National parks under strain from Trump's construction projects and political pressure – PBS

National parks under strain from Trump’s construction projects and political pressure  PBS

Americans continue to flock to the national parks, with more than 320 million visitors in the last year alone. But that broad appeal is facing new political pressures, from orders to revise exhibits to President Trump's construction projects. Amna Nawaz discussed the state of national parks with Tiernan Sittenfeld, the president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. Amna Nawaz: As the National Park Service celebrates its 110th anniversary this week, people continue to flock to America's national parks, more than 320 million last year alone. But that broad appeal is facing new political pressures, from orders to revise exhibits at parks to controversy surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the new White House ballroom.

Joining us now to discuss the state of national parks is Tiernan Sittenfeld. She's the president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. Tiernan, welcome to the show. Thanks for being with us. Tiernan Sittenfeld, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association: Thanks for having me, Amna. Amna Nawaz: So, big picture, when you look at America's national parks, they are traditionally one of the most popular parts of the government. But, lately, as we mentioned, the Park Service has been pulled into politics. Have you ever seen this kind of thing before? Is this a new challenge for the Park Service?