A new report by the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees paints an alarming picture of what visitors to U.S. national parks will find this summer. The coalition is made up of 515 former National Parks Service Employees. The report found that visitors should "expect reduced law enforcement protection, longer emergency response times, fewer lifeguards, scaled back water and trail safety patrols, dirtier campgrounds, and other visibly deteriorating facilities and resources." The report's finding is based on the coalition's evaluation of 37 national parks. "The budget crisis in our parks is real and it will be felt keenly by park visitors this summer," said Bill Wade, the former superintendent of Shenandoah National Park and chair of the coalition's executive council. To find the full report, visit [www.npsretirees.org].
