National Parks Report Challenges Politicians To Provide More Funds

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - A study of 54 national parks across the U.S. since 2000 showed that the national parks got an average grade of 70 out of 100 for natural resources, based on its air and water quality, wildlife and ecosystems.

The ratings are in "The State of Our National Parks: A Resources Index" released by the National Parks Conservation Association last month.

A lower 61 average grade was registered for cultural resources in the form of historic edifices and museums.

Ron Tipton, senior vice president of the NPCA, said among the objectives of the report was to provide a database for politicians and presidential candidates as they allot or plan funds for national parks.

He stressed most of the country's national parks were not sufficiently funded and lacked manpower to address various challenges such as native species being crowded out by non-endemic species, dwindling air and water quality, wildfire prevention, climate change and the impact of energy development and mining.

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana topped the national parks with a 93 rating for natural resources and 74 for cultural resources. The other parks with high scores on both criteria were the Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado, the Glacier National Park and Idaho's Nez Perce National Historic Park.