Having once called our public lands America’s “greatest national treasure,” Teddy Roosevelt knew the importance of our National Park Service. Turns out one Bette Wallace felt the same during her time on earth as it was just revealed by the Olympian that the former WA resident left $1 million of her estate to Olympic, Mt Rainier, and North Cascades national parks.
Related:Â Spring Is Arriving Nearly A Month Earlier At Some National Parks
The donation will be used to enhance dispatch communication between rangers and volunteers, making rescue efforts more efficient while also keeping personnel safe.
“On behalf of [Wallace’s] trust it was our family’s honor to make this donation on her behalf to the Washington’s National Park Fund knowing it will be used for many projects including a combination of saving lives and supporting volunteer infrastructure in the parks.” – Cheri Ryan, Family Member & Estate Spokesperson (*Quote courtesy of The Olympian)
But what’s more important is this awesome example of American philanthropy is addressed at solving a problem that’s been around far too long. The NPS currently holding onto a 11.6 billion dollar backlog in deferred maintenance costs.
Which leads us to this donation page.
Find the entire Olympian article here:Â She loved Washington’s national parks, so she left them $1 million