"President's Budget Proposal Viewed As Overly Harsh For National Parks"

"President Trump's proposed budget for Fiscal 2018 was roundly criticized Thursday by the nation's environmental and conservation community, which said not only that it would "undermine" and be a "disinvestment" in public lands, but could lead to operational reductions across the National Park System. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, however, said it represents a "savings" for taxpayers.

"These cuts are extreme and will result in the degradation of park resources owned by all Americans. These cuts will impact economies of local communities and businesses as parks will be forced to close facilities and shorten visitor seasons," said a statement released by the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks.

The proposal calls for a 12 percent, or $1.5 billion, decrease in the Interior Department's budget. Interior Secretary Zinke, who last week reportedly said he didn't like the budget and would oppose it, issued a statement Thursday applauding it."

Kurt Repanshek reports for National Parks Traveler March 16, 2017.