Congressional Funding Appropriations Status

August 23, 2001
from Capitol Trails Broadcast by the American Hiking Society

HELP FUND YOUR TRAILS

Contact your Representatives and Senators to help increase funding for trails in FY 2002. The House and Senate have both voted on their Interior Appropriations bills, and now a bicameral Conference Committee will develop a single bill that must pass by the end of September. Of note, the Senate bill includes funding decreases for some trail and recreation programs, such as Recreation Management and Capital Improvement and Maintenance for trails in the Forest Service, and it fails to provide important funding ($4 million) for land acquisition for the Florida National Scenic Trail.

In addition, the House bill includes a four-year extension of the Fee Demo program. Originally instituted in 1996 as a three-year experimental program (and subsequently extended through September 2002), Fee Demo entitles the National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife Service to test new or increased entrance and user fees at up to 100 sites per agency. The agencies use the revenues to address maintenance backlogs, resource management needs, and visitor services.

American Hiking opposes the four-year extension and believes the program should go through the proper law-makings channels rather than the appropriations process. AHS' concerns with Fee Demo arise from inconsistent application, spotty agency accountability, and equity issues.

Write your Congress Members, urging them to increase funding to protect the natural and recreational resources of the nation. Also express your opinion of the Fee Demo program. Urge Congress to adequately fund trails and recreation on our public lands through appropriations instead of user fees. American Hiking recommends the following appropriations:

• $8.25 million for the sixteen national scenic and historic trails administered by the National Park Service.
• $12 million for the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program.
• $330 million for Recreation Management, Heritage and Wilderness and $100 million for Capital Improvement and Maintenance for trails in the Forest Service.
• $59 million increase for Recreation Management in the Bureau of Land Management.

Trail and recreation management programs in the federal agencies remain severely underfunded and understaffed. The agencies require funding increases to enhance natural and cultural resource management and protection, improve visitor services, and strengthen volunteer partnerships.

To call your Member of Congress:
US Capitol Switchboard
(202) 224-3121

To write your Senator:
The Honorable ______________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

To write your Representative:
The Honorable ______________
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515