HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-138 (Support for the National Park System) RESOLUTION 2017-138
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
WHEREAS,America's National Park System is a living testament to our citizens'valor,our nation's hardships, our
victories,and our traditions as Americans, and has been called "America's Best Idea;"and
WHEREAS,the National Park System preserves the diversity, culture,and heritage of all Americans,and
serves as a living classroom for future generations; and
WHEREAS,in 2016,the National Park Service celebrated its centennial and currently manages more than
400 nationally significant sites and an invaluable collection of more than 75,000 natural and cultural assets that
span 84 million acres across all 50 states,the District of Columbia,and several U.S.territories and insular areas;
and
WHEREAS, Minnesota is blessed with 5 national park sites,including the beautiful St. Croix National Scenic
Riverway which provides recreational opportunities for families and individuals to boat,fish,swim,camp and
enjoy,and
WHEREAS, one of Stillwater's key community objectives in our Comprehensive Plan is to preserve,protect,
and restore our community's natural areas including the banks of the great St.Croix National Scenic Riverway
because of its cultural,recreational and economic impacts; and
WHEREAS, in 2016,the National Park System had more than 325 million visits nationally with Minnesota
seeing 975,192 visitors to its 5 national park sites; and
WHEREAS,in 2016, National Park Service estimates indicate that park visitors spent more than$56
million in Stillwater and other gateway communities in Minnesota; and
WHEREAS,visitor spending in gateway communities in Minnesota directly created 897 jobs, contributed
to local community tax base and helped groups our economy; and
WHEREAS,the National Park Service has the obligation to preserve our nation's history; promote access to
national parks for all citizens; stimulate revenue to sustain itself and nearby communities; educate the public
about America's natural, cultural and historical resources,and provide safe facilities and environs to enjoy these
resources; and
WHEREAS,despite a mission to make parks accessible and open,because of Congressional underfunding
the National Park Service has a backlog in Minnesota of$21 million needed for infrastructure repairs to aging
historical structures,trails,sewers, drainage, hundreds of miles of roads,bridges,tunnels,and other vital
infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of Congress to maintain America's national parks to ensure our natural
places and our history is preserved and documented for future generations,and for the adjacent communities that
rely on the direct and indirect economic benefits generated by visits to national park sites.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Stillwater City Council strongly encourages Congress to
create a reliable, predictable stream of resources to address deferred maintenance needs in America's National
Park System.
Enacted by the City Council of Stillwater, Minnesota the 11th day of July 2017.
CITY OF STILLWATER
Ted Koz owski,
ATTEST:
A26a:c-E,
Diane Ward,City Clerk