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For Immediate Release March 24, 2004 Contact Matt Streit, Resources Committee 202-226-9019 Martin Green, Rep. Mark Souder 202-225-4436 National Parks Caucus Launched Congressional Group Will Help Raise Awareness of Park's Needs WASHINGTON , D.C. - U.S. Reps. Mark Souder (R-IN) and Brian Baird (D-WA) announced today the formation of the National Parks Caucus. Sharing a love for our national parks and national treasures, the lawmakers founded the caucus to further awareness in Congress about the needs of America 's national parks. In recent weeks, Souder and Baird have been soliciting support for the congressional caucus among colleagues in the House of Representatives. Currently, 32 members have joined the bipartisan group. "Like those who have come before us, we hold our national parks in trust for future generations of Americans," Souder said. "We must ensure that the legacy inherited by our generation is adequately preserved for the next. The National Parks Caucus aims to continue the mission of conservation and preservation." "Every year millions of Americans and tourists from around the world enjoy the beauty of our national parks," said Baird. "Our goal in the Caucus is to raise awareness in Congress of the issues and problems facing our National Park Service and help them preserve these treasures for generations to come." "I commend my colleagues for working across party lines and establishing a coalition of members to focus on making our national parks the best they can be," said House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-CA). "Our national parks were established and are now administered for the enjoyment of all people. I look forward to working with this caucus to address the critical needs of America 's national parks." Since the establishment of our nation's first national park over 130 years ago, the National Park System of the United States has grown to comprise 388 areas covering more than 83 million acres in 49 States, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan, and the Virgin Islands. In 2003, the National Park Service counted 266,900,000 visitors to parks across the nation. In a recent survey, 95% of park visitors gave their experience high marks. And, last year alone, 125,000 people volunteered 4.5 million hours of service to America 's national parks.