Reps. Huffman, Lummis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Make it Easier for Public to Assist National Parks

May 08, 2014

WASHINGTON­—Today, Representatives Jared Huffman (D-California) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) introduced a bipartisan bill to enhance the ability of philanthropic organizations, educational institutions, and volunteers to support our National Parks. The Park Partner Enhancement Act would clarify the ability of the National Park Service to work cooperatively with philanthropic organizations and educational institutions to advance projects and programs, design and construct National Park facilities such as visitor centers, repair trails and restore landscapes.

In 2013, organizations and volunteers contributed more than 6.4 million hours of volunteer time and $150 million in funds to our National Parks. However, these “park partners” seeking to assist our National Parks often face bureaucratic barriers, discouraging further financial contributions and volunteer time. Clarifying the National Park Service’s policies will allow for further philanthropic efforts and volunteer support.

“Our National Parks are more than beautiful places for us to visit and be inspired—they are critical to local economies across the country, bringing visitors to local businesses and supporting jobs in our communities,” Rep. Huffman said. “Our Park Partner Enhancement Act will make it easier for the public, including nonprofits and schools, to work with the National Park Service and make tangible improvements to enhance the experiences of all visitors to these national treasures.”

“In my home state of Wyoming and all over the country Americans are taking advantage of the outdoor experiences and beautiful views our National Parks have to offer,” said Rep. Lummis.  “Citizens continue to look for ways to personally invest in the mission of the parks, generously donating their time and money.  We can maximize the use of our culture of volunteerism to help support the National Park Service as it approaches its centennial.  Our bill augments the ongoing work of local Park Partners, which enhances our National Parks and the visitor experiences within them.”

"The Park Partner Enhancement Act gives the National Park Service and its partners new and better tools to invest in our parks and enhance the experiences of their millions of annual visitors." said Dan Puskar, executive director of the Association of Partners for Public Lands. "This bill expands opportunities for nonprofit organizations across the country to responsibly and effectively channel park philanthropy and volunteerism in ways that invigorate gateway communities and support local economies."

"This legislation helps fulfill the desire of the National Park Service to expand partnerships, philanthropy and volunteerism in support of America's national parks, especially as the NPS soon enters its second century.  The Park Partner Enhancement Act will help leverage and augment the essential federal funds that Congress provides to preserve, operate and maintain over 400 national park areas across the country," said Greg Moore, vice president of the Friends Alliance.

The bill text can be found HERE.

A factsheet on the bill can be found HERE.

The bill is supported by:

  • The Association of Partners for Public Lands (APPL), the national network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to conserving our shared natural and cultural heritage and to enhancing the experiences of all Americans in these special places. APPL is comprised of 85 non-advocacy, community-based member organizations serving over 500 public lands sites nationwide.
  • The Friends Alliance, a union of Friends Groups executives and park officials that evolved from a meeting convened by the National Park Foundation in 1994. The Friends Alliance network has provided over $500 million in support to National Park sites, programs and projects over time.

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