Nothing partisan about preserving national parks

But we hope that competing need does not preclude maintenace at national parks, lest Americans love their national parks to death. As Rep. Donna F. Edwards, D-Md., quipped in a column for The Washington Post: “If the parks had a homeowners’ association, they would be racking up citations for violations.”

Shoring up national parks and historic sites is not only a matter of preserving this nation’s scenic beauty and cultural heritage. It also is important to areas that welcome visitors. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor and a champion of the Restore Our Parks act said, “I’ve seen firsthand how our public lands have captivated both visitors and residents alike and served as key economic drivers for our local communities.”

Last year, America’s national parks saw more than 300 million visitors who spent more than $20 billion, according to a new report from the National Park Service. While such tallies can be specious in their calculations, there is no doubt that nearby parks provide a boost for countless communities.

Particularly in the western United States, national parks and monuments are tightly linked to our heritage and to our appreciation for the grandeur of this nation. A survey conducted by Colorado College found that 94 percent of residents in Western states favor more spending for maintenance of national parks.

For many Americans, the idea of preserving our natural splendor is a strong selling point for addressing the maintenance backlog at cherished sites. For others, recognition that there is a strong return on investment should resonate.

Either way, adequate spending for national parks, monuments and historic sites should generate bipartisan support for restoring and enhancing our nation’s most wondrous public spaces.