WA Wild stands in solidarity with our federal public lands employees and agencies
Last week, the Trump Administration fired more than 10,000 federal workers across multiple agencies as part of its “large-scale reductions” in the government workforce. Included among those jobs lost, 10% of the US Forest Service (~3,400 employees) and 5% of the National Park Service (~1,000 employees) had their positions terminated or job offers rescinded. The loss of these specialized and dedicated individuals poses a real danger to our public lands—learn what to expect and how we can all step up to help.
Our national parks and forests—the places you love—would not be the same without the thousands of dedicated federal staff and employees who care for them. From leading educational programs and conducting backcountry rescues to maintaining trails and cleaning facilities, they work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, all while safeguarding our irreplaceable ecosystems and wildlife. Their unwavering commitment ensures that these natural treasures continue to thrive for generations to come.
For years, agencies like the NPS and USFS have been asked to do more with less, all while visitation increases and the climate crisis presents new, escalating challenges. Now, the Trump Admin has brought these beloved and vital institutions to their breaking point by indiscriminately firing thousands of specialized, trained, and dedicated professionals.
There is nothing ‘efficient’ about indiscriminately firing thousands upon thousands of workers in red and blue states whose work is badly needed. Two billionaires who have zero concept of what the federal workforce does are breaking the American government—decimating essential services and leaving all of us worse off.
-Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), AP News
As we look ahead to the summer, it’s crucial for all of us to understand the impact of these mass firings on our public lands—and how we can help. Staying informed and prepared will be crucial in ensuring the ongoing care and preservation of these beloved places.
Pushing an already overwhelmed park service to its breaking point, what this means for our beloved public lands this summer and beyond:
Recreational Access—trail, campground, and visitor center closures, delayed openings, longer lines
Public Safety—less staff available to assist with search + rescue, provide EMS, and proactively warn visitors of hazards
Stewardship—little to no enforcement of permit systems or the rules and regulations that protect plants + wildlife
Maintenance—trash will pile up, facilities like restrooms won’t be cleaned or restocked, road and trail repairs will be left unfinished
Public Education—guided tours + programming will be cut back or canceled, fewer staff on hand to answer questions or give guidance
Scientific Research—disruption of long-term monitoring projects, loss of critical data + institutional knowledge
How we can help:
Contact Your Legislators—call and email your members of Congress to express the importance of our national parks & forests, share your concerns, and urge them to restore funding and staffing.
Mutual Aid—reach out to your neighbors and find ways to support those in your community who may have lost their jobs and/or help folks network
Volunteer—many national forests have programs or find local nonprofits that are stepping up to fill the gap; organize your own clean-up or work party
Recreate Responsibly—rigorously follow LNT principles, educate others, and be prepared to pack out more than just your own trash
Donate—you can donate directly to your favorite national park, a park friend group, or the National Park Foundation; purchase an America the Beautiful Pass, get the WA National Parks license plate
Be Kind!—look for ways to help, be patient, respect + follow the rules, and thank any staff or volunteers you see
