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MN reps graded on National Park support as election nears

Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota on Aug. 5, 2011.
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J. Stephen Conn via Flickr
Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota on Aug. 5, 2011.

A new scorecard is out that grades U.S. House members, including Minnesota's delegation, for their votes on national park support and funding.

A conservation group wants Minnesotans heading to the polls to consider an issue that may not have come up on the campaign trail: preserving and funding national parks.

The National Parks Action Fund Scorecard tallies the voting records of U.S. House members on park funding bills, endangered species, and oil and gas development in and around these sites. In Minnesota's delegation, all four Republicans got failing grades and three Democrats got A's.

Kristen Brengel, executive director of National Parks Action, said they are not trying to pick on members of Congress but hope the scrutiny will help to change some votes moving forward.

"This is just part of our values system," Brengel asserted. "Do we love these places? Do we want to take care of them? Do we want to make sure they have adequate park rangers in them? And this vote is just a direct way to tell whether or not your member of Congress cares about the future of our national parks."

Overall, Brengel pointed out, more House members received F's than A's in part because last year, the House voted to cut funding for national parks by 13%. Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., did not receive a score, as he is not seeking reelection after his recent run for president.

John Anfinson, retired superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Unit for the National Park Service, said keeping the system in good shape should be a bipartisan issue because people of all political views value national parks. And with Congress controlling the purse strings, he stressed its actions are vital in leaving these sites "unimpaired" for future generations.

"That the resources are protected, you know, endangered species are still there," Anfinson observed. "The infrastructure is in shape so you can have an enjoyable experience and a safe experience."

Park experts said the pandemic sparked a newfound appreciation for access to the outdoors and Anfinson added it is good business to provide it. He emphasized priorities centered around budget cuts create staffing pressure for park leaders, and visitors will notice.

"I think what would deter people from coming back is going to a National Park unit and not being able to find a park ranger to talk to," Anfinson cautioned. "Not having someone telling them about the resources of this park and why they're so special, whether it's historic or cultural."