(StatePoint)  For generations, families have been visiting National Parks to experience the best that America has to offer. But recently, budget cuts have taken their toll on National Park Service sites nationwide.

Visitors to the 401 National Park sites across the country support more than a quarter-million jobs and over $30 billion in annual spending — a huge impact on local communities. The recent budget cuts affect both visitors and local businesses that rely on these visitors to support local economies.

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Some of the damaging effects these budget cuts are having on National Parks include major staffing shortages, the cancellation of special events, the closure of hiking trails and campgrounds, and a reduction in the monitoring of endangered species, which puts protected wildlife at risk.

To preserve our national parks and communities as we know them, the National Parks Conservation Association says Congress needs to invest in our national parks so they are protected and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Interested citizens can contact their Senators and Representatives at (202) 224-3121 to urge them to restore funding to the National Park Service budget and can visit www.npca.org/parkfunding for more information.

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