Staffing shortages intensify in national parks following Trump's reduced funding for research and facilities operations during the summer season.
In the Heart of America's Natural Wonders: Understaffed and Overworked National Park Employees
Yosemite National Park, California - This summer, even the scientists working in one of the United States' oldest and most popular natural preserves are taking turns cleaning camp ground toilets due to a severe workforce shortage, according to insider sources. The hydrologist and the invasive species expert are no exceptions as they've been posted at entry gates, processing visitors - a job usually handled by lower-paid seasonal workers.
Across the nation, national parks are grappling with a staff shortage that's been worsened by ongoing budget cuts and understaffing, which started years ago. President Donald Trump's administration and tech magnate Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have been particular culprits in these cuts.
The National Park Service (NPS) admitted in an email to Reuters that park staff might be asked to take on extra roles to keep parks safe and open, with team members stepping into various responsibilities outside their usual scope. To ensure a smooth visit, NPS encourages park visitors to plan ahead, including checking alerts and understanding site guidelines.
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, 800km to the north, faces an even more critical situation. With workers stretched thin, the loss of just one plough truck driver could mean that roads in this high-elevation park won't be cleared of ice and snow before travelers return en masse. In frustration over staff shortages, former park superintendent Kevin Heatley quit his position in May.
Conservation advocates view these extreme conditions as warnings that the National Park Service might face a busy but uncertain summer season. The agency has lost 13 percent of its 20,000-strong workforce since Trump took office in January, according to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a watchdog-advocacy group. They attribute much of the drop to job eliminations and staff taking buyouts offered by the Department of Government Efficiency.
The risk of public backlash against Trump if conditions at national parks are less than desirable for visitors this summer is significant. While Americans are split on many issues, the majority cherish these natural treasures as affordable vacation getaways, and they are visiting them in record numbers.
In 2024, national parks welcomed over 331 million visitors, a new high, up 6 million from 2023. Donald Trump's deputy White House press secretary Anna Kelly stated that the parks will be in pristine condition for visitors during this summer season.
Difficulties in hiring and retaining park rangers and search-and-rescue personnel pose risks to visitor safety, according to senior executive Kristen Brengel of NPCA. A smaller park ranger force could mean more visitors wