National Parks Face Staffing Crisis: Safety and Accessibility Concerns Mount as Summer Approaches
Staff Editor National Park Service Faces Staffing Crisis as Summer Season Approaches
Yosemite National Park’s recent suspension of campsite reservations for the start of the summer season has brought attention to a larger issue facing the National Park Service (NPS). Widespread job cuts within the agency are raising concerns about safety and accessibility at parks across the country.
The NPS and the US Forest Service have terminated thousands of employees, affecting a wide range of roles including entry fee collectors, facility maintenance workers, visitor educators, and search and rescue personnel. This reduction in staff has sparked criticism from media outlets and Democratic lawmakers.
Neal Desai from the National Park Conservation Association called the cuts “non-strategic,” highlighting that parks have already been grappling with understaffing issues. Since 2010, park staffing has decreased by 20% while visitor numbers have increased by 16%.
The White House has not commented on the terminations, though President Trump has previously justified federal cuts as efforts to reduce fraud and waste. The National Park Service and Department of the Interior have not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Advocacy groups warn of severe consequences during the upcoming busy season. The Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks suggests that visitor centers may close, lines could grow longer, and maintenance could suffer. There are concerns that millions of Americans may find parks inaccessible or unsafe.
Beth Pratt from the National Wildlife Federation criticized the cuts as arbitrary, suggesting that the administration could have allowed park managers to prioritize budget cuts. She warned that staffing reductions could lead to increased vandalism and wildlife issues.
Former seasonal worker Felicia Jimenez described the cuts as devastating, emphasizing the loss of skilled staff and the potential impact on the public. She stressed the necessity of park staff in maintaining operations and ensuring a positive visitor experience.
As the summer season approaches, concerns mount about the potential “disarray” in national parks if these staffing issues are not addressed promptly.
