From Deseret News archives:
Don't let parks deteriorate
The nation's national parks are legacies handed from one generation to another. But their upkeep has not been a priority of the federal government for a long time.
A Deseret Morning News story published Thursday reported that the U.S. General Accounting Office has concluded the nation's parks are slowly being starved of much-needed funds. Despite the Bush administration's claims that it has increased funding, those increases have not kept up with inflation. In a real sense, the amount of money provided for the daily operation of parks has declined since 2001.
This shouldn't shock anyone. Two years ago this newspaper published its own investigation showing that, at the time, three of every four national parks and monuments had undergone recent budget cuts. Those included the most popular and prominent ones; the ones whose images fill the photo albums of many tourists worldwide.
Without enough money, restrooms don't get cleaned as often. Long lines develop at popular attractions. Rangers can't patrol as often as is necessary. Infrastructure can begin to crumble.
Perhaps this doesn't rank high on many priority lists. But the need could be classified as a cousin to homeland security. Al-Qaida isn't likely to attack Bryce Canyon (although some parks, such as the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall, might be targets), but these are vital parts of the national heritage and identity. The nation can't afford to let them deteriorate from neglect any more than it could afford to let people handle the original Declaration of Independence with greasy fingers.
A few years ago, the government decided to let parks keep much of the money they collect from entrance fees. It may be time to raise some of those fees. In any event, this is a problem worthy of immediate attention.
Comments
- Should districts pay union reps? 7:12 p.m.
- I-80 reconstruction finally done 6:55 p.m.
- Child porn case nets fed sentence 6:44 p.m.
- Groups celebrate Dobbs' CNN exit 6:43 p.m.
- H1N1 slightly down in Utah 6:40 p.m.
- Retirement fund still seeking money 6:39 p.m.
- Judge to send message in mink case 6:37 p.m.
- Man arrested in armed robbery 6:35 p.m.
- Smoking up nationally, down in Utah 5:36 p.m.
- 4A: Springville holds off Dixie 5:28 p.m.
- House passes health care bill
333 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
315 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
158 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Will state consider gay rights law?
136 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
132 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
118
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
Suggestion: put WHATEVER SYSTEMS ARE NECESSARY in place to deport illegals,...
I'd like to know what Whaddoups is thinking. If only I could talk to him...
byron scott just got fired i wonder if the millers have any guts and send...
"....passionate, nonpartisan reporting that CNN wants for its image."...
"The deficit for the 2009 budget year, which ended on Sept. 30, set an...
like he is about ready to go into shock.......LOL!!
Anonymous... are you joking or just horribly uninformed? Also, BYU North...
Yes, marriage is on shaky ground. So why touch it to see how far it will...
Sorry you guys missed out on the 7-2 kid out of Canada who will sign tomarrow...
Save the Drama for your mama. Turning America into a communist country and...


You can be the first to comment on this story.