National Parks Face Staffing Crisis Following Federal Layoffs

The Trump administration's firings of thousands of National Park Service and Forest Service employees raise concerns over reduced services and potential park closures.

The Trump administration reversed a hiring freeze for 7,700 seasonal National Park Service employees but upheld layoffs of 1,000 permanent NPS workers and over 2,000 Forest Service staff.
Park rangers warn of reduced visitor center hours, diminished maintenance, and potential partial closures in some parks due to understaffing.
The National Parks Conservation Association highlights risks to public safety, resource protection, and visitor experience as parks struggle to handle increasing visitation.
Some parks, including Yosemite and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, have already announced service reductions and closures on specific days, citing staffing shortages.
Advocates and former employees express concerns about the long-term impact on park operations and the morale of future rangers.