Panel says US should expand national parks, spend more to preserve them for future generations

Panel says spend more on national parks

WASHINGTON — An independent panel says the U.S. should invest more money in its national parks to preserve them for future generations.

The commission called on Congress to sharply increase spending, saying better parks will bring increased tourism and promote enjoyment of the outdoors.

The bipartisan National Parks Second Century Commission wants President Barack Obama to appoint a panel charged with promoting the parks and raising private money in time for the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.

Former Sens. Howard Baker of Tennessee and J. Bennett Johnston of Louisiana led the commission that presented its report to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Thursday.