National Park Case Studies

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Projects: Restore America's Parks
National Park Case Studies
Yellowstone landscape

Yellowstone National Park

iStockphoto

Note: Pew created these case studies using National Park Service data issued from fiscal years 2015 and 2016. The information listed here may no longer reflect the NPS site’s current condition or maintenance requirements. To find the most up-to-date information, please use the National Park Repair Needs tool. 

In 2017, the National Park Service needed an estimated $11.3 billion to eliminate its backlog of deferred maintenance. The Pew Charitable Trusts’ campaign to restore America’s parks has created a series of case studies highlighting examples of repairs needed at our nation’s treasures.

Related Experts
Marcia Argust directs The Pew Charitable Trusts’ campaign to restore America’s parks
Marcia Argust Director
U.S. Conservation
Fact Sheet December 23, 2020

Why We Need to Fix Our Parks, 2020

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Fact Sheet December 23, 2020

The National Park Service (NPS) is over 100 years old, and the infrastructure and facilities at the more than 400 sites it manages nationwide are aging. Add wear and tear from visitors and inconsistent annual funding, and the park service can’t keep pace with needed repairs. NPS’ maintenance backlog has grown to an estimated $13.1 billion, and more than half of that is for highest-priority assets.

Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry
Article April 9, 2019

Cost of Unaddressed National Park Repairs Grows to Nearly $12 Billion

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Harpers Ferry
Article April 9, 2019

Cost of Unaddressed National Park Repairs Grows to Nearly $12 Billion

Like a homeowner trying to patch numerous leaks in a roof during a rainstorm, the National Park Service (NPS) urgently needs help to address a backlog of maintenance issues across its more than 400 sites.

Gettysburg maintenance
Data Visualization May 23, 2018

National Park Deferred Maintenance Needs

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Gettysburg maintenance
Data Visualization May 23, 2018

National Park Deferred Maintenance Needs

With record crowds contributing to wear and tear and federal funding unreliable, the National Park Service is struggling to keep pace with repairs, estimated at $11.6 billion in fiscal year 2017. Use this tool, based on NPS data, to learn more about deferred maintenance at NPS sites across the county, in your state, and at your favorite park.

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Topics
Infrastructure Land Conservation
Projects
Restore America's Parks
Experts
Marcia Argust
Places
United States

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