The U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service were recently hit with significant staffing cuts. With about 3,400 recent or probationary hires from the Forest Service and 1,000 National Park Service employees being let go.
These cuts represent approximately 10% of the Forest Service workforce and 5% of National Park Service employees. A devastating blow to the agencies responsible for managing some of the country’s most treasured public lands.
How These Cuts Impact National Parks and Forests
Popular destinations such as the Appalachian Trail, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Sequoia National Forest have all been affected. With fewer rangers, maintenance crews, and administrative staff, parks will face difficult decisions about:
- Operating hours – Some visitor centers and services may reduce hours or shut down entirely.
- Public safety – Fewer law enforcement rangers and park staff could lead to slower response times in emergencies.
- Resource protection – With fewer employees to maintain trails, monitor wildlife, and manage visitor impact, parks may experience increased environmental degradation.
The National Parks Conservation Association, a nonpartisan advocacy group, warns that these staffing cuts will leave parks understaffed and struggling to operate.
HOT TIP
If you’re looking for more accessibility in our National Parks, check out our article on the 5 Best Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in Yellowstone National Park!
Yosemite National Park Hit Hard
Ashley Harrell, the National Parks Bureau Chief at SF Gate, states that 4% of Yosemite’s staff— all probationary employees—have been terminated since these cuts were enacted. She emphasized that national parks have long struggled with underfunding, but Yosemite has been particularly impacted.
The park typically operates with around 1,200 employees but relies on hiring 350 to 400 additional seasonal workers in the spring and summer to handle peak visitation.
However, this year, as hiring was underway, the Trump administration’s hiring freeze resulted in multiple rounds of seasonal job offers being rescinded. These rescinded hires include:
- Maintenance workers – Responsible for trail upkeep, facility repairs, and waste management.
- Interpretive rangers – Who provide educational programs and guided tours.
- Law enforcement rangers – Essential for park safety and enforcing regulations.
- Fee technicians – The employees who collect entrance fees and manage permits.
What Visitors Can Expect This Summer
For those planning a trip to Yosemite or other affected national parks, the visitor experience will likely be very different this year.
- Longer wait times at park entrances – Tens of thousands of visitors arrive at Yosemite daily during peak season. With fewer staff to manage entry points, wait times could extend to three or four hours.
- Increased traffic congestion – Once inside, visitors may struggle to find parking and experience major backups on park roads.
- Reduced services – Fewer maintenance workers, means trails and restrooms may not be cleaned or repaired as frequently.
- Possible elimination of the reservation system – Yosemite’s summer reservation system has been key in managing crowds and protecting park resources. Yet, insiders suggest it may not return this year, making crowd control even more difficult.
What Happens Next?
Currently, there is no word on whether the National Park layoffs will be reversed or if additional funding will be allocated to address the staffing crisis.
As peak tourist season approaches, national parks and forests across the country are bracing for unprecedented challenges in maintaining safety, protecting natural resources, and providing a quality experience for visitors.
For travelers, checking park websites for updates and being prepared for longer delays will be essential when planning trips this year.
If You Want the Latest Travel News, Join Our Mailing List
Don’t rely on biased RV industry news sources to keep you informed. Stick with Nomadic News. We publish articles and breaking stories that matter to you every weekday.
