The new administration has implemented thousands of staffing cuts across land management agencies, which will hurt outdoor recreation access.
Washington, D.C. (Feb. 19, 2025) — Over the last few days, at the direction of the new administration, the Forest Service, BLM, and National Park Service have laid off over 5,000 people, including several Park Rangers. These reductions will make it harder for agencies to care for public lands and ensure safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences.
Over the last ten years, staffing at land management agencies has steadily declined even as visitation has increased (source). Since 2010, the NPS has seen a 20% reduction in full-time staff despite a 16% increase in visitation during the same period (source). The Forest Service has been facing ongoing budget shortfalls, which include a recent hiring freeze for seasonal workers, further straining its ability to maintain trails, campgrounds, and recreation sites.
These additional cuts will have significant consequences for outdoor recreation. They could mean long lines or closures of popular trails, parks, forests, and other recreation infrastructure. Contracts for trash removal, toilets, and campgrounds have been stalled and could prevent Americans from getting out and enjoying their public lands safely this summer.
Beyond recreation, these cuts could also hamper emergency response efforts and wildfire prevention. Seasonal employees play an essential role in wildfire preparedness by clearing hazardous fuels and assisting with initial attack efforts—reducing their ranks could increase the risk of uncontrolled wildfires on public lands and in nearby communities.
Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Outdoor Alliance, said, “We are deeply sorry to hear about the staffing cuts rolling in across federal land management agencies. Land managers do incredibly important work, often for long hours at modest pay. They are at the front line for stewarding the resources we all care so much about, and the loss of these workers will have real, tangible impacts on our public lands and waters, outdoor recreation, and community safety as we start to move into fire season.”
Without adequate staffing and resources, our experiences outside, the health of public lands, and the outdoor recreation economy will suffer. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action formto help the public send personalized letters to their lawmakers. You can ask your members of Congress to take urgent action to protect the workforce that keeps America’s public lands safe, accessible, and well cared for.
To learn more, please visitwww.outdooralliance.org.
About Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.
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