Bill > SJR61

This Joint Resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS), a federal agency responsible for managing all U.S. national parks and other conservation and historical properties, on August 25, 2016. The resolution highlights the NPS's creation in 1916 through the "National Park Service Organic Act" with the mission to preserve natural and cultural resources for future generations, and acknowledges the vastness of the National Park System, which includes 410 units across the nation. It specifically mentions various National Park System designations within New Jersey, such as national historical parks, recreation areas, trails, monuments, and heritage areas, and details the NPS's significant contributions to the state through programs like the Federal Lands to Parks program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, historic preservation grants, and the federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, which have all helped preserve New Jersey's natural and cultural heritage and provided recreational and educational opportunities. The resolution encourages New Jersey residents and visitors to explore these areas and calls for the Governor to issue a proclamation for appropriate public recognition and celebration of this centennial milestone, also directing that copies of the resolution be sent to federal officials, including the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the National Park Service.