America’s national parks and public lands are more than scenic destinations. They’re places where families make memories, history is preserved, and the story of our country is told in stone and open spaces. As Americans celebrate the 250th birthday of the founding, these places remind us of what we’ve inherited and the legacy we must protect for the next generation.

It’s a responsibility that requires major investments to maintain our public lands. In addition to marble monuments and historic markers, there are hundreds of trails and campgrounds in desperate need of repair. At national parks, there are visitor centers, roads, bridges, and basic infrastructure that are falling apart. Record visitation, combined with time and nature, is causing tremendous strain. The result is a backlog of projects that threaten access, safety, and the visitor experience at the places Americans love.