WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN) today was one of only 27 Republicans named a "Friend of the National Parks" by the National Parks and Conservation Association (NPCA).

"Preserving the environment is a top priority of mine because it's the single most important legacy we will leave future generations," said Ramstad. "As hard as we pursue our other goals -- quality schools, a growing economy, access to health care and world peace -- they will have little meaning or significance if we cannot preserve a healthy environment and conserve our resources."

"I'm pleased to receive this award because it means I've helped defend our National Parks, which truly symbolize America's history and its natural wonders," said Ramstad.

The NPCA is America's only private nonprofit citizen organization dedicated solely to protecting, preserving and enhancing the U.S. National Park System. NPCA was founded in 1919 and today has nearly 400,000 members.

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