Prepare to be amazed by the most generous donation in the history of America’s National Parks. A whopping $100 million has been pledged to the National Parks Foundation (NPF) by the Lilly Endowment, specifically earmarked for the protection of our parks’ most fragile ecosystems. This monumental gift is a testament to the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.
Whether it’s vast expanses of untouched wilderness like Glacier or Canyonlands, or smaller, highly sensitive ecosystems such as those found in Biscayne Bay and Channel Islands, our national parks are sanctuaries for nature. The Lilly Endowment understands this value and has designated its donation to shield ecosystems on the brink of degradation.
AP reports that these funds will not only benefit the 63 national parks but also extend to over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service, as confirmed by Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the NPF.
Imagine the impact: revitalized coral reefs in Biscayne Bay National Park and other reef-bearing parks, restored wild trout species in western parks, and safeguarded delicate ecosystems. Shafroth anticipates that these critical areas will be among the first beneficiaries of grants from the Lilly Endowment’s magnanimous gift.
Over the past few decades, a backlog of deferred maintenance in our national parks has accumulated to a staggering $7 billion. The Great American Outdoors Act, enacted by the 116th Congress and President Trump, aimed to tackle this issue by permanently reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This plan redirects 50% of all revenue from energy sales on federally-owned land toward conservation grants.
Despite these efforts, recent estimates by the NPS suggest that around $24 billion is needed for park maintenance. In response, the NPF has launched a fundraising campaign seeking private donors to help bridge this gap. Lilly Endowment Inc. is proudly leading the charge with its historic contribution.
Donations like Lilly’s are crucial for immediate action on time-sensitive and critical projects. “For over 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding. This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come,” President Shafroth said in a statement.
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Source: Good News Network
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