WASHINGTON (AP) — Spending on national parks should be increased by at least $700 million over the next seven years, an independent panel urged Congress on Thursday. The additional spending should bring increased tourism, promote enjoyment of the outdoors and help preserve national treasures for future generations, the panel said. The bipartisan National Parks Second Century Commission also urged President Obama to appoint a panel charged with promoting the parks and raising private money in time for the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. It also called for an expansion of the National Park Service’s mission, making education an explicit part of the agency for the first time. “America stands at a crossroads: Down one road lie missed opportunities and irretrievable loss of our natural and cultural legacy.