Intrepid takes a stand for U.S. national parks with new partnership

June 2025

$50,000 donation to National Parks Conservation Association kicks off urgent conservation push 

Intrepid Travel, B Corp-certified travel company, has announced a new official partnership with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) to protect U.S. national parks — some of the country’s most iconic and endangered places. 

New proposed federal budget cuts could slash over $900 million in funding — putting more than 350 parks at risk of closure. That’s nearly 75% of the entire National Park System. Parks like Yellowstone, Zion, and the Grand Canyon are already under pressure from job losses, trail closures, and climate-related damage.  

“It’s a critical moment to act,” said Leigh Barnes, President of the Americas at Intrepid Travel.  

As part of its United by Nature campaign, Intrepid is stepping up — donating $50,000 through The Intrepid Foundation to support NPCA’s work on the ground and in D.C. This partnership helps power NPCA’s unique approach: fighting back threats in communities, on Capitol Hill and, when needed, in the courts. 

“These parks are more than just pretty places. They’re sacred lands, home to endangered wildlife, Indigenous history and the stories of generations,” added Barnes. “At Intrepid, our business depends on these wild places. But more importantly, our values demand we step up. And we’re asking the public to step up with us.” 

The funding helps NPCA further its impact — supporting local and national efforts to combat the threats facing U.S. national parks and influence decision makers to ensure they remain protected for generations to come. 

“Americans deeply value their national parks and expect them to be protected – now and for the future – yet this Administration has instead created some of the most serious threats to their preservation,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of National Parks Conservation Association. “We're committed to securing a lasting legacy for these cherished and iconic places and are proud to have the support of companies like Intrepid Travel who inspire their travelers to take meaningful action alongside us.” 

Together, NPCA and Intrepid are focused on two urgent legislative priorities: 

• Sign this petition rejecting $900M in proposed federal cuts to the National Park Service, which both Intrepid and NPCA have already begun to lobby for on Capitol Hill  

• Reintroducing the America the Beautiful Act to address a $23+ billion deferred maintenance backlog 

This partnership builds on Intrepid’s legacy of responsible tourism, with more than 20,000 travelers already taken through U.S. national parks — and 5,000 more expected in 2025. Every Intrepid North American employee has also been given a paid day off to visit a national park this year.