National Park Service Centennial Act

law [2016]

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June 17, 2026

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The National Park Service Centennial Act, enacted in 2016, was proposed by the National Park Service (NPS) to strengthen the agency as it entered its second century. The act detailed provisions such as establishing an endowment for the federal National Park Foundation and expanding the park volunteer program.1

The NPS itself was established in 1916 by an act signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. Its mission is to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife within its managed properties, ensuring they remain unimpaired for future generations. The agency oversees hundreds of national parks, monuments, and historical sites across the United States.12

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National Park Service
The contemporary NPS
In addition, a “National Park Service Centennial Act,” proposed by the NPS for enactment by Congress, detailed several provisions—including establishing an endowment for the federal National Park Foundation and expanding the park-volunteers program—that were intended to strengthen the NPS as it began its second century.
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In addition, a “National Park Service Centennial Act,” proposed by the NPS for enactment by Congress, detailed several provisions—including establishing an endowment for the federal National Park Foundation and expanding the park-volunteers program—that were intended to strengthen the NPS as it began its second century.
Read More