Great Smoky Mountains National Park unveiled plans aimed at enhancing the park’s infrastructure and visitor experience. This funding, generated through the Park it Forward program, underscores the park’s stewardship, emphasizing visitor safety, the augmentation of park ranger presence, and the upkeep and improvement of public facilities.
In its inaugural year, the Park it Forward initiative successfully raised over $10 million from recreation fee revenues, according to a press release. It includes the sale of parking tags and camping fees.
“Our team at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is grateful for the support of our partners, our neighbors, and the millions of visitors who are helping us take care of one of the country’s most visited national parks,” Superintendent Cassius Cash said.
The Park it Forward program, initiated in March 2023, was established to safeguard the park’s natural beauty and improve visitor amenities. By purchasing parking tags—priced at $5 for a day, $15 for a week, or $40 annually—park visitors directly contribute to these conservation efforts. The program also saw an increase in camping fees, with the assurance that all proceeds would be reinvested into the park.
“We’re already using this funding to increase our search and rescue program, add parking spaces at the Laurel Falls trailhead, and we are in the process of hiring more than 25 new park rangers,” Cash said.
Among the key initiatives funded by these revenues is the formation of the park’s first Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) team. Comprising seven rangers, this team focuses on reducing the necessity for search and rescue operations through proactive visitor education and preparation. Additionally, the park has introduced a team of arborists responsible for the removal of hazardous trees, enhancing safety, especially post-storm.
The increase in park ranger presence is another significant outcome of the Park it Forward program. Since March 2023, eight roving rangers have been employed, engaging with visitors across the park, assisting in numerous search and rescue operations, and maintaining the cleanliness of the park by removing over 612 pounds of trash.
Improvements are not limited to safety and personnel enhancements. The park is also investing in infrastructure, including the maintenance of roads, bridges, and tunnels, and the upkeep of campgrounds and picnic areas. Noteworthy projects include the resurfacing of the Cosby access road, the replacement of horse stalls at Tow String Horse Camp, and the enhancement of several campgrounds throughout the park.
“There’s so much more to come—our team continues to plan fee-funded projects for future years to address needed maintenance and to improve your experience in the park,” Cash added.
The visitor experience is at the forefront of the park’s enhancement strategy. Plans include the construction of 50 new parking spaces at Laurel Falls Trailhead, the rehabilitation of Mingus Mill, and the provision of accessible amenities at Look Rock Campground. Efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety, such as replacing steel bear-proof dumpsters and increasing cleaning frequencies at busy restrooms, are also underway.
“We look forward to continuing to demonstrate the value of this historic investment in Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” Cash added.
So excited about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park upgrades! 🌌 Night sky events and outdoor programs are a game-changer. Time to pack up and enjoy a stellar adventure!
Stargazing and nature programs are fantastic ways to connect with the outdoors. Have you ever tried attending a night sky event? It’s truly magical! So, pack your gear and let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure together under the stars!
Imagine camping under the stars with a safety net at Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s new $10 million upgrade. They’ve got a Search and Rescue team like guardian angels! Pack up for a secure adventure!
Camping in the park is going to be even more epic with these upgrades. Don’t forget to check out the new ranger-led programs and improved facilities. Ready to experience it all for yourself? What are you most excited to see first?
Camping with safety measures in place sounds fantastic! Have you thought about what activities you’d like to try under the starlit sky? It’s a world of possibilities out there!
Camping at the upgraded Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be a blast! With top-notch facilities and a stellar Search and Rescue team, you’re in for a safe and thrilling outdoor experience. Did you know the park is home to over 19,000 documented species? 🌲
Have you heard about the great updates coming to Great Smoky Mountains National Park? They’re adding cool interpretive programs and improving signage for an awesome visitor experience. Exciting times ahead!
Did you hear about the awesome news? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is getting a whopping $10 million for some major upgrades! It’s all about making your camping experience top-notch, safer, and more enjoyable. Can’t wait to see the park shine even brighter and give us all some unforgettable outdoor adventures!
Have you heard about the latest buzz at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? They’re sprucing things up and now offering fantastic guided hiking tours led by friendly park rangers! It’s an awesome way to delve into the park’s history and wildlife while soaking in nature’s beauty!
Guess what? The upgrades in the Great Smoky Mountains Park are awesome! They’re all about ensuring our safety and making our camping experience top-notch. I love how they’re working hard to keep this natural gem beautiful!
It’s crucial to think about how all this funding pouring into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park might shake things up, potentially changing the genuine vibe visitors love. Let’s make sure the upgrades don’t mess with the delicate balance of nature and the critters living there.
Isn’t it amazing that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is getting this awesome funding? I’m thrilled for the improvements! Can’t wait for a safer and more enjoyable camping experience in such a beautiful setting!