Nonetheless, we found cause for concern about the health of the park system in terms of both visitor services and resource management. The scope and quality of visitor services provided by the Park Service are deteriorating, and a lack of sufficient data on the condition of many natural and cultural resources in the parks raises questions about whether the agency is meeting its mission of preserving and protecting the resources under its care. Visitor Services Are Being Cut Back

Of the 12 parks included in our review, 11 had recently cut back the level of visitor services. Information on the Condition of Many Park Resources Is Insufficient

Park Service policy directs that parks be managed on the basis of knowledge of their natural and cultural resources and their condition. These factors were additional operating requirements and increased visitation. Choices for Addressing Park Conditions Center on Three Alternatives

The choices available to deal with the conditions within the national park system center on three alternatives: (1) increasing the amount of financial resources for the parks, (2) limiting or reducing the number of units in the park system, and (3) reducing the level of visitor services. Regardless of which, if any, of these choices or combination of choices is made, the Park Service needs to continue to look for ways to stretch its resources by operating more efficiently and improving its financial management and performance measurement systems.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the current condition of 12 national park units, focusing on: (1) whether any deterioration in visitor services or park resources is occurring at the 12 units; (2) what factors contribute to the degradation of visitor services and parks' natural and cultural resources; and (3) the National Park Service's efforts in dealing with these problems.

What GAO Found

GAO found that: (1) there is cause for concern about the condition of national parks for both visitor services and resource management; (2) the overall level of visitor services is deteriorating at most parks; (3) services are being cut back and the condition of many trails, campgrounds, and other facilities are declining; (4) effective resource management is difficult because most park managers lack sufficient data to determine the overall condition of their parks' natural and cultural resources; (5) parks have difficulty meeting additional operating requirements and accomodating increased visitation; and (6) the Park Service is considering increasing the amount of financial resources going to parks, limiting or reducing the number of units in the park system, and reducing the level of visitor services to improve its financial management and performance measurement systems.