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How Trump's budget cuts could put America's most beautiful landscapes at risk

Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposals include a 12 per cent cut to the Department of the Interior, which is responsible for the National Park Service - Zack Frank - Fotolia
Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposals include a 12 per cent cut to the Department of the Interior, which is responsible for the National Park Service - Zack Frank - Fotolia

Sweeping spending cuts and a federal hiring freeze is threatening the US National Park Service, campaigners have warned.

In all the service is responsible for 409 parks, 23 national scenic and historic trails, scores of rivers, and some of America’s most iconic landmarks.

However, Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposals include a 12 per cent cut to the Department of the Interior, which is responsible for the National Park Service.

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It also proposes a 31 per cent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency which maintains clean air and water standards.

America’s national parks are hugely popular. Last year they were visited by 330 million people, eight per cent more than in 2015.

Around 330 million people visited a US national park in 2016 - Credit: ©Matt Anderson Photography/Matt Anderson Photography
Around 330 million people visited a US national park in 2016 Credit: ©Matt Anderson Photography/Matt Anderson Photography

The service also looks after attractions including the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument and Mount Rushmore. 

The hiring freeze is already biting, according to public sector unions. In Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress gathered when the 13 colonies broke away from the Crown, a number of attractions have already closed their door to visitors for the winter.

They include Benjamin Franklin’s home and print shop and Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.

The impact of the budget cuts is already being felt in Philadelphia - Credit: Sergey Borisov/Sergey Borisov
The impact of the budget cuts is already being felt in Philadelphia Credit: Sergey Borisov/Sergey Borisov

Although some attractions have closed to visitors during previous winters, there is growing concern over their long-term future.

David Fitzpatrick, a local union official who has been in the area for 17 years, said the latest round of closures was unprecedented.

Independence National Historical Park, which looks after the sites, has declined to discuss the individual closures, saying in a statement it was still in discussions with the federal officials over how to implement the hiring freeze.

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But the prospect of closures at the birthplace of the United States has alarmed Jim Kenney, Philadelphia’s Democratic mayor.

“Everyone wants a more efficient and effective government, but we can’t have staffing levels so low that children don’t have the opportunity to learn about the founding principles that made this country great,” his spokeswoman said.

America’s wilderness is also under threat, especially with the Department of Agriculture set for a 21 per cent cut under the budget proposals.

In Montana, for example, spending on conservation is set to be cut, to the fury of groups such as the local Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, whose president, Land Tawney, described the proposals as unacceptable.

Glacier National Park, Montana - Credit: kanonsky - Fotolia
Glacier National Park, Montana Credit: kanonsky - Fotolia

“It also would erode proven success stories like the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has done more than any other federal program to conserve important landscapes and expand public opportunities to access and enjoy them.” 

The National Parks Conservation Association said the planned cuts to an array of agencies could jeopardise the protection, maintenance, and operation of parks across the country.

Curbing the parks land acquisition programme would leave beauty spots vulnerable to property developers. 

The $19 million National Heritage Area programme is also facing the axe, undermining work which has been done to preserve historic sites such as Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls from above - Credit: Chase Guttman
Niagara Falls from above Credit: Chase Guttman

“The Administration’s proposed budget is a non-starter for our national parks, our environment, and our cultural heritage, and should be dead on arrival in Congress, “ said John Garder, the Association’s director of Budget and Appropriations.

“Agencies like the National Park Service and EPA cannot take care of our treasured landscapes and historical landmarks with further cuts to what are already shoestring budgets.”

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