Summary
Two U.S. senators from California, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, are proposing to enlarge two National Parks in the state. They aim to expand Joshua Tree National Park by over 20,000 acres and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area by 100,000 acres. This comes amid ongoing staffing and budget issues faced by the National Parks.
Key Facts
- Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla are the senators proposing the expansion.
- They want to add over 20,000 acres to Joshua Tree National Park.
- The proposal suggests adding 100,000 acres to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
- National Parks have been experiencing budget cuts and staffing shortages.
- The proposal aims to protect wild areas while respecting property rights.
- Changes are planned for National Parks entrance fees and digital passes by 2026.
- The Department of the Interior announced new plans to modernize park access.
- New "resident-only patriotic fee-free days" will replace some current holidays in 2026.
