IMBA Supports Centennial Initiative to Restore National Parks

For Immediate Release
03-21-07
Contact: Drew Vankat, Policy Analyst

303-545-9011

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) supports efforts to enhance the National Park Service (NPS) for its 100th birthday in 2016. The Centennial Initiative, will help restore the luster of our National Parks System and set the direction for the next century of park management.

The cornerstone of the Centennial Initiative is a substantial increase in the NPS budget, after years of flat or declining funding. In February, the Bush administration proposed a $230 million budget increase for fiscal year 2008, essential to restoring staff and facility capabilities. IMBA applauds this increase and asks specifically that some funds be appropriated for trail construction, maintenance and recreation ecology research.

The public is being asked to help define priorities for the growing NPS budget. At a nationwide series of listening sessions, the NPS is asking citizens to help craft a vision for the next 100 years of national parks. IMBA leaders are attending these sessions asking for new ways to allow visitors to form emotional connections with their parks. Central to our suggestions are increased mountain bicycling opportunities on dirt trails.

Mountain bicycling is an ideal tool for reacquainting a new generation of Americans to their national parks. This human-powered, quiet, low-impact activity helps get more people out of their cars and exploring parks on narrow dirt trails. By expanding this use in appropriate areas, the NPS will help visitors form lasting bonds with our most valuable natural landscapes. As a family-friendly activity, mountain bicycling also provides a fun, exciting, appropriate way for visitors to engage in healthy exercise in National Parks.

IMBA and the NPS signed a formal partnership agreement in 2005. IMBA will continue to provide information on the Centennial Initiative and our partnership with the NPS on IMBA.com.