The inauguration of a new President is an exciting time in the United States! It's a time of renewal, and a time to look forward to the future with great anticipation, and sometimes, a little apprehension.
There are a multitude of problems facing our country right now. And these have been addressed ad nauseum by the pundits and prognosticators throughout the realm.
But, what seems a minor issue to some, is a crisis that will affect future generations for centuries to come.
Our National Parks are treasures that need to be preserved and protected for all time! They are the definition of both our heritage and our culture. In times of distress, the parks are always the victims of budget cuts and loss of personnel. This has led to a degradation of some of the most beautiful and pristine ecosystems on the continent.
Mr. President, the Department of the Interior is part of the executive branch of our government, and I ask that you to assume the role of steward and protector of our priceless cache of rare and precious gems that belong to ALL of us.
If they are allowed to disappear, they will be gone forever!
Photo top right: Cape Cod National Seashore courtesy of Richard of Richard Weisser and RichardWeisser.com
Photo bottom: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park courtesy of Richard of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com.
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Richard, I didn't know there was any fear for our parks right now, in the past I had heard some rumblings but I thought those were displaced along time ago? Our national parks system is one of our real Treasures. They need to be saved at all costs for future generations. I have told my grandsons about the grandeur of the giant Sequoyia Trees and they are anxious to see them for theirselves soon. Sequoyia National Park is one of my favorites.
You tell 'em!
Richard, if anything is safer under a democratic president, it's the environment, so hopefully the parks will be preserved. I have high hopes for this man, our future president.
Gail...
The parks are afflicted by poaching, vandalism, and neglect due to inadequate personnel and lack of funding. Most rely on non-profits and volunteers for a lot of the day to day business activities.
I am not adverse to an entry fee if that will help, anything to save these areas from the developers.
And don't think it can't happen. A large portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that was bought and paid for with nickels and dimes collected by school children was given away for political gain. It's sickening!
Richard, I hadn't heard this concern anywhere along the campaign trail. But with billions thrown the bailout way, surely the Dept. of the Interior can get its fair share.
Mel...
I'm on this, I will personnally take care of it!
Susan...
Do not be so easily mislead ... these parks require funding and there is little political gain so they are ignored. As I mentioned in the above comment, the parks would be dismantled for a few (in this case democratic) votes.
I think Obama has 10000 of other things on his mind first. Lets hope he turns things around quickly so there is money available for everything and everyone!
Gary...
I have been honored to participate in the National Parks Conversation Associations "State of the Parks" report for both of the parks mentioned above. I will write another post with links later in the week! Thanks.
Richard...
That's exactly my point ... the parks are considered "non-essential" but everything else is cyclical and temporary, the loss of a park is permanent, so it should be a top priority!
Richard,
When times are good society is willing to pay to play. When times are not, recreation is the first to go. If it takes a modest fee to retain these treasures, I'm all for that.
Rich
I'm with you 100% Our Governor has shut a lot of State parks. I'm from IL, so you can get a sense of frustration with what we are dealing with.
The Parks are very important, and DO tie in strongly to our economy. if there are Parks, people will visit them. If they are visiting, they are likely doing what along the way? Spending money!
I should know, I did my part to help the economy back in the fall when we did a week long drive through the Blue Ridge Mountain, via the Blue Ridge Parkway. And trust me, we spent plenty of $$$ along the way!
Richard- we do need a more comprehensive national park policy, but so far neither party appears to be the solution. Many of the proposed "environmentally friendly" solutions are exclusionary. Perhaps the biggest thing we can do for our Nation Parks system, as well as state parks, etc, is to work to instill some level of respect to those that visit. Too many view our parks as just a large dumping ground akin to our littered highways. I fear that Obama's policies may become like his energy policies and raise costs while reducing access to all but the most well off.
Richard, I think that those that have been place in charge of this area of our country have never even visited these treasures and have no idea of what is happening to them. Maybe it should be mandated to visit all of our national parks annually to hold the position.
I've yet to see a park that I didn't like, and I think we should make every effort available to save and preserve them for future generations.
Richard,
I sincerely think that he will be a good steward of many things. My biggest concern is where he puts the priorities when every single issue right is critical to our future now and tomorrow. And, with limited resources (money), where does he start?
It is very trying time
Bo
Rich...
That is my biggest fear ... and many of the comments reflect the notice that the parks are a very low priority ... that's why I see the need for awareness ... and why this issue is so important to me!
Tony...
Thanks for the support ... will our leaders seek political expediency instead of preservation? Wow!
Richard, i agree! once gone, there is no returning. We must act now!
Kenzie...
There are "support" communities around the parks that provide food, lodging, and other services for park visitors that benefit economically ... excellent point. Thanks you!
Big Mike...
I think that the history and heritage of the parks make accessibility to all mandatory. And hate to see the park system suffer every time the political winds shift direction!
Don...
Now that's the best idea I've heard all day!
Richard: Saving the parks is the tip of the iceberg. I got roped into watching Bill Nye's new show Stuff Happens last night and the tiniest things we don't even think about are killing ecosystems and the environment. It's sad.
Richard I agree with all my heart. It would be wonderful if some the "job creation" on the horizon with tax dollars were going to national parks.
Taken from Obama's web site:
Invest in our Next Generation Innovators and Job Creators:Obama and Biden will create an Advanced Manufacturing Fund to identify and invest in the most compelling advanced manufacturing strategies. The Fund will have a peer-review selection and award process based on the Michigan 21st Century Jobs Fund, a state-level initiative that has awarded over $125 million to Michigan businesses with the most innovative proposals to create new products and new jobs in the state.
Now the way I see it, the "job" fund should create jobs to care for our national parks. And I'm not real sure what I think of "peer-review" either.
I have visited just a few of our national parks, my parents many many more than me as they are retired and travel a lot. I wish for my grandchildren to be able to visit those same parks and take photos to compare to mine or my parents.
I completely agree with you Richard... I can only hope he'll be a good steward of our national treasures.
I agree we are going to the smokey mountains for spring break it would be impossible to replace the parks too bad we have so many other places we need the money.
Hi Richard. They aren't going anywhere.
The parks are beautiful. I spent part of my honeymoon in Yosemite.
Awesome.
Anyway, hate to see the budget cuts, yet I love budget cuts.
Keep rocking,
Ken
I know they were trying to sell off portions of the Ocala National Forest a few years ago, but there was such an uprising that the US Government quashed that idea pretty quick.
It is a good thought Richard but at the moment there are probably much bigger fish to fry.
I just did a canoe/camping trip in the Everglades with my husband and daughter. It was FANTASTIC!
Definitely a treasure to protect. They were hit hard with the hurricanes and need to rebuild the main lodge so more people will want to go and enjoy the park. We went during the "high" season, over New Year's, and we hardly saw anyone.
If you have a chance to go - do it!