Mounting Pressure on America’s National Parks

In a decisive moment for the future of America’s public lands, Intrepid Travel—the world’s largest B Corp-certified adventure travel company—has stepped forward as a leading advocate for U.S. national parks. The announcement comes amid a federal budget proposal that threatens to slash nearly $900 million from the National Park Service (NPS) coffers for fiscal year 2026, the largest cut in the agency’s history. The drastic reduction has prompted warnings that as many as 350 park sites—from iconic destinations like Yellowstone and Yosemite to historical and cultural landmarks—could be forced to reduce operations or even close.

According to National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) estimates, such funding losses would reverberate far beyond park boundaries, jeopardizing not only conservation efforts and visitor services but also the economies of surrounding communities. U.S. national parks drew nearly 325 million visits in 2023, generating more than $50 billion in economic benefits and supporting over 378,400 jobs nationwide, according to the NPS’s latest figures.

Intrepid Travel’s Concrete Action: A Major Donation

As lawmakers debate the fate of the NPS budget, Intrepid Travel has fortified its support for conservation by donating $50,000 to the NPCA via its nonprofit arm, the Intrepid Foundation. The company’s statement emphasizes that this partnership is only the beginning. It is urging the wider public and industry players to rally against the proposed funding cuts and support long-term investments in infrastructure and preservation.

“These parks are more than just pretty places. They’re sacred lands, home to endangered wildlife, Indigenous history, and the stories of generations. We’re calling on travelers, businesses, and policymakers to step up with us to ensure America’s national parks remain protected for all,” said Intrepid CEO Leigh Barnes.

Intrepid Travel’s advocacy comes with industry weight—not only bringing 20,000 travelers each year to U.S. parks, but expecting a further 5,000 in 2025 as nature-based tourism resurges post-pandemic. The company’s U.S. itineraries, which include immersive visits to Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Bryce, Zion, and more, play a significant role in spreading economic benefits among park-adjacent communities that rely on tourism for livelihoods.

Impact of Funding Cuts: Local Economies and Park Preservation at Risk

National parks are more than a source of inspiration and recreation—they are a linchpin of the U.S. travel economy and a living record of the country’s ecological and cultural legacy. The looming cuts would exacerbate a maintenance backlog already estimated at $23 billion. Many parks are struggling with deteriorating roads, trails, outdated visitor facilities, and a lack of resources to protect threatened species and fragile habitats.

According to the NPCA, potential site closures and service reductions could undermine years of progress in visitor safety, environmental protection, and inclusive storytelling—especially as parks work to elevate underrepresented histories, such as those of Black, Latino, Asian American, and Indigenous communities. Furthermore, less funding could mean fewer educational programs, staff layoffs, and reduced accessibility for visitors, particularly from underserved backgrounds.

The travel industry at large is closely watching the debate, as research shows that for every federal dollar invested in parks, the country receives approximately a $10 return in economic activity—a remarkable public-private multiplier effect. Local hotels, restaurants, outfitters, and retail businesses would all suffer if park visitation or operational capacity declines.

A National Call to Action: Petition and Legislation

Intrepid Travel and the NPCA are not stopping at donations. The organizations are actively mobilizing public support through a petition that opposes the 2026 budget cuts, aiming to deliver a strong message to lawmakers about the value Americans place on their natural heritage. Stakeholders can also support efforts to reintroduce the America the Beautiful Act, which proposes to address deferred repairs and invest in future-proofing park infrastructure to ensure access, sustainability, and resilience amid climate impacts.

“Our national parks are at a crossroads,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of NPCA. “Congress must provide the resources these places need. Our jobs, natural resources, and our collective American story depend on healthy, accessible parks.”

The fight to adequately fund public lands has garnered bipartisan attention. Recent surveys by the Pew Charitable Trusts show that more than 80% of U.S. voters, regardless of party, support increased investments in national parks and public lands.

The Broader Push for Responsible Tourism and Conservation

Intrepid Travel’s campaign is emblematic of the broader trend toward sustainable and responsible tourism, a priority that has only accelerated due to climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on global travel patterns. Tour operators and travelers alike are increasingly aware of the need to minimize their footprint, support local economies, and champion preservation rather than simply consume destinations.

More operators are joining the cause: In March 2025, G Adventures and National Geographic also launched new American park itineraries while donating portions of tour proceeds to conservation partners. Similarly, the Outdoor Industry Association has redoubled advocacy efforts for America’s public lands, noting their vital role in public health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

For those interested in supporting American national parks:

• Visit NPCA’s petition to voice support for federal funding and preservation.
• Consider responsible travel companies, like Intrepid Travel, that contribute directly to conservation.
• Contact your Congressional representatives to urge support for the America the Beautiful Act and sustainable investment in public lands.

The Stakes for the Future

With National Park visitation rebounding in 2024 and projected to set a new record in 2025, the economic and intrinsic value of these public treasures has never been more evident. Whether for recreation, education, or inspiration, the case for investing—not divesting—in national parks, is persuasive across the board. The travel industry’s latest advocacy efforts may well shape the legacy of these lands for generations to come.

Learn more and join the effort: Intrepid Travel Sustainable Travel Initiatives | National Parks Conservation Association