National Parks Fast Falling Into Disrepair

Insufficient funding has meant aging facilities, overgrown trails, and a decline in crucial staff members.

1 minute read

May 25, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Insiders have leaked a Park Service memo ordering park superintendents to refer to budget-driven program cuts as 'service level adjustments.' Such adjustments, the memo suggests, could include closing visitor centers on some holidays, cutting back on ranger talks and tours, eliminating lifeguard services at beaches, and closing parks two days a week. In a sideshow drama, the chief of the park police in Washington has been threatened with dismissal for speaking out about budget needs and staffing levels."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Monday, May 24, 2004 in The Christian Science Monitor

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