Funding, staff shortages threaten national parks

Five years out from its 100th anniversary, the National Park Service lacks funding for critical maintenance and staffing, imperiling the natural and cultural heritage found in America’s "special places," watchdog groups and other observers contend.

Nationwide, there is a nearly $11 billion maintenance backlog, about half of which agency officials consider "critical" — and the total shows no signs of lessening. Problems include craggy and washed out roads and visitor centers and other aging buildings with stressed electrical systems and worn out roofs.

PAUL C. BARTON

Full Story: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/article/20110904/BUSINESS/109040305/Funding-staff-shortages-threaten-national-parks