Caring for our parks is a priority

Most Montanans understand the value of Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, but few understand that years of dwindling financial support have had a significant impact on these great parks and their visitor services.

However, thanks to the leadership of Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg, our parks may be in much better shape in the future.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed the Interior Appropriations bill, providing record funding for the critical operating needs of national parks like Yellowstone and Glacier. It also provides funding to initiate a new grant program to spur philanthropic giving to our parks.

We thank Congressman Rehberg for his leadership and support on critical funding needs for national parks in Montana and across the country.

We now look for the same bipartisan support in the Senate. We have less than 10 years to fix our parks before their centennial in 2016. Taking care of our national parks should be a national priority.

John Wilson,

associate director

National Parks Conservation

Association

Helena