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CNN Live Today

State of National Parks in Question

Aired May 27, 2002 - 11:16   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KRIS OSBORN, CNN ANCHOR: On this Memorial Day, many are thinking ahead to the summer. The season kicks off in just a few weeks, and many will flock to witness America's natural beauty. Well, what are we talking about? CNN's Eric Philips, he is live now in Yellowstone Park to talk about the state of our national parks -- hello, Eric.

ERIC PHILIPS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, good morning, Kris.

About 285 million people head to our national parks each and every year, causing them to struggle just to accommodate the influx of crowds. Environmentalists say it's been the same story for far too long: too many people and not enough money.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

(voice-over): The powerful waterfalls of Yosemite, the breathtaking depth of the grand canyon, the geological wonders of Yellowstone. Millions flock to the 385 national park locations each year to see nature at its simplest. But with the visitors come complications.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because the parks are basically under siege by just population growth.

PHILIPS: A challenge for the Bush administration.

GALE NORTON, INTERIOR SECRETARY: When you have so many people coming to our parks with facilities that were built for a lot fewer people, it really takes a lot of planning for us.

PHILIPS: Planning that conservationists argue should begin with increasing the operation budget for the national parks. It's increased approximately five percent over the last 10 years.

TOM KIERNAN, NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION: Unfortunately, we don't have the funding to do -- complete the science and the research to protect the natural treasures.

PHILIPS: The Bush administration is dedicating money to fix longstanding problems like replacing a defective sewer line at Yellowstone's Old Faithful and repaving roads in several parks. But officials say equally important is the lack of money for day-to-day operations. Many parks do not have enough rangers to cover a 24/7 schedule or enough interpreters to provide visitor education. KATY DUFFY, INTERPRETIVE RANGER: There's a saying that interpreters use: "Through interpretation understanding, through understanding appreciation, through appreciation protection."

PHILIPS: Park service personnel say they do the best with what they have and visitors are thankful.

JENSEN STOUP, PARK VISITOR: We're just very fortunate in everything we have, and this is a huge sign of a great fortune.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

PHILIPS (on camera): But many say President Bush's year 2003 budget falls well below what the parks really need, at least $173 million below. We're live at Yellowstone National Park. I'm Eric Philips -- Kris, back to you.

OSBORN: Eric Philips live at Yellowstone National Park on this Memorial Day. A lot of people heading out to the road and going out to see the beautiful landscape of America. Thank you.

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