Resource Jul 9, 2025

Parks Groups Release New Analysis Highlighting Impacts of Staffing Cuts to National Parks

In a decision with sweeping consequences, the U.S. Supreme Court has lifted a lower court injunction blocking President Trump's executive order directing federal agencies to prepare for large-scale reductions in force (RIF). While lower court challenges continue, this decision clears the way for the administration to move forward with mass federal layoffs, including devastating reductions at the National Park Service.

In response, the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks (CPANP), Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR) and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) have released new analysis detailing the real-world consequences of further staffing cuts, from slashed visitor services and delayed maintenance to weakened wildfire response and threats to cultural and natural resource protection. The findings are clear: continued cuts jeopardize the Park Service’s core mission to preserve America’s natural and historic treasures “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Read more from NPCA