Donald Trump has authorized Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to implement significant reductions in the federal workforce across various agencies. At the National Park Service, this has led to the termination of 1,000 employees, with expectations of further layoffs. Furthermore, job offers for approximately 2,000 seasonal workers have been rescinded just as preparations for the busy Spring and Summer seasons are underway. Typically, around 8,000 seasonal workers are hired annually to support these peak times, but it remains uncertain whether any seasonal hires will occur this year.

Each year, over 300 million visitors explore America's National Parks. These seasonal workers play essential roles, such as collecting entry fees, guiding tours, maintaining trails, cleaning facilities, and handling waste. The ongoing cuts jeopardize the overall stewardship of the National Parks.

During the initial Trump administration, a government shutdown caused considerable damage, leading to unsupervised visitors damaging protected Joshua trees for firewood. That shutdown lasted 35 days; however, the changes advocated by DOGE suggest potentially permanent alterations.

Protests are taking place at all 433 National Parks across the United States, with individuals voicing their concerns and demanding change. More Perfect Union has reported from locations like Yosemite and Zion, where 20 employees were recently laid off, highlighting the challenges faced by visitors, including long lines, extended wait times, trail closures, and limited access to amenities such as restrooms and campgrounds. The prospect of inadequate staffing could also affect search and rescue operations. As a consequence, parks may see a decline in visitor numbers, which could significantly impact local economies dependent on the more than $40 billion in revenue generated by National Parks each year.

Roughly 80,000 signatures have already been collected.

Thank you to : The Intercept