Stop Trump’s ‘wilding’ with park fees

It should come as no surprise that the Trump administration wants to raise entrance fees on 17 of America’s national parks, while proposing to cut $300 million in the park system’s budget. This form of government “wilding” comes at the expense of the National Park Service and parkgoers. The sociological definition of wilding is doing what is best for one at the expense of others.

Instead of a better solution to help the national parks with renovation and restoration, the administration is forcing parkgoers to pay for their solution. American taxpayers are already taking on the majority of the National Park Service’s $3 billion annual budget.

These national parks are a national treasure and should be available to all. This proposal undermines the National Park Service’s concerted efforts to increase attendance and reach out to ethnic minorities. This plan hurts the innkeepers and restaurant owners who may face a decrease in business due to less crowds.

It’s time for the Trump administration to stop making budget cuts to the people and programs that need the most help.

This story was originally published November 2, 2017 at 4:59 PM with the headline "Stop Trump’s ‘wilding’ with park fees."