Badlands National Park and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Receive Grants From KODAK to Insure Lasting Memories

Superintendent William R. Supernaugh announced today that Badlands National Park and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site will both received grants from Kodak through the National Park Foundation as a part of the Proud Partners of America's National Parks Program. Specifically, both will receive $4952.70 for digital cameras, film, and related support equipment to document the parks' natural and cultural resources for use in interpretive programs, publications, websites, and exhibits.

The National Park Foundation Imaging Product Donation Program, made possible by Kodak's generous support, donates digital imaging and traditional photography products to national parks across the United States. Through product, people and technology, the National Park Foundation and Kodak are helping to provide innovative ways to increase public awareness and appreciation of the National Park system. Kodak is one of five Proud Partners who have committed to multi-year, multi-million dollar partnerships with the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service. Over 130 national parks will receive imaging products and photography equipment from Kodak, over $500,000 worth of equipment.

Our national parks tells a compelling story about America's rich heritage - our struggles and triumphs, our people and our culture, and the events that have shaped our history, said Jim Maddy, President of the National Park Foundation, and there is no better way to capture the essence of the National Park experience than through pictures. We are thrilled to have Kodak's generous support as a Proud Partner, and look forward to being able to provide parks with the valuable photography tools that they need.

Supporting the Proud Partner program and the Imaging Product Donation program is a natural extension of Kodak's long-standing relationship working with the National Park Service to enrich visitors' experience, said Dr. R. Hays Bell, Director, Health, Safety, and Environment and Kodak Vice President. Kodak has a long-term commitment to environmental leadership so we are proud to partner with the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation to help raise public appreciation and support for America's treasured landmarks.

In addition to the Imaging Product Donation Programs, as a Proud Partner, Kodak supports the National Parks Pass Experience Your America Photo Contest. The contest, mandated by Congress to involve Americans in the National Parks, places the winning image on the face of the annual National Parks Pass. The annual Pass costs $50 and provides entrance for one year to National Parks that charge entrance fees. 80% of the proceeds from all sales directly benefit in-park projects that enhance the park experience for all.

At Badlands National Park, National Park Passes can be purchased at park entrance stations during spring, summer, and fall and at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center from November through March.

For more information about the National Park Foundation, visit www.nationalparks.org Virtual visits to Badlands National Park are available at www.nps.gov/badl/ while Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is located at www.nps.gov/mimi/ Badlands National Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours per day. A $10 per passenger vehicle entrance fee is required. Rates for commercial vehicles can be obtained by calling (605) 433 - 5235. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site is not yet open to the public. To receive a newsletter for planning activities for Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, send your name and mailing address to mimi_information@nps.gov To be placed on the Badlands National Park mailing list, send your name and mailing address to badl_planning@nps.gov