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Articles by Marcia Argust
A Smart Investment for Another 250 Years
Millions of Americans are flocking to national parks this summer, enriching their lives and fueling local economies. In 2024 alone, national parks welcomed 332 million visits, and visitor spending in nearby communities generated $56.3 billion in economic output and supported more than 340,000 jobs nationwide. But national parks and other public lands will suffer unless Congress passes the America the Beautiful Act before the end of this year.
National parks are a gold mine. Congress has a chance to save them from crumbling
Millions of Americans are flocking to national parks this summer, enriching their lives and fueling local economies. In 2024 alone, national parks welcomed 332 million visits, and visitor spending in nearby communities generated $56.3 billion in economic output and supported more than 340,000 jobs nationwide. But national parks and other public lands will suffer unless Congress passes the America the Beautiful Act before the end of this year. Cameras only watch prison assaults.
As the U.S. Celebrates its 250th Year, the National Parks Face Unfinished Business
The rebuilt Tidal Basin seawall, seen here during peak cherry blossom season, features deeper foundations, a reoriented and wider pedestrian walkway, and design elements intended to better withstand future sea-level rise. Article July 23, 2026 Stand at the edge of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., today, and you’ll have a hard time finding evidence of aging infrastructure and degradation.
Wildlife Crossings Save Lives, Money, and Improve the Environment
Lately, it seems our major political parties can find little to agree on. Nevertheless, some policies still garner strong bipartisan support, including protecting America’s public safety and wildlife heritage.
Wildlife Crossings Save Lives, Money, and Improve the Environment
Federal and state initiatives work hand in hand to make roads safer Article November 5, 2024 By: Marcia Argust & Matt Skroch Read time: Share Wildlife Crossings Save Lives, Money, and Improve the Environment The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, under construction over U.S. Highway 101 near Liberty Canyon Road in Agoura Hills, California, aims to reconnect wildlife habitat and reduce animal-vehicle collisions on the busy freeway. Myung J.
How the Farm Bill can conserve wildlife and working landscapes
In this photo taken Oct. 4, 2018, a worker walks past a gap where tall panels are being erected on a wildlife bridge under construction over Interstate 90 on Snoqualmie Pass, Wash. The stretch of highway crossing the Cascade Mountains cuts through old growth forest and wetlands, creating a dangerous border for wildlife everything from an elk down to a small salamander. The new crossing gives animals in these mountains a safer option for crossing the road: They’ll be able to go above it.
A New Model for Conserving Wildlife Migrations on Private Lands
Skip to Content Sign up for Route Fifty Today Your daily read on state and local government email By Marcia Argust Connecting state and local government leaders America’s wildlife is a national treasure. From mule deer to monarchs, the natural world supports human life, fosters a deep sense of connection to nature’s bounty and serves as the backbone of our $454 billion outdoor recreation economy—boosting tourism, generating gear purchases and supporting local jobs.
New Model Aims to Conserve Wildlife Migrations on Working Lands
A federal-state agreement signed this fall may offer a better way for the nation to maintain wildlife habitats on privately owned land Opinion December 9, 2022 By: Marcia Argust Read time: Share A Model to Conserve Wildlife Migrations on Working Lands America’s wildlife is a national treasure.
To Preserve America’s Past, National Park Service Turns to Innovation
You are here Home » To Preserve America’s Past, National Park Service Turns to Innovation Published by jason@omahadail...
On Earth Day, Congress should remember investments in nature pay off
Tomorrow’s Earth Day theme — Invest in Our Planet — is more than an aspiration: It’s also a reminder that since the first Earth Day in 1970, Congress has made critical investments that recognize the many benefits that nature provides to people.
To Preserve America's Past, National Park Service Turns to Innovation
Funding from Great American Outdoors Act supports intricate repairs at historic sites Article April 21, 2022 By: Marcia Argust & Thomas St. Hilaire Read time: Share To Preserve America’s Past, National Park Service Turns to Innovation When Horace Albright, former superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, became the second director of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1929, he noted that his job was “to consolidate our gains, finish up the rounding out of the Park system, go rather heavily...
Land and river conservation can be a rallying point for our divided nation
Few issues draw broad support across the American electorate these days. But one stands out as both popular among voters and ripe for action by Congress: enhancing the protection of our country’s lands and rivers.
New Infrastructure Law Includes Needed Funding for National Park Roads
Projects will improve visitor experiences and make routes safer for drivers—and wildlife Article November 17, 2021 By: Marcia Argust & Thomas St. Hilaire Read time: Share Read Mode Navigate to: New Infrastructure Law Includes Needed Funding for National Park Roads Horace M. Albright, who helped found the National Park Service (NPS) and led it from 1929 to 1933, once wrote that “the national parks are more than the storehouses of nature’s rarest treasures.
