Go Big For National Parks

Our National Park System has been called the nation's best idea. It seems like an overstatement until you run the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, explore the Rio Grande, take on the challenge of the Gauley, or experience remote backcountry kayaking in Olympic National Park. The National Park Service manages many classic whitewater runs. In addition, the National Park Service Rivers and Trails program provides assistance to communities across the country on water trails and represents recreational interests at federally-licensed hydropower projects.

The park system will turn 100 years in 2016 and Congress and the President are poised to take major steps to make the parks ready for their next century with legislation that will get rangers out in the field interacting with park visitors, reduce the park system's environmental footprint, and protect cultural and natural resources. Of particular importance to paddlers, the initiative will protect and enhance high quality human-powered recreation including paddling and many other sports our community enjoys like climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing.

The House of Representatives is leading the way with the National Park Centennial Fund Act, HR 3094. The bill has strong support from both Democrats and Republicans and it looks ready for a full House floor vote in the near future.

Help make the floor vote happen by taking one or both of the following actions:

1) Send an email to your Congressman. Ask him or her to get this important bill to the House floor for a full vote, and to vote "YES."

2) Send an email to your local paper so they can help spread the news.

Thank you for taking this "best" idea into its next century with all the care and foresight that it deserves.