Mission 66
The Misson 66 was an initiative of the U.S. federal government for the 50th anniversary of the National Park Service was founded in 1916, the infrastructure of the National Parks and National Monuments and expand particular facilities for visitors to improve.
After the financial constraints within the framework of the war economy in World War II were about 1950 protected areas of the federal government in a bad state, the development of mass tourism and the spread of the car at the same time led to a rapid increase in visitor numbers in the attractive destinations. The in the 1930s as part of the New Deal, primarily by the Civilian Conservation Corps built the park infrastructure could not keep up with the demand. Bernard DeVoto wrote in 1953 in Harper 's Magazine "Let's close the national parks " to draw attention to the grievances.
Politicians responded and made from 1957 for ten years until the jubilee year 66 total about one billion U.S. dollars in addition ready. Roads, trails, parking, camping and most of all visitor centers were built or renovated from the media. The modern architectural style of many buildings at that time incurred attracted criticism. This large-scale exhibitions were created within the museum and outside in the form of nature trails. In addition, funds were provided to purchase private land that lay inside of the park.
As part of the Mission 66, the Division of Interpretation and Visitor Services was established in 1964 in the NPS. Until today it is responsible for the natural and cultural interpretation and has its own training center for Ranger. The teaching of natural and cultural content relied heavily on audiovisual media: audio-visuals and educational films were created for all major parks of the NPS and since then are (now often in digital form) standard in visitor centers of large protected areas.
To mark the 100th anniversary in 2016 and in turn critical financial situation of the NPS in late 2007 was launched a Centennial Initiative, which is, however, adjusted for purchasing power equipped despite the multiplied number of facilities at the National Park Service only with a fraction of the sum of 1966. So far (as of April 2008) are secured $ 170 million, the federal government asked the Congress a total of one billion. In addition, matching funds are requested in the amount another billion dollars, which are due only if the same sum in the form of donations can be raised.