An open letter to our neighborhood.
At Intrepid, we consider in a single easy concept: journey could be a power for good. That’s why we’re stepping as much as assist shield one in all America’s biggest treasures – our nationwide parks. Immediately we’re launching United by Nature – an advocacy marketing campaign to boost consciousness, encourage accountable journey and fund actual conservation work throughout the US nationwide parks.
Proper now, these unimaginable locations are underneath risk. The US authorities is proposing extra main funding cuts that would harm greater than 75 per cent of the wild areas we love – from further job losses and path closures to broken habitats and under-resourced rangers. Parks like Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Canyon might by no means look the identical once more.
We don’t assume that’s proper.
These parks are extra than simply fairly locations. They’re sacred lands, dwelling to endangered wildlife, Indigenous historical past and the tales of generations. Additionally they welcomed over 331 million visits final 12 months and generated $26 billion for native communities. In different phrases: they matter – to folks, to the planet and to the way forward for journey.
As a tourism firm, if we don’t have wholesome, thriving nationwide parks, we don’t have a enterprise right here. About 80 per cent of our prospects within the United States will go to a nationwide park. Over time, Intrepid has taken over 20,000 vacationers by US nationwide parks.
Probably the most highly effective factor that we are able to do at Intrepid is get folks out into these locations to expertise them. Right here’s what we’re doing – and how one can assist:
1. Accountable visitation
Probably the most impactful factor we are able to all do proper now’s go to nationwide parks responsibly. Exhibiting up for these important and iconic wilderness areas is a transparent sign that Individuals worth the parks and every thing they provide. It doesn’t matter the way you go – whether or not it’s alone or on a guided journey – simply go responsibly.
We’ve launched a spread of ‘Lively-ism’ journeys you’ll be able to ebook now. These new experiences mix journey with advocacy, hosted by US-based local weather activists and Intrepid leaders, providing distinctive perception into the challenges going through the parks – and learn how to advocate for his or her future.
To encourage journeys nearer to dwelling, from June 12 to 26 we’re providing vacationers within the US 20% off* all US nationwide park journeys, legitimate for all journeys departing in 2025.
2. Signal the petition
Latest laws handed by the Home would slash funding for the Nationwide Park Service, which is already working with 16 per cent fewer employees than earlier than. Our parks can’t afford extra cuts. The Nationwide Parks Conservation Affiliation has organized a petition. I’ve signed it and encourage you to signal it as nicely.
3. Funding and philanthropy
Intrepid has pledged to donate $50K to conservation companions by The Intrepid Basis — and can introduce a number of fundraising initiatives. In October, a gaggle of Intrepid vacationers and supporters will tackle the legendary Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon trek, elevating as much as $100K to help the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
There are quite a few NGOs supporting nationwide parks. Discover your trigger and contemplate supporting it.
4. Knowledgeable motion
We consider in schooling and consciousness, which is why Journey.com, one of many world’s main voices in journey and the outside (and which can also be powered by Intrepid), is investing in a devoted reporter to cowl nationwide park tales this summer season. I’m proud to be funding this work to assist carry higher focus and accountability to what’s occurring in America’s nationwide parks.
We’re additionally supporting extra creators, journalists and influencers to go to the parks and use their platforms for good. Their tales will attain extra folks – extra Intrepid folks.
It takes all of us
These are a few of the ways in which we’re stepping up, however the reality is, all of us have the power to guard and protect nature. It’s going to take our collective effort to really make an impression. We should be United by Nature.
So, in the event you’re a traveler who loves an outside journey, I urge you to contemplate the methods you’ll be able to present up for US nationwide parks. Go to, donate or interact , collectively we are able to shield the way forward for the parks.
Leigh Barnes is Intrepid’s president of the Americas and calls Seattle dwelling. Vacationers within the US can save 20%* on Intrepid journeys that go to nationwide parks in 2025, whenever you ebook between June 12 and 26.
