Federal & State Parks

The Issue

Federal and state parks are among our most valuable shared assets. They preserve natural landscapes, protect ecosystems, and provide public access to spaces that would otherwise be unavailable to most people. When managed well, parks serve current generations while safeguarding resources for those who come after us.

When managed poorly, they suffer from deferred maintenance, overcrowding, environmental degradation, and inconsistent funding — undermining both preservation and public trust.

Where the System Struggles

Many park systems face long-term structural challenges. Funding is often unstable, planning cycles are short, and maintenance is frequently deferred until problems become costly or irreversible. At the same time, increased demand places pressure on infrastructure that was never designed for today’s scale of use.

Jurisdictional overlap between federal, state, and local authorities can complicate decision-making, slow repairs, and blur accountability. The result is a system that often reacts to crises rather than managing proactively.

What Parks Should Do Better

Well-managed parks should balance three core responsibilities:

• Preservation of natural and historical resources

• Public access that is fair, safe, and sustainable

• Stewardship that prioritizes long-term care over short-term convenience

This requires planning beyond election cycles, clear accountability for maintenance, and policies that recognize parks as long-term assets rather than discretionary expenses.

A Practical Path Forward

Responsible stewardship does not require sweeping promises, but it does require consistency and foresight. Practical improvements may include:

• Stable, dedicated funding for maintenance and conservation

• Long-term infrastructure planning aligned with actual usage

• Clear coordination between federal and state agencies

• Policies that protect access while preventing overuse and degradation

The goal is to manage parks in a way that preserves their value without compromising their integrity.

A Long-Term Responsibility

Parks exist because previous generations chose to protect something beyond their immediate needs. Maintaining them requires the same discipline today — thoughtful planning, responsible funding, and respect for the future.

Stewardship is not an abstract ideal. It is a practical responsibility, measured by whether these spaces remain healthy, accessible, and resilient over time.