national park infrastructure, but doesn't address the National Park Service's crippling $750-million annual operating deficit, which has contributed to the parks' backlog of maintenance and preservation needs, exceeding $8 billion. As highlighted in the National Parks Conservation Association's new public service advertisements, this chronic federal funding shortfall has resulted in staff shortages and cutbacks in science and research, and public education programs. Interpretive materials are out-of-date, museum collections are unprotected and unknown to researchers and the public, and archaeological treasures are vulnerable to theft.

Moreover, development is a serious threat to national parks nationwide; one in three national parks suffers the effects of air pollution, and global climate change is risking natural and cultural treasures nationwide, from Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park in California, to the archaeological artifacts on the shore of Jamestown National Historic Site in Virginia.

Our national parks are national treasures in urgent need of care and repair in preparation for the National Park Services centennial in 2016. Please join the National Parks Conservation Association and send a message to President Obama and Congress that our national parks matter. It's a simple action, and one that can have a lasting effect on the future of our national parks. Don't wait--sign our petition today.

http://act.npca.org/campaign/psa?qp_source=adv%5fhme

Dear [elected official]:

I care about our national parks. I care because places like Yosemite, the National Mall, and Gettysburg are some of our most beautiful places and represent defining moments in our country's history. I care because when I learn about the critical threats to our national parks I hope that future generations will be able to experience these places as I have with my family and as I'm sure, you have as well.

As you begin your term, I urge you to work with our other elected leaders to help protect our national parks. We must protect places like Shenandoah National Park from pollution. We must take action to address global warming which is harming places like Glacier and Joshua Tree National Parks. We must reinvest in our historic and cultural sites like the National Mall. We must preserve places like the Everglades, which is home to some of our most endangered species and natural wonders. And we need your help to restore the entire National Park System by providing the funding and protections necessary to preserve these special places for our children and grandchildren.

The National Park System is one of the best ideas America ever had. That vision for the national parks must live on, if we are to preserve these special places well into their second century. The time to work together is now. Thank you for considering my views.

 Signed by:

http://act.npca.org/campaign/psa?qp_source=adv%5fhme