Irreplaceable Resources; National Parks Deserve More Government Funding

Sephi Favela, DePaul University, Sophomore, Summer 2025

The importance of our National Parks isn't being reflected in our federal spending. National Parks preserve natural features, foster environmental appreciation, and boost the economy. However, more government funding is needed to ensure peak operation of parks, which is secured by congressional appropriation among other funding initiatives.

The National Parks are undervalued, evident by the consistent underfunding and the $1.2 billion budget cut planned for the 2026 fiscal year ( Fiscal Year 2026, 2025). This affects other federal agencies; approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees, 800 Bureau of Land Management staff, and 3,400 U.S. Forest Service personnel were laid off ( Zoë Rom, 2025). The employees are directly connected to the Parks’ urgent need for repairs. A 2024 assessment by the National Park Service revealed a $22.98 billion need for essential infrastructure repairs due to aging facilities, increased visitation, and limited funding  (NPS,2024). Frank Floor, Administrator Bureau of Natural Resources and Parks, says “These parks benefit from additional funding economically, as a trashed park would be unattractive to visitors”. Vibuh Vanjari, national park enthusiast, highlights advantages of parks, including space to disconnect, appreciation of nature, and affordable camping. Addressing these repairs would ensure that such visitors continue to feel safe, have access to trails, interact with and preserve public wonders. 

Economic contributions generated through the parks alone are a persuasive reason to keep them in peak operation. In 2023 the federal budget for the National Park Service was $3.6 billion creating an economic output of $55.6 billion (NPS, 2023). Meaning every dollar invested creates more than $15 in economic activity. Shawn Bailey, Professor at DePaul University, says, “From a purely economic perspective, national parks continue to be a great investment for the federal government and nearby businesses”.

The National Park Service relies on congressional appropriations, making public policies (ex: Great American Outdoors Act) crucial. The Legacy Restoration Fund, under GAOA addresses deferred maintenance repairs, is up for renewal this year. Reinstatement boosts economic growth and enhances Americans’ access to National Parks. These irreplaceable resources support economic systems at all levels of spending. Support public policies (ex:renewing Legacy Restoration Fund) to ensure its continued mission. As Bailey said, “There are no guarantees. Do not take national parks for granted”.

Sources:

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  • https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf

  • https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02042025/firing-national-park-forest-workers-stresses-public-land-communities/

  • https://home.nps.gov/subjects/infrastructure/deferred-maintenance.htm

  • https://www.doi.gov/ocl/nps-budget-2#:~:text=FY%202024%20Budget%20Summary,%2Dtime%20equivalents%20(FTE).

  • https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/vse.htm

• Interviewees:

  • Shawn Bailey, Professor at DePaul University

  • Frank Floor, Administrator Bureau of Natural Resources and Parks

  • Vibuh Vanjari, National Park enthusiast