Millions of Americans visit National/State Parks and other Public Lands year-round, but these areas are in dire need of repairs with a combined deferred maintenance backlog now estimated at over $35 billion.

As part of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), Congress created the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) that President Trump signed into law in 2020. The fund provided more than $9 billion over five years to tackle priority repairs – financed by mineral revenue from federal lands and waters, rather than taxpayer dollars – but this fund expired in August 2025.

Congress has a bill pending to renew the LRF, which presents a timely opportunity to support the continued repair and restoration of the United States’ most beloved landscapes and historic places.

To discuss this we’re joined by Rebecca Knuffke, Senior Officer, U.S. Conservation at The Pew Charitable Trust.