WASHINGTON — For many, the national parks are a place to get away from it all and marvel at the wonders of nature. In fact, that’s been the goal of national parks for a century.
But corporate logos and company sponsorships could soon be coming to a park near you.
“Everywhere you look, from the railing to the equipment to even the bricks under your feet on the trails can display corporate logos,” Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility’s Jeff Ruch said.
Some of the ideas have already been for a test run, like a Subaru sponsored and logoed park vehicle or a controversial partnership with Anheuser-Busch. That $2.5 million deal put park landmarks on cans of Budweiser and set up a series of concerts in national parks.
These deals are coming from the simple fact that national parks need money. There are billions of dollars in deferred maintenance.
The changes would expand the types of sponsorship allowed in national parks and allow for naming rights in places like visitors centers.
The nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association is a vocal advocate for more money for parks, but John Garner says they're skeptical corporate donors are a realistic solution.
“Good luck finding a donor who’s going to pay for a multi-hundred-million dollar project to replace the aging sewer system under Yellowstone,” Garner said.
The National Park Service said corporate ads won't be allowed in parks but recognition of donors with what they call small, tasteful signs will be allowed.
A spokesman said this brings them "into the 21st century of philanthropy."
There are still seven days left for public comment on the plan.
The Park Service said they've based it on the kinds of policies used by universities and museums.
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