1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Protecting our national parks is of utmost importance. The invaluable resources and dedicated staff within these parks preserve America's natural and cultural treasures for current and future generations. However, our national parks are facing significant challenges due to budget constraints and staffing shortages. The National Park Service has been struggling for decades with diminishing funds while visitation continues to soar. This lack of resources jeopardizes the ability to properly maintain park facilities, protect delicate ecosystems, and provide adequate staffing for visitor services and safety. Park rangers and other staff play vital roles, from leading educational programs to managing trails and campsites. Without sufficient personnel, the national park experience is diminished. Furthermore, climate change poses new threats that compound existing stressors on our parks. Increased frequency of wildfires, flooding, species migration, and other climate impacts require additional resources to adapt protective measures. Ensuring our national parks have robust funding and staffing levels is crucial to combating these mounting challenges. We request that Congress prioritize allocating the necessary funds to the National Park Service. This investment will safeguard America's iconic landscapes, cultural sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities for all to experience and cherish. Our national parks are irreplaceable assets that warrant steadfast support and stewardship for the benefit of this and all future generations. Please act now to protect these national treasures.