On Aug. 25, 2006, the 90th anniversary of the National Park Service, President Bush announced the National Park Service Centennial Initiative. In his fiscal year, 2008 budget, the President proposed a $258 million increase to the National Park Service (NPS) budget, and called for three additional $100 million components that could provide up to $3 billion in public and private investments during the next 10 years leading up to the NPS 100th anniversary in 2016.
“This is a time for thoughtful review of what needs to be done over the next decade - a great opportunity to think big and act boldly to develop a plan for national parks for the future," said Secretary of Interior Dirk Kempthorne. The National Park Service is holding a series of Listening Sessions around the country to provide an opportunity for the public to express their ideas for the future of national parks.
Although, there will not be a Listening Session in the Las Vegas Valley, there will be one held from 6-8 p.m., March 29, in St. George Utah at the Dixie Center. Additionally, the public can comment on the National Park Service Centennial Initiative online at: www.nps.gov/2016. Comments will be collected through April 2, 2007. Lake Mead NRA Superintendent Bill Dickinson said, “We are hoping the general public and private industry representatives will take this opportunity to provide input about the future of national parks to the Park Service."
Participants at Listening Sessions and online submitters will be asked to focus their comments on three vital questions:
* Imagine, you, your children, or future generations enjoying national parks in 2016 and beyond. What are your hopes and expectations?
* What role do you think national parks should play in the lives of Americans and visitors from around the world?
* What are the signature projects and programs that you think should be highlighted for completion over the next 10 years? Signature projects can include restoring historic structures and landscapes, restoring natural ecosystems, renovating visitor center or contact stations, integrating new technologies, improving trails, facilities, recreation opportunities, enhancing interpretive programs, better connecting children to their national parks, and many other possibilities that you may feel are important.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
