Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.
The Kent Environmental Council was founded more than 50 years ago for the express purpose of improving and protecting the environment through advocacy, education, engagement and networking throughout our city, our county, and beyond. Today we wish to address the current administration’s attack on our national parks and are asking for the support of the public in their defense.
Our National Park Service manages all of our national parks; most national monuments; and other natural, historical, and recreational properties, with various title designations. It was originally envisioned by the conservancy of Theodore Roosevelt(R), created by The United States Congress on August 25, 1916 under the presidency of Woodrow Wilson(D) and has been improved through the work, recognition and cooperation of presidents Herbert Hoover(R), Franklin Roosevelt(D), and Dwight Eisenhower(R) – clearly receiving nonpartisan support.
Today the NPS employs more than 20,000 people and hosts nearly 300,000 volunteers. These volunteers contribute more than 6.5 million hours of service every year. Viewed solely from a volunteer perspective we can see the love for and importance of our national parks. And of even greater significance is the number of park visits by the public: In 2023 alone more than 325 million people visited our parks, a stunning recognition of their value to us as a nation. The recreation, health, social and economic value of this system cannot be overstated, offering Americans affordable diversions and civic appreciation for the grandeur that is America.
Recently, however, under the actions of the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) the NPS is being systematically dismantled through firings and budget constraints. These cuts will demonstrably affect the park system’s ability to serve the public and to service the park’s many needs for visitor safety and land maintenance.
Few things in public life are of more affirming, even spiritual benefit, than a sojourn with nature, and it is incumbent upon this administration to continue its principled support. If we truly care about America we cannot abandon its most beautiful places and the people that work tirelessly to protect them. KEC is asking all citizens to contact their senators and members of congress and demand that the federal government continue its uninterrupted fiscal backing for our national parks. And for the record The National Park Service is only a tiny slice of our federal budget — less than one-fifteenth of one percent — yet delivers significant benefits, providing $15 in economic activity generated for each dollar invested.
— Brad Brotje, Board member, Kent Environmental Council
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