The Future of America’s National Parks Begins In California
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Santa Monica, CA - From Yellowstone to Yosemite, the idea of protecting such natural "national treasures" began more than 100 years ago. Now the National Park Service is charting its course for the next century.
A commission made up of public leaders and experts is meeting in California at one of the newest additions to the national park system, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The commission will examine the current state of the parks and create a list of recommendations for improvements.
Mike Bento with the National Parks Second Century Commission says a lot has changed since Yellowstone was designated as the first national park back in 1872.
"The park idea has been evolving, pressures on parks are increasing, and their importance in America is growing because national parks tell the story of who we are as Americans."
Bento says national parks are facing enormous challenges from the threat of encroaching development, pollution and climate change.
"Already we're seeing species migration due to changes in ecosystems. The parks will have to respond to that, and be safe harbors for a wide variety of species under even greater pressure."
The commission will meet in four additional national parks over the next year. Additional information is available at www.VisionFortheParks.org.
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