National Park Case Studies

Fact Sheet Read time:
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 Director
U.S. Public Lands and Rivers Conservation
America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Fact Sheet December 23, 2020

Why We Need to Fix Our Parks, 2020

Quick View
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

Quick View
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.

Data Visualization May 23, 2018

National Park Deferred Maintenance Needs

Quick View
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.

Media Contact
Monique O'Grady Senior Manager, Communications 202.540.6336
RELATED
Topics
Infrastructure Land Conservation
Projects
Restore America's Parks
Experts
Marcia Argust
Pew.Feature.RelatedTaxonomy.PlacesLabel
United States

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

A winding river in Alaska, lined with green and yellow trees, a green river valley, and distant mountains.

Article

March 17, 2023 4 Reasons to Improve Federal Land Conservation Policy
Boat ride with Tim Jones, Manger of Big Bend Seagrasses and St. Martin’s Marsh Aquatic Preserves, Florida Department of Environmental Protection on May 12, 2019 in Crystal River, Florida

Article

March 14, 2023 Plan Aims to Protect the Gulf of Mexico's Seagrass Bed
Boy (12-13) mopping kitchen floor behind mother counting bills

Article

March 7, 2023 Millions of Homeowners Are Eligible for Relief

MORE FROM PEW

Montana State Capitol Building How Sustainable Is Your State's Pension Plan?
Boy (12-13) mopping kitchen floor behind mother counting bills Millions of Homeowners Are Eligible for Relief
A close-up view of a cluttered desk strewn with large stacks of paper, a day planner, CD-ROM, and other items. The mess casts a gray shadow on the wall to the left and reflects in the window behind the desk. Why Civil Courts Should Improve Defendant Notification
Self-employed PA's Keystone Saves Program Would Reduce Taxpayer Burden
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?