🌲 Does the National Park Service Need More Private Donations? (H.R. 4680)

What is H.R. 4680?

(Updated November 9, 2018)

This bill was enacted on December 16, 2016

This bill would establish funds and endowments aimed at raising money for the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service (NPS) while enacting reforms to improve the NPS for its second century of operation. The “Centennial Challenge Fund” would be modified to match every dollar of private donations with federal funds that would be used for major projects and programs to enhance the NPS.

The Centennial Challenge Fund would also receive revenue from annual parks passes for senior citizens, and a price increase in the NPS’ lifetime pass for seniors. Senior passes are available to Americans age 62 and up and cost $20 for an annual pass, while a lifetime pass is currently $10 that would be raised to $10, with the additional revenue going to the Fund.

A “Second Century Endowment” would be established within the National Park Foundation to accept gifts and bequests from the public. The endowment would also receive revenue from new fees on lodging paid by NPS visitors, although educational groups and NPS employees would be exempted from the fees. All endowment funds would be prohibited from going toward administrative expenses, and must be used on projects and activities that advance the mission of the NPS and are approved by the Dept. of the Interior.

The leadership structure of the NPS would be modified to make the Secretary of the Interior and the NPS Director non-voting members of the National Park Foundation Board, which would mirror the structures used by the National Forest Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The NPS’ “Volunteers in the Parks” program would see its funding expanded from $7 million to $10 million to provide the growing numbers of volunteers with the resources they need to improve the parks.

Argument in favor

More private donations to the National Park Service will improve the experience of all park visitors now and ensure that future generations of Americans can continue to enjoy them.

Argument opposed

Individual citizens and businesses shouldn’t be called upon to make donations to the National Park Service, as the federal government should be covering all expenses.

Impact

Volunteers at national parks; national park visitors; and the National Park Service.

Cost of H.R. 4680

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) introduced this bill to maximize private donations to the National Park Service and establish an endowment for the agency’s foundation:

“We want to unleash private philanthropy to enhance our parks. Expanding opportunities for private donors will improve visitor experience and encourage the next century of Americans to enjoy some of our nation’s most beautiful and inspiring places.”

The president of the National Park Foundation, Will Shafroth, announced the foundation’s support for this legislation and the flexibility it would gain in its fundraising pursuits:

“We proudly support the National Park Service Centennial Act, and appreciate Chairman Bishop’s leadership in introducing this important legislation. As we celebrate the National Park Service’s Centennial throughout 2016, we recognize the importance of diverse and holistic funding to carry out our mission to protect America’s treasured places, connect people from all backgrounds to them, and inspire the next generation of park stewards.”

This legislation was passed by the House Natural Resources Committee on a voice vote, and it has the support of one Republican cosponsor in the House.

Of Note: The National Park Service celebrates its centennial anniversary on August 25, marking 100 years since its creation in 1916.

Media:

• House Natural Resources Committee Press Release
• National Park Foundation (In Favor)
• Preservation Action (In Favor)

Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: Flickr user akasped)