National Parks Staying Open Despite Staff Cuts: What Visitors Should Know
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has ordered all national parks to “remain open and accessible” despite recent workforce reductions. This directive comes after approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees were fired. Though a federal judge ordered their reinstatement in March, the U.S. Supreme Court has blocked that order.
The secretary’s instructions include a review of operating hours, trail and campground closures, and staffing levels at each park. Burgum stated that the Interior Department will ensure adequate staffing to support each park’s needs.
Visitor experiences
However, the staffing situation has raised concerns about visitor experiences this summer at America’s national parks, writes the Mountain West News Bureau.
Kate Groetzinger from the Center for Western Priorities, a nonpartisan conservation organization, warns that some park services might be stretched thin. “Maybe bring your own toilet paper – I’m not kidding when I say that,” she said. “And don’t do anything dangerous, because these park staff are already stretched thin.”
Alternative plans
Groetzinger also recommends that visitors have alternative plans ready. “Look for other trails and hiking opportunities or biking opportunities around parks in case you can’t get in, or you can’t find parking when you do get there,” she added.
Last year, national parks welcomed more than 331 million visitors. These sites were operated by over 20,000 employees and 300,000 volunteers.
When asked about how many of the fired employees have returned to work, the Interior Department simply responded, “We do not have comment on specific personnel.”
