BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION

Description

Our national parks are in trouble with over $11 billion in deferred maintenance and, with no entry fees, the Blue Ridge Parkway is especially vulnerable to the constant decline in funding. While this threatens the abundant natural, historical, and cultural resources along the Parkway, it also threatens neighboring communities that depend on tourism. The Parkway draws more than 16 million recreational visitors each year--exceeding visitation to Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks combined-- and generates over a $1 billion annually in neighboring communities, while supporting more than 15,000 local jobs.As the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 501(c)(3) fundraising partner, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation (BRPF) exists to ensure that Parkway land, wildlife, cultural and historic sites not only survive but thrive. Along with essential support for the Blue Ridge Parkway (totalling $20 million as of 2022), the foundation also manages three signature programs: Kids in Parks, Blue Ridge Music Center programs, and the historic Bluffs Restaurant.