Local desert lands supporters are “disappointed and troubled” at the new fiscal year 2018 figures for the National Park Service included in the latest budget proposal. President Trump proposed a $2.55 billion budget for the National Park Service, including funding increases for Administration priorities like deferred maintenance. The administration says the budget makes a balanced investment in daily park and program operations and parks’ long-term needs while putting the federal government on track for a balanced budget by 2027.
Mojave Desert Land Trust Executive Director Danielle Segura said, “MDLT is disappointed and troubled by this Administration’s lack of commitment to take care of our Nation’s most pristine National Treasures. While funds are allocated for much needed backlog projects it reduces overall operational support and eliminates the bi-partisan supported Land and Water Conservation Fund, a primary tool of continued conservation for our Parks.”
NPS’s FY18 Budget Justification is available: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/FY-2018-NPS-Greenbook.pdf.
Additional details on the President’s FY18 Budget proposal are available on the Department of the Interior’s website: https://www.doi.gov/budget/appropriations/2018/highlights.
