Ask Your U.S. Representative to Support National Park Service Revitalization

For Immediate Release
07-24-08
Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst
drew@imba.com
303-545-9011

IMBA urges all mountain bikers to support the National Park Centennial Fund Act (H.R. 3094). The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on this bill and your voice is needed to make sure H.R. 3094 passes.

At stake is a much-needed financial infusion in the National Park Service (NPS) that will enhance some of America's most treasured landscapes in time for the agency's 100th anniversary in 2016. H.R. 3094 is strongly supported by IMBA and a coalition of other conservation and recreation organizations.

Take Action! Time is running out.

Ask your U.S. Representative to support H.R. 3094, the National Park Centennial Fund Act. IMBA's simple online form makes it easy.

Phone calls are especially effective. Use this link to find the correct number and ask to talk to the natural resources staff person. Tell them you support H.R. 3094 and hope the representative will, too.

Additional Information

H.R. 3094 would provide up to $100 million annually in federal funding for 10 years and calls for a matching amount from private sources. It is the cornerstone of the agency's Centennial Initiative and represents a substantial increase in the NPS budget, after years of flat or declining funding. In February, the Bush administration jumpstarted the campaign by proposing a $230 million budget increase for fiscal year 2008, essential to restoring staff and facility capabilities.

The increased funding can be used to fill a variety of needs, from additional personnel to long overdue basic maintenance and other projects that improve visitor experiences, including shared-use trails.

Mountain bicycling is an ideal tool for reacquainting a new generation of Americans to their national parks. This human-powered, quiet, low-impact activity helps get more people out of their cars and exploring parks on narrow dirt trails. By expanding this use in appropriate areas, the NPS will help visitors form lasting bonds with our most valuable natural landscapes. As a family-friendly activity, mountain bicycling also provides a fun, exciting and appropriate way for visitors to engage in healthy enjoyment of National Parks.

IMBA and the NPS signed a formal partnership agreement in 2005. IMBA will continue to provide information on the Centennial Initiative and our partnership with the NPS on IMBA.com.