1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

Our nation's public lands are an irreplaceable treasure that must be fiercely protected for current and future generations. However, Congress is failing in its duty, proposing reckless budget cuts that would slash over $176 million from the National Park Service's already diminished funding. This is unacceptable. The parks' very existence is now imperiled by dilapidated infrastructure, insufficient staffing of rangers and scientists, and a crippling inability to address environmental threats like wildfires and invasive species. Shrinking budgets have forced an alarming shift towards mere façade management, with dwindling resources diverted to superficial visitor amenities while critical conservation work grinds to a halt. Yellowstone's famous thermal features are being neglected. Joshua Tree's iconic trees are dying at accelerated rates. Yosemite's very geology is buckling under increased visitor traffic. These crown jewels of our national heritage are deteriorating before our eyes. Congress must realize that budgetary bandaids will not suffice - a complete reversal of these self-destructive policies is urgently required. Fully restore NPS funding to allow robust environmental protections, scientific research, infrastructure maintenance, and adequate staffing levels before catastrophic damage is inflicted upon our nation's most treasured natural wonders.