Kilmer Marks the National Park Service's Centennial
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) released the following statement marking the National Park Service’s centennial.
“Franklin Roosevelt said ‘There's nothing so American as our national parks.... The fundamental idea behind the parks... is that our country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making the enrichment of the lives of all of us.’ The centennial we mark today is an affirmation of how vital our national parks remain to our nation – protecting natural treasures, creating experiences for families, and building economic opportunities,” said Kilmer.
“Just take a look at our region. Olympic National Park is an iconic place where folks can take in the great outdoors. It is also a driver of our local economy, creating positive opportunities for local small businesses and workers. Like every other park, it tells a unique story about the lands that make up our nation.”
Kilmer added, "As we celebrate this centennial, it's important not simply to mark past achievements. Rather, we need to commit to building bipartisan support for the parks so they can enjoy another successful 100 years.”
The Olympic National Park encompasses nearly one million acres of Washington state and protects 73 miles of Pacific coastline. A study conducted by the National Park Service found that in 2014 alone, Olympic National Park visitors contributed $2.6 million to the local economy and supported 3,500 local jobs.
Since coming to office, Kilmer has supported the National Park System and the local outdoor economy. Kilmer attended President Obama’s last State of the Union address with Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent of Olympic National Park. The National Parks Conservation Association recognized Kilmer with the Friend of the National Parks Award for his support of national parks. He is also a cosponsor of the National Park Service Centennial Act which creates a challenge fund to support key projects through public-private partnerships to enhance the National Park System.
In 2015, Kilmer also helped to successfully fight for the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund for three years. Since the fund was started it has invested nearly $600 million in more than 600 projects for parks, trails, and other outdoors spaces across Washington state.