It comes as no surprise that West Virginians support their parks — particularly now that the New River Gorge just celebrated its first anniversary as the nation’s newest national park.

Last week, the National Parks Conservation Association released the results of a survey done to determine just what West Virginians think of having a national park in the state. The poll found that a vast majority of West Virginians support continued funding and improvements for the National Parks Service, which manages the parks.

“From the thundering waterfalls at New River Gorge to the breathtaking panoramic views at Harpers Ferry, our West Virginia national parks are worth fighting for,” said Samantha Nygaard, West Virginia program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association. “This polling makes it clear that West Virginians of all political stripes want their elected officials to do just that.”

The survey found that 85% of respondents said national parks are helping the economy; about a third of West Virginians surveyed said they had visited a national park in the past three years; and three-fourths of those surveyed said they would support additional tax dollars being spent to enhance and also preserve the national parks both as a recreational tool and also a way to help battle climate change.

The poll’s results are clear: West Virginians want our leaders to do more to support national parks.

It’s now up to the folks in Washington to ensure our nation’s true treasures — our national parks — are protected for generations to come.