“The enduring popularity of America’s national parks is not surprising. What’s shocking is this administration’s relentless attacks on these places and their caretakers, which threatens their future" -- NPCA's Emily Douce
WASHINGTON – More than 320 million people visited America’s national parks in 2025, according to new data released today. Advocates at the National Parks Conservation Association met the report with deep concerns over ongoing staffing and budgetary cuts and attempts to erase history and culture across America’s National Park System.
Statement by Emily Douce, Deputy Vice President for Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA):
“National parks offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences for millions each year. Not only are they economic engines for communities across the country, generating billions in revenue and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, but they also protect our nation’s history, wildlife and cultural heritage. From the immense cliffs of the Grand Canyon to stories of the struggle for civil rights at Birmingham, parks are where we learn about our country’s past, present and future.
“The enduring popularity of America’s national parks is not surprising. What’s shocking is this administration’s relentless attacks on these places and their caretakers, which threatens their future.
“Nearly a quarter of Park Service staff have been fired or forced to resign, and important park protection and outreach work has been eliminated in the name of keeping park entrances open. At the same time, this administration is actively erasing the history, science and culture that our national parks protect and tell.
“Park Rangers are doing the work of multiple people and morale has never been lower. Yet parks have been forced to stay open and accessible, even when the people needed to safely manage and protect these places aren’t there. Even during the longest government shutdown in our history, park staff showed up, sometimes without pay, to keep parks open and visitors safe.
“For more than a century, park staff have worked to share the full, unvarnished story of our nation with visitors. That’s what Americans want. That’s what they deserve and it’s what makes our country stronger.
“Americans are united in their support for national parks. Recent national polling affirms that across party lines, people reject the senseless cuts to park budgets and staff that have pushed parks to a breaking point.
“Our national parks are among our most treasured places. That’s why NPCA fights for our parks every day. Congress must not allow this administration to continue treating places that mean so much to so many this way. This is not the legacy we want to leave behind.”
# # #
About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
