In addition to celebrating and honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., recently, the National Park Service offered free admission to all national parks. We are fortunate in Washington to not only have parks like Mount Rainier and Olympic, but to have cultural park units such as the Lewis and Clark Historical Park and, here in Clark County, Fort Vancouver.
As a country, we need to recommit to our parks. With 2016 being the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, now is the time for Congress to step up and better fund the needs of our national parks.
In Washington state alone, we have over $500 million in deferred maintenance at our 13 national parks. This maintenance backlog harms the visitor experience; cultural sites and natural areas become inaccessible or unsafe for visitors, teachers and students. Outdoor enthusiasts like backpackers, hikers and birders are unable to enjoy the natural resources. As an anniversary gift to the parks and those of us who love them, Congress needs to provide guaranteed federal funding for park maintenance.
