http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/missourisl_7459.mp3
An environmental group released a report today (Thursday) that it says shows how Missouri’s largest national park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, is at risk of facing budget cuts that would leave the park underfunded. KSMU’s Ryan Welch has this report.
Environment Missouri’s report comes as the Obama administration is working on its “America’s Great Outdoors Initiative” and as Congress considers the budget for the National Parks Service.
Environment Missouri says in its report that the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in south central Missouri is already struggling to maintain the park, and that trash is accumulating in the rivers.
Conservationists say now it’s more important than ever to keep funding up for the national parks, because more people are visiting them. Last year, two-thirds of national parks saw an increase in visitors, and Ozark National Scenic Riverways was one of them.
The proposed National Park Service budget for the coming fiscal year calls for cutting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways’ operating budget by $62,000—that’s about one percent of its budget.
You can visit our website, ksmu.org, to link to that report. For KSMU News, I’m Ryan Welch.
LINKS: