It seems that a Democrat-controlled Congress has had quite the impact on the ever-conservative President George W. Bush.

On Monday, Bush introduced his $2.9 trillion budget to Congress. Among many appropriations, one stands out as both unusual and admirable — Bush allocated a record $2.36 billion for the National Park Service. His proposal included a $100 million amount for a match program to encourage an increase in private donations.

Bush's proposal would be a great boon to Washington's parks, which have undergone severe budget cuts under Bush's previous proposals.

Mount Rainier National Park would see an additional $1.2 million, Olympic National Park would receive a $1.67 million increase and North Cascades would get $670,000.

The new funds would allow Mount Rainier to hire an additional 38 employees and implement ongoing programs, according to an article in Tacoma's The News Tribune.

This money for Mount Rainier comes at a time when it is much needed. The park is currently closed after severe wind and flood damage occurred in early November. Led by Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Belfair, supplemental appropriations are being sought to cover storm damage, so Bush's proposed funds can be used toward park development, not repair.

Without the extra funds, Washington's national parks would have had to recover by themselves from months of partial closure and few, if any, visitors. Now, the parks will not only survive a lean period, but they may just come out of it prospering.

Though Bush deserves a pat on the back for his sudden environmental awareness, it is important to remember that the reason the nation's national parks have been suffering in the first place is a direct result of the Bush administration.

In 2006, Bush's budget cuts resulted in 13 full-time staff positions being left unfilled, up from five open positions in 2005. In addition, programs and campfire talks at Ohanapecosh and Isput Creek campgrounds were cut or eliminated.

While Bush is finally recognizing the environment as a priority, it is important to remember he is doing so with some reluctance. Hopefully with some more pressure from the Democrats, Bush's newly discovered tree-hugger side will flourish.