By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI –
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park could face a two percent budget cut from the federal government next year. That's according to a new report from Environment Michigan, which says a budget proposal from President Obama would put many national parks at risk of losing critical funds. Environmental advocates say that doesn't make sense because the number of visitors to the park has risen significantly in recent years.
Nicole Lowen is with Environment Michigan.
"Over two-thirds of national parks are seeing an increase in visitorship, and that was in 2009, and at a time when there are economic constraints, national parks provide affordable family vacations," she says.
Lowen says restoration projects near Sleeping Bear Dunes could also be at risk if the budget cuts are approved.