Support IMBA on Capitol Hill -- Write a Letter to the Editor Regarding National Parks

For Immediate Release
3-3-08
Contact: Mark Eller, Communications Director
markeller@...
303-545-9011

Our nation's parks are in disrepair. Cultural resources are being neglected, signs are old or missing, visitor centers are lacking, security needs aren't being met and trails are eroding.

Last year, Congress and the administration proposed a national campaign to fix our nation's parks in time for their 100-year anniversary in 2016. The Centennial Initiative would engage communities in programs to restore cultural resources, gets kids our into parks and repair trails and waterways. Although some funding was allocated, the bills have stalled in committee. This week, more than 500 bicyclists from across the country will be in Washington, DC, during the National Bike Summit. They will ask Congress to get going. The clock is ticking and our parks are getting worse.

IMBA needs your help. While we are working in DC, we want to fill blogs and local papers with letters to the editor asking Congress to support national parks.

Please support bicyclists this week by firing off a short letter to the editor to your local paper or blog. We have made it easy for you with a sample message. Mention the national parks in your state and tell personal stories of what they mean to you and your family. If you can list a specific problem at the park from lack of funding, be sure to name it. 

To see a great example of the kinds of programs IMBA wants to bring to national parks, check out the Trips for Kids DC chapter and their work at a local national park.
 
Find your local paper and quickly submit our sample letter to the editor.

Sample Letter to the Editor
 
(Letters have the best chance of being printed if they are less than 150 words. And be sure to list your full name, address and phone number so they are printed.)
 
Dear Editor,
 
America's national parks are in great disrepair and we need [your Senators/Representative] to help save them. [List parks in your state.]  Visitation is down at many parks and kids are increasingly disconnected from these national treasures. The Centennial Initiative can combat these trends and revitalize the National Park Service for its 100th anniversary in 2016. [Add personal stories or other pertinent local information.]
 
Sincerely,

[Your name, address, phone number and organization]
 
About the National Bike Summit

IMBA is a leading sponsor of the National Bike Summit, hosted by the League of American Bicyclists. This year, National Park Service Director Mary Bomar will keynote the two-day conference and 500 bicyclists representing 45 states will be on Capitol Hill Thursday, March 6.