Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park
NPS Photo
Critical Policy Supporting Vital Park Infrastructure, Fueling $8 Billion toward National Economy, and Preserving American Cultural Legacy Set to Expire in September
April 27, 2025 - Last week, the National Park Foundation, along with the National Park Friends Alliance and 118 national park partners, sent a letter to congressional leaders calling on them to reauthorize of the Great American Outdoor Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), a critical U.S. government fund dedicated to the stewardship and maintenance of America’s greatest treasures – its national parks.
The letter, addressed to leadership of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, highlights the impact of the LRF on America’s 430+ national parks and the communities that rely on them.
Since its enactment under President Donald Trump in 2020, the LRF has invested $6.5 billion into critical park infrastructure, delivering tremendous progress towards making parks safer, more modern, and better prepared for visitors. To date, the LRF has supported more than 72,000 jobs, infused $5 billion in the labor market nationwide, and contributed $8 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). In addition to their outsized economic impact, LRF projects better prepare parks for record-level visitation projected in 2026 and help preserve America’s natural and historic legacy. The LRF was authorized for five years and is set to expire in September 2025.
"The Legacy Restoration Fund is the product of effective bipartisanship with proven benefits for our cherished national parks and communities across the country. Without this ongoing investment in park maintenance, we risk losing both economic benefits and our shared legacy for future generations,” said Jeff Reinbold, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “We’re proud to stand by our leaders in Congress who are working together to reauthorize the LRF. By ensuring this successful program continues, we can keep our national parks safe, prosperous, and beautiful today and for generations to come.”
The signatories make up a community committed to supporting, protecting, and enhancing America’s 433 national parks. Together, they provided over $650 million in private philanthropy in 2023, serving as a force multiplier to federal investment in national parks.
“It’s important that Congress dedicate funds to protect and preserve the essence of America—our National Parks. From Acadia to Yosemite, Legacy Restoration Funds address dire maintenance needs throughout the system,” said Katie Nyberg, Executive Director of the National Park Friends Alliance. “Park partners nationwide have seen the benefits and impact of the Legacy Restoration Fund and strongly encourage Congress continue the momentum.”
The letter and list of supporters can be read here.
About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation works to protect wildlife and park lands, preserve history and culture, educate, and engage youth, and connect people everywhere to the wonder of parks. We do it in collaboration with the National Park Service, the park partner community, and with the generous support of donors, without whom our work would not be possible. Learn more at nationalparks.org.
About the National Park Friends Alliance
The National Park Friends Alliance provides a network for leaders in philanthropic organizations that work in partnership with the National Park Service. Our mission is to enhance support for national park sites by creating a space for collaboration, creativity, and support of philanthropic partnerships between the National Park Service and their official nonprofits. In addition to providing networking and professional development opportunities for members, the Friends Alliance works closely with National Park Service leaders to support national initiatives, policies and procedures that enhance the impact of park partners. Learn more at friendsalliance.org.
Source: National Park Foundation
