Protecting our national parks

For the infinite riches our National Parks afford us — now and long after we’re gone — they deserve our full support.

These areas are suffering from billions in maintenance backlog and a chronic operating shortfall estimated at $750 million annually, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.

This year, we stand to give the parks a much deserved and overdue financial boost in time for an upcoming milestone.

Two bipartisan Senate bills, led by our state-elected officials, would direct funding for the parks in the years leading up to the 2016 National Parks Centennial Celebration. The difference between the two bills is funding.

Version 1253, co-sponsored by Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colorado, proposes matching federal and private funds; while 2817, sponsored by Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colorado, looks to conservation royalties from unanticipated offshore oil and gas revenue.

Both bills are moving too sluggishly through the process, and have not gone as far as we should hope.

Montrose counts itself among the fortunate areas surrounded by not one but several parks. For this reason perhaps, we have an exceptionally robust appreciation for the National Park Service System, which manages all the national parks, many National Monuments, conservation and historical properties.

Within a short drive, we have the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Curecanti and Colorado National Monument. Add a few hours and there’s Mesa Verde, the Great Sand Dunes and Florissant Fossil Beds.

As Black Canyon veteran Paul Zaenger recently told the Daily Press: The National Parks are a kind of constant in our world, even when change brings discomfort.

“We might not get to sail around the world this year, but incredible experiences still await. I’m hoping people will find renewal in our national parks and region.”

This week the New York Times wrote an editorial highlighting the House versions of these Centennial challenge measures, saying the legislation “deserves a serious push.”

NPS Director Mary A. Bomar said earlier this year the federal agency looks forward to the day Congress passes Centennial Challenge legislation so that through 2016 there will be federal money available to match up to $100 million a year of donations.

We agree, and we hope the day comes soon.