Infrastructure Bill Includes Strong Measures to Help Fish and Wildlife
Wildlife, fish, parks, and tribal lands are among the winners in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved by the U.S. Senate on Aug. 10. If approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law, the act would for the first time provide dedicated resources to construct wildlife crossings to help reduce fatalities and injuries caused by the 1-2 million wildlife-vehicle collisions that occur each year.
Landmark Investment in Our National Parks Is Underway
The National Park System is one of America’s greatest treasures, but it has become tarnished over the last century. Deteriorating historic buildings, crumbling roads, worn campgrounds, eroding trails, and outdated sewer and electrical systems have led to a backlog of repairs that will cost billions of dollars to fix.
Dear Senate: Want to Help the Economy? Pass These Conservation Bills
Opinion March 5, 2021 Share Read Mode Conservation Bills That Can Help the Economy With the new Congress two months into its term, lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have found agreement on legislation to help conserve our public landscapes and aid our nation’s economic recovery.
Senate: Want to help the economy? Pass these conservation bills
With the new Congress two months into its term, lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle have found agreement on legislation to help conserve our public landscapes and aid our nation’s economic recovery. By a bipartisan vote, the House of Representatives last week passed the Protecting America’s Wilderness and Public Lands Act — a package of bills that would enhance access to our public lands and rivers, safeguard them and facilitate job creation.
Service Members Extol Value of Public Lands and Rivers
Slate of bills before Congress would protect places of reflection, recovery, and awe Article November 10, 2020 Share Read Mode Service Members Extol Value of Public Lands and Rivers America’s wild land and rivers and the wildlife that live within them have calmed, comforted, exhilarated, and awed people for centuries. For many of our country’s service members, public lands and waters can also provide solace and places to reflect, recover, and reconnect with loved ones.
Splendid Fall Colors at National Parks Can't Hide Overdue Repair Needs
It is said that nature is neither kind nor cruel, just indifferent. But based on the annual banquet of colorful leaves and berries on display this month in national parks around the country, it sure looks as if Mother Nature likes to show off sometimes too. Her timing, incidentally, is sublime, with huge numbers of Americans heading outdoors in search of some sense of normalcy in a year upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Time Running Out for Congress to Protect Lands, Rivers, and Local Economies
From centuries-old redwood forests and panoramic deserts to sparkling waterways, America’s public lands and rivers are among the most captivating and ecologically diverse in the world. They filter our air, help keep our drinking water clean—and in turn reduce water treatment costs—and provide vital habitat for a range of wildlife, from bald eagles to salmon.
Time Running Out for Congress to Protect Lands, Rivers, and Local Economies
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct an error on the PUBLIC Lands Act. An earlier version wrongly stated that the bill had passed the House. From centuries-old redwood forests and panoramic deserts to sparkling waterways, America’s public lands and rivers are among the most captivating and ecologically diverse in the world.
With New Funding, National Park Service Will Start Addressing Long-Overdue Repairs
Implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act gets underway Article September 16, 2020 Share Read Mode With New Funding, National Park Service Will Start Addressing Long-Overdue Repairs On Aug. 4, the Great American Outdoors Act became law, ensuring the largest investment in our parks and public lands in decades.
With New Funding, National Park Service Will Start Addressing Long-Overdue Repairs
Implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act gets underway Article September 16, 2020 Share Read Mode With New Funding, National Park Service Will Start Addressing Long-Overdue Repairs On Aug. 4, the Great American Outdoors Act became law, ensuring the largest investment in our parks and public lands in decades.
Report Offers Innovative Ways to Help Fix Our National Parks
America’s National Park System protects our natural treasures and cultural history while offering ample opportunity for recreation, education, and contemplation—from hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and exploring the country’s origins at Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia to reflecting on the fight for equality at Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta. But our parks are in trouble.
National Parks to Get Long-Overdue Repairs
Enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act means improvements could begin as soon as October Article August 4, 2020 Share Read Mode National Parks to Get Long-Overdue Repairs Over the past 4 1/2 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has collected and shared data about the numerous repairs needed throughout our country’s 100-year-old National Park System and worked with hundreds of local and regional organizations around the nation to share this information with policymakers.
Great American Outdoors Act Would Improve National Parks-and U.S. Economy
House takes up bill that would invest in overdue repairs and create jobs Article July 16, 2020 Share Read Mode Great American Outdoors Act Would Improve National Parks—and U.S. Economy For the thousands of communities across America that serve as gateways to our national parks, the condition of these treasured sites is critical to economic vitality. That’s because the hotels, restaurants, outfitters, and other businesses in gateway communities count on revenue from people coming to the parks.
