Trump’s Salute to America an Irresponsible Use of National Park Service Resources
For Immediate Release: 7-1-19
Media Contact: Emily Thompson; Em************@pr********.org; 202-758-3936
National parks, considered “America’s Best Idea,” are iconic locations to celebrate America’s birthday. Unfortunately, President Trump’s proposed Salute to America celebration on the National Mall will place a huge burden on those tasked to protect our most treasured places.
“While we wish America a very happy birthday this 4thof July, we wish the current administration would rethink the unnecessary financial and logistical burden it is placing on the National Park Service. We strongly oppose the added complications that President Trump’s Salute to America celebration will cause” says Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks.
“It is irresponsible to ask the National Park Service to absorb the costs of an additional event when there are so many unmet needs in parks across the country. This political rally is a bad idea. It will cause an undue expenditure of money and resources, placing an unnecessary burden on the National Park System.
The men and women of the National Park Service, tasked with safeguarding our most treasured national and cultural resources, have been asked to do more with less for too long. Funds should be directed to the agency’s highest needs such as operation of the parks and the deferred maintenance backlog. They should not be directed to support political objectives.”
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The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks is a reliable, respected, and effective advocate for achievement of the mission and goals of the National Park Service. Recognized as the Voices of Experience, CPANP studies, educates, speaks, and acts for the preservation and protection of the National Park System, and mission-related programs of the National Park Service. CPANP represents over 1,700 current, former, and retired employees and volunteers of the National Park Service, with over 40,000 collective years of stewardship of America’s most precious natural and cultural resources. More information can be found at https://protectnps.org.