FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13^th, 2013 

Paulsen Introduces Legislation to Celebrate 100^th Anniversary of National Park Service

Commemorative Coin to Support National Park Foundation

Washington, D.C. – Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today introduced legislation to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. HR. 627 will authorize the minting of a series of commemorative coins: a five dollar gold coin, a silver dollar, and a clad half dollar. Proceeds from this commemorative coin program will go to the National Park Foundation for projects and programs that help preserve and protect resources under the stewardship of the National Park Service. There will be no cost to the taxpayers for this legislation. Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Ron Kind (D-WI), and David Reichert (R-WA) also joined Rep. Paulsen in introducing this legislation.  

“America’s National Parks are some of our most treasured natural resources. I grew up hiking and camping in many of our National Parks and I continue that tradition with my family today. The memories my family, and thousands of families across the nation, have made as a result of similar trips reinforces the need to do all we can to protect our nation’s parks and natural resources. Even during tough economic times, it’s important to find new, cost-effective ways to preserve these treasures for future generations to learn from and enjoy. I appreciate the work of Representative Kaptur and National Parks Caucus co-chairs Representatives Kind and Reichert, and I look forward to the minting of this commemorative coin.”   

“The introduction of the National Park Service 100^th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act is a unique opportunity for America’s extraordinary national park system,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Timed to the National Park Service Centennial celebration, the commemorative coins would be a special way for individuals to mark this significant milestone while simultaneously providing incredible support to these cherished places.”

The National Park Service was created in 1916 by Congress as part of the National Park Service Organic Act. From 1916 to the present, the National Park System has grown from 37 park units with 6 million acres of land in the western United States to more than 395 units with 84 million acres of land in 49 States and all of the territories.  

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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