Senate Passes Historic Bill to Improve Protection of National Parks and Public Lands
House approval of Great American Outdoors Act would help preserve American heritage for generations Article June 17, 2020 Share Read Mode Senate Passes Historic Bill to Improve Protection of National Parks and Public Lands Americans throughout the country, numerous polls show, value their national parks and public lands as places for outdoor recreation, education, and reflection, and as economic juggernauts for nearby towns and communities.
National Parks Have Served as Oscar-Winning Movie Backdrops
The Oscars are just around the corner—and the locations for a film can be just as important as the actors cast for the leading roles. This is a timely reminder that not all the stars of Hollywood blockbusters are actors or directors. In fact, although National Park Service (NPS) sites don’t play a starring role in any of this year’s nominees, the parks and their sweeping scenery are no stranger to the spotlight.
In National Parks Aging Roads Pose Growing Challenge for Managers
It’s a safe bet that America’s national parks would never have become the popular attractions they are today without extensive, reliable transportation to carry visitors to, from, and through the parks. From the railroads built in the late 1800s and early 1900s to serve the first western parks to the early carriage paths and roads that followed, transportation infrastructure is vital to visitors’ access and enjoyment of these significant sites.
In National Parks, Repair Backlog Affects Housing for Rangers and Other Staff
Outdated, unsafe structures among issues totaling $186 million in maintenance needs Article August 26, 2019 By: Marcia Argust Read time: Share In National Parks, Repair Backlog Affects Housing for Rangers and Other Staff National Park Service (NPS) staff members dedicate their careers to protecting and stewarding the more than 400 NPS sites across the country.
Investing in Overdue Maintenance at National Parks Could Generate 100,000 Jobs
Every region of U.S. would see benefits of addressing the almost $12 billion backlog Article August 2, 2019 Share Read Mode Investing in Overdue Maintenance at National Parks Could Generate 100,000 Jobs Addressing the National Park Service’s (NPS’) nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog would create or support more than 100,000 infrastructure-related jobs, a Pew-commissioned analysis by the Cadmus Group found.
Preventive Maintenance Could Have Saved National Parks Billions of Dollars
“There’s an old TV ad with the tagline ‘You can pay me now or pay me later,’” says Tim Harvey, a former National Park Service (NPS) branch chief of asset management and division chief of park facility management. Harvey says the slogan of the 1970s oil-filter commercial, which advised spending on preventive auto care to avoid costly repairs later, is a good analogy for how the deferred maintenance backlog at America’s national parks has climbed to nearly $12 billion.
National Parks' Broad Appeal Could Slip Without Needed Repairs
Unaddressed maintenance issues hamper experience for visitors from home and abroad Article April 18, 2019 Share Read Mode National Parks' Broad Appeal Could Slip Without Needed Repairs America's national parks draw millions of visitors a year from outside the U.S. “You hear, when you walk along the rim, all these different languages being spoken, which I absolutely love,” Mindy Riesenberg, director of marketing and communications for the Grand Canyon Conservancy, said on a recent episode of...
Hill Support Growing for Legislation to Fix National Parks
More lawmakers visiting sites to highlight overdue repair needs Article April 16, 2019 Share Read Mode Hill Support Growing for Legislation to Fix National Parks Historic walls in San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Railroad tracks in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. What do these parks have in common?
Cost of Unaddressed National Park Repairs Grows to Nearly $12 Billion
Increase highlights need for Congress to reduce backlog now Article April 9, 2019 Share Read Mode Cost of Unaddressed National Park Repairs Grows to Nearly $12 Billion Like a homeowner trying to patch numerous leaks in a roof during a rainstorm, the National Park Service (NPS) urgently needs help to address a backlog of maintenance issues across its more than 400 sites. Last year, the NPS tackled $671 million worth of deferred maintenance projects—one of its highest annual totals.
Addressing repair backlog at national parks can give Congress a big win
With the House expected to soon consider the public lands package recently passed by the Senate, now is the time to move on other unfinished business: the Restore Our Parks and Public Lands Act (H.R. 1225) and the Restore Our Parks Act (S. 500), which would address priority repairs at America’s aging — and in many cases deteriorating — national park facilities.
Potential for 100,000-Plus Jobs If We Fix Our Parks
Analysis of National Park Service data shows possible employment impact in every region Article December 6, 2018 Share Read Mode Potential for 100,000-Plus Jobs If We Fix Our Parks A Pew-commissioned analysis by the Cadmus Group, a consulting company, found that addressing the National Park Service’s $11.6 billion maintenance backlog would create or support nearly 110,000 infrastructure-related jobs.
