We love national parks. We love U.S. public lands. Even Frank is a Bark Ranger.
On our trip across the U.S., we hiked, camped, and explored so many national parks, forests, and monuments. Keweenaw National Historic Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Redwoods, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Mount Rainier—the list goes on. Every park was different, but they all had one thing in common: they were protected so that people like us (and dogs like Frank) could enjoy them.
That’s the whole point of the National Park System. When Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, the idea was simple: set aside the country’s most spectacular landscapes so they wouldn’t be destroyed by industry, pollution, or private ownership. More parks followed, and eventually, a whole system of public lands was created—not just for recreation, but for conservation, wildlife protection, scientific research, and education.
And now?
Our current administration is gutting it.
Mass layoffs at the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service are closing visitor centers, delaying campground openings, cutting conservation projects, and reducing emergency response teams. Wildfire prevention efforts are stalling. Scientists are being fired mid-research. Park rangers are being let go without warning.
And safety? Well… let’s just say I wouldn’t go too far off trail. And I’d bring my own toilet.
Layoffs Are Already Causing Chaos at National Parks
In early 2025, the administration fired 1,000 National Park Service employees and 3,400 U.S. Forest Service workers as part of an effort to slash federal spending. It also offered buyouts to other Parks and Federal Land employees. The result? Immediate chaos.
Some of the most noticeable changes so far:
- Big Bend National Park (TX) – Mile-long lines of cars at entrances due to lack of staff. (My San Antonio)
- Buffalo National River (AR) – Buffalo Point Ranger Station closed indefinitely due to staff cuts, leaving only one visitor center open along the 135-mile river. (Axios)
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NV/AZ) – Aquatic ecologist fired, halting pathogen research that keeps millions of visitors safe. (SFGate)
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (CO) – Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. (Politico)
- Saguaro National Park (AZ) – Visitor centers closed on Mondays. (Axios)
- Grand Canyon National Park (AZ) – Weekend wait times doubled due to understaffed entrance gates. (Axios)
- Yosemite National Park (CA) – Delayed summer campground reservations. (Axios)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC/TN) – Hurricane-damaged trails remain closed, with no staff to repair them. (Duluth News Tribune)
- Voyageurs National Park (MN) – Boat tours and education programs at risk after losing three employees. (Montana Public Radio)
- Isle Royale National Park (MI) – Short-staffed with key conservation positions unfilled. (Duluth News Tribune)
- Glacier and Yellowstone (MT/WY) – Critical permanent positions remain unfilled, including Glacier’s chief ranger, raising major concerns about emergency response during peak season. (Montana Public Radio)
It’s Not Just Rangers—Scientists and Conservation Work Are Getting Wiped Out
This isn’t just about parks being less fun to visit. It’s about what happens to these places when no one is there to take care of them.
Many people think of national parks as places to hike, camp, and enjoy stunning landscapes—but they are also living laboratories. Scientists study everything from wildlife migration to climate change, from ancient fossils to wildfire prevention. Without them, we lose decades of research and critical knowledge that helps protect these lands for future generations.
Wildlife Research Lost
NPS scientists track everything from wolf populations in Yellowstone to coral reef health in Dry Tortugas. Layoffs are shutting down projects that have been running for decades. (SF Chronicle)
Wildfire Prevention Cut: The Forest Service relies on seasonal workers to manage fire risks. Now? There aren’t enough people to clear firebreaks or do controlled burns. Wildfire season is about to get a whole lot worse. (NC State)
Climate and Environmental Studies Stalled
National parks are critical research sites for climate change, water quality, and ecosystem health. With fewer scientists, some of these projects were abandoned mid-study. (NC State)
Cultural and Historical Preservation Paused
Parks protect Indigenous heritage sites, Civil War battlefields, and historic landmarks. Without staff, some preservation efforts are stopping indefinitely. (NC State)
These cuts weaken the entire foundation of what national parks are meant to do. If this continues, it won’t just be harder to visit these places… they’ll be permanently damaged.
What to Expect When You Visit
If you’re planning a trip to a national park or any public lands this year, prepare for things to be different. With fewer staff, longer wait times, and reduced services, your experience may not be what you’re used to.
Longer Entrance Lines & Delays
Many parks have fewer rangers staffing entrance stations, leading to mile-long waits at places like Big Bend and Grand Canyon. Some parks are reducing hours or closing visitor centers on certain days, making it harder to get information or buy passes in person.
Fewer Rangers & Staff Assistance
If you get lost on a trail or need help, it might take much longer for rangers to respond—if there’s anyone available at all. Emergency response teams are stretched thin, and Glacier National Park still doesn’t have a chief ranger. Fewer staff also means fewer educational programs, fewer guided hikes, and less enforcement of park rules, which could lead to overcrowding in sensitive areas.
Unclean Restrooms & Overflowing Trash Bins
With maintenance staff reduced, many parks are struggling to keep up with basic sanitation. Restrooms may be closed or serviced less frequently, trash bins may not be emptied as often.
Campground & Facility Closures
Some parks are delaying campground reservations, like Yosemite, while others, such as Saguaro and Florissant Fossil Beds, are closing visitor centers on certain days due to staffing shortages. Fewer seasonal workers mean fewer ranger-led programs, boat rentals, and other services that many visitors rely on.
Increased Fire Risks
The Forest Service has lost thousands of workers responsible for wildfire prevention, making fires harder to control. With fewer people available to clear firebreaks and conduct controlled burns, the risk of catastrophic wildfires is growing. If you’re visiting areas prone to wildfires, check for restrictions and be extra cautious.
More Limited Access to Trails & Landmarks
Without enough staff to maintain trails and protect fragile areas, some parks may close sections of trails, roads, or historic sites. In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, storm-damaged trails remain closed indefinitely because there aren’t enough workers to repair them. Some scenic drives and backcountry areas may also be inaccessible if roads can’t be maintained.
Less Protection for Wildlife & Ecosystems
Scientists monitoring everything from endangered species to water quality have been laid off, meaning some conservation efforts are grinding to a halt. If poaching, habitat destruction, or pollution occur, there are fewer people available to monitor and mitigate the damage. Some long-term research projects—such as tracking wolf populations in Yellowstone or monitoring coral reef health in Dry Tortugas—have been abruptly stopped, which could have serious consequences for conservation efforts.
What Can You Do?
Plan Ahead
Check park websites for updates on closures, staffing shortages, and alerts before you go. Be flexible with your plans. Campgrounds, visitor centers, or specific trails may be unexpectedly closed.
Be Patient
Expect longer lines, reduced services, and fewer available rangers. Bring extra supplies, including maps and safety gear, in case help isn’t available.
Leave No Trace
With fewer staff cleaning up, it’s more important than ever to pack out your trash, stick to trails, and respect the land. Be mindful of fire restrictions and avoid damaging fragile ecosystems.
Support the Parks
Donate to organizations like the National Park Foundation, which funds conservation projects and visitor services directly impacted by these cuts. Contact your representatives to demand proper funding for the National Park Service and public lands.
Call, Write, and Visit Your Representatives
Elected officials need to hear that public lands matter. Call, write, or even visit your representatives to demand full funding for the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. Let them know how these cuts are impacting parks, communities, and tourism. You can find your local representatives and their contact information at usa.gov.
These parks belong to all of us. But without the people who protect them, they will suffer—and so will everyone who loves them.
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