5 days ago
Intrepid Travel stands up for U.S. national parks
Adventure operator Intrepid Travel has partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association, donating $50,000 to the advocacy group through its nonprofit, Intrepid Foundation.
The partnership comes with the National Park Service at risk of losing $900 million in funding if the proposed 2026 federal budget is approved. The cut would be the largest in NPS history.
Some 350 sites managed by NPS are at risk of closure, Intrepid said in its announcement. The National Parks Conservation Association previously told Travel Weekly that removing these sites from the park system and federal management threatens many communities, businesses and workers that depend on tourism.
Intrepid said it brings 20,000 travelers to the country's national parks each year and expects an additional 5,000 this year.
"These parks are more than just pretty places. They're sacred lands, home to endangered wildlife, Indigenous history and the stories of generations," said Intrepid CEO Leigh Barnes, adding that Intrepid is calling on the public "to step up with us."
Intrepid and the National Parks Conservation Association are calling upon people to sign a petition rejecting the proposed budget. The organization also wants to reintroduce the America the Beautiful Act in hopes of addressing a $23 billion deferred maintenance backlog, the announcement said.