7 Reasons to Save Our Parks Now
Our national parks, which welcome hundreds of millions of visitors every year, are in trouble. The National Park Service has a repair backlog of nearly $12 billion. If we want our parks to continue documenting our history, providing world-class recreation areas, and bolstering local economies, the time to act is now. Here are seven reasons: 1. Congress is poised to act. More than half of the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the U.S. Senate support bipartisan legislation (H.R. 6510/S.
Americans Want Congress to Pass National Parks Maintenance Bill
The vast majority of Americans believe Congress should pass a bill, now pending, to address priority repairs at the 418 national park sites across the country, according to a poll released on Nov. 19.
Bills in Congress Could Preserve Sites at Historic Harpers Ferry
West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland come together at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, a heavily forested spot known for its spectacular natural setting and its significant role during the Civil War. The park also marks the unofficial midpoint of the nearly 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. More than 340,000 people visited the park in 2017, but parts of its history were locked away from them because of $11 million in deferred maintenance.
To Honor Veterans, Congress Should Approve Legislation for National Park Repairs
Video shows overdue maintenance at Gettysburg, part of $11.6 billion NPS backlog Article November 12, 2018 Share Read Mode To Honor Veterans, Congress Should Approve Legislation for National Park Repairs Americans have long shown deep gratitude and respect for our country’s veterans, with many people choosing to honor them at some of the 150 National Park Service (NPS) military sites around the country.
Restoring our national parks would be a bipartisan win for Congress
There comes a time when homeowners can no longer ignore the leaky roof, broken heating and A/C unit, outdated plumbing system, or sagging floorboards in their house. Congress seems to be reaching this point with the much-needed repairs within national park units across the country — a list that has led to a backlog of deferred maintenance needs totaling nearly $12 billion — with the introduction of and strong bipartisan support for, legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Calls Mount for Congress to Fix Our Parks
The National Park Service serves a critical role as caretaker to an array of park sites that document our nation’s history and heritage and showcase America’s natural splendor. But many of these places are crumbling, eroding, and outdated, affecting visitors’ access and safety. The NPS’ nationwide backlog of repairs was estimated at $11.6 billion as of fiscal year 2017.
Jobs Interactive: Potential in Restoring Our National Parks
Article December 1, 2017 Share Read Mode Jobs Interactive: Potential in Restoring Our National Parks Our national parks are American treasures. They not only preserve significant historical sites and natural resources, but they also are economic engines for local communities and states. In 2016, the centennial of the National Park Service (NPS) drew record crowds: 331 million visits.
Job Creation Potential If We Restore Our National Parks
Our national parks are American treasures. They not only preserve significant historical sites and natural resources, but they also are economic engines for local communities and states. In 2016, the centennial of the National Park Service (NPS) drew record crowds: 331 million visits. These visitors spent more than $18 billion in communities adjacent to parks, which in turn supported 318,150 jobs and nearly $35 billion in national economic output. But many of our irreplaceable parks need repairs.
Innovative Public Private Partnerships Can Help Fix Our Parks
Article August 10, 2017 Share Read Mode Innovative Public-Private Partnerships Can Help Fix Our Parks The Student Conservation Association deploys thousands of young people each year to restore our parks, as shown here in Acadia National Park.
For Some, Touring MLK's Boyhood Home Is a Dream Deferred
In Atlanta this weekend, people will be able to pay homage to Martin Luther King Jr. during his birthday celebration by visiting a site that has been closed for months: the civil rights leader’s boyhood home. The two-story house in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood where King and his brother and sister were born and where he lived until he was 12 is a centerpiece of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, which also includes the church where he preached, and several neighborhood homes.
Funding national park repairs would give new Congress an early win
As a new president and Congress prepare to assume leadership in Washington, they should start their work with a unifying issue: fixing America's national parks. Among our country's proudest legacies, the parks — along with battlefields, memorials, historic homes and other places managed by the National Park Service (NPS) — need almost $12 billion for repairs ranging from aging, unsafe electrical systems to eroded trails and crumbling bridges.
7 Popular National Park Sites Struggle With Deferred Maintenance
This year, the United States is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) and the more than 400 cultural, historic, wildland, and urban sites that it protects. But even as rangers are welcoming record crowds, they are also grappling with a budget that is too tight to maintain the parks and fix broken and aging infrastructure. The NPS estimates that its list of overdue repairs would cost nearly $12 billion to fix. The situation must be addressed.
Many Popular National Park Trails Are at Risk
Editor's Note: This analysis was updated June 17, 2016, to feature President Barack Obama’s trip to Carlsbad Caverns and Yosemite national parks.
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