Trump’s budget cuts of 2025 are his attempt to reduce the federal workforce, supposedly saving the nation money and staying in line with the Republican values of having a more hands-off government. However, protecting America’s national parks is an ongoing, nationwide project to keep pockets of nature preserved and beautiful, and these budget cuts are going to make that much, much more difficult. As of last week, 700 park rangers/employees have taken buyouts offered by the Trump administration, adding to the 1,000 employees laid off on Valentine's Day. Why, you might ask? Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has offered federal employees an incentive to resign now but keep their salaries through September, especially appealing to older employees. The unelected multi-billionaire jams his foot in the door of government once again, this time threatening our natural wonders that are so often taken for granted.
In January, the Trump administration rescinded job offers for thousands of seasonal employees hired by the National Park Services who are essential in getting the parks ready to deal with the busy summer season, without whom millions of vacation plans would be disrupted and the health of our parks severely threatened. However, this past week, due to public outcry, the administration has reversed their aggressive firings and instead opted to hire an additional 3,000 workers for the busy season, bringing the total allocated number of seasonal employees up to 7,700, more than the last three years’ average. Despite this doubling back on their layoff policy, these temporary workers will not be able to make up for the loss of permanent employees who provide park expertise and operate facilities like restrooms and visitor centers, as the NPS has already been understaffed and working with 20% fewer staff than in 2010.
Our national parks are extremely vulnerable; without proper oversight, problems with litter, graffiti, and even damage to the natural habitats run rampant, and larger issues like wildfire control, detecting poachers, and search and rescue will have even fewer people dedicated to managing them. To protest these budget cuts, park workers at Yosemite National Park exercised their right to free speech this week by hanging an upside-down American flag from the top of El Capitan, a gesture that traditionally signals extreme distress. For rangers and park staff who already don’t have an incredibly high salary, these positions are passion projects and dream jobs that allow them to protect, to educate, and to take in the natural beauty of our world. And we shouldn’t allow that to be ruined by a man who cares more about internet memes than what’s outside.
Sources:
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-26/more-than-700-national-parks-employees-take-buyout
- https://coloradosun.com/2025/02/24/national-park-service-usfs-mass-firing-rehiring/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20—%20The%20Trump%20administration%20is,plan%20to%20downsize%20the%20agency.
- https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5164129-national-parks-hours-services-trump-federal-government-cuts/
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/24/us/national-park-rangers-layoffs/index.html
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/upside-us-flag-hung-yosemite-national-park-protest-employee-cuts-rcna193409
3 comments:
The news about employee layoffs and how it’s going to be affecting national parks has been absolutely devastating to hear about. I never thought that our national parks and our nation’s natural elements were going to get political, but here we are. I have a feeling that there are many Republicans, who while they support a more hands-off approach to government, might not have seen this coming and maybe even view it as a step too far. National parks have long been places for everyone to enjoy; in fact, America’s diverse ecological and geographical makeup is what makes these national parks one of the most beautiful and unique parts about our country. Parks need employees, to maintain a clean space for people to marvel at nature, and to provide knowledge about the land too. And because these employees are often so specialized in what they do, there is a significant amount of human capital that’s going down the drain, that will make it harder when/if parks rehire because these employees will be replaced by temporary or less experienced workers, leading to less effective park operations. I feel for everyone that’s losing their job right now, as well as the environment, and I hope that more protests are able to continue making a difference.
I’m really heartbroken by the decision to cut funding for national parks. The entire purpose of these parks in the first place was to protect and appreciate the beauty of the national world, not to be financially beneficial. While President Roosevelt established the National Park Services to ensure the preservation of national landscapes, Trump is dismantling everything the NPS stands for, selling out our environment to corporate interests. I think worst of all, is that from an economic standpoint, gutting the NPS makes no sense. National Parks are one of the few successful and efficient government programs, and are among the most visited places in the US, boosting the local economy. Beyond park rangers and employees, local businesses, restaurants, and hotels depend on tourism, and especially since these communities are often located in isolated areas, these budget cuts could have devastating impacts on their livelihoods. With the federal government betraying the environment, it’s important to continue supporting and fighting for our national parks, preserving their cultural and natural heritage.
This issue emphasizes just how idiotic and harmful DOGE really is. National parks obviously serve the purpose of preserving and valuing the beautiful nature and environment of America. They are not meant to bring in revenue and boost the national economy! National parks are for the people, and for our country, meant to highlight the importance of all the natural beauties we gave to offer. Not only that, but the workers in the NPS aren't working for the money, as they are already under-funded. These people have a passion for these parks, and the government actively trying to buy them out and cut their budget shows how little the government cares for its people and our natural resources. The mindset of cutting down programs and agencies that don't bring in loads of money for the national economy is so dumb and I am sure that these new developments will be detrimental to our countries pride and future.
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