Adventure operator Intrepid Travel has announced a significant partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), donating $50,000 through its nonprofit arm, the Intrepid Foundation. This collaboration aims to support the preservation of national parks amid looming financial threats.
The initiative arises as the National Park Service (NPS) faces potential cuts of $900 million in the proposed 2026 federal budget, marking what could become the most substantial reduction in NPS history. Should this budget be approved, approximately 350 national park sites could face closure, jeopardizing countless jobs and local businesses that rely on tourism.
Intrepid Travel plays an essential role in promoting U.S. national parks, bringing around 20,000 travelers annually, with an expected increase of 5,000 this year. According to Intrepid, these parks are vital not only for their natural beauty but also for their cultural significance, housing endangered wildlife, Indigenous history, and stories that span generations. As Intrepid CEO Leigh Barnes emphasized, “These parks are sacred lands, and we must come together to protect them.”
In response to the proposed budget cuts, Intrepid and the NPCA urge the public to participate in a petition against the budget proposal. They are also advocating for the reintroduction of the America the Beautiful Act, which seeks to address a staggering $23 billion maintenance backlog across the park system. Through these efforts, they aim to ensure that America’s natural treasures continue to be accessible and preserved for future generations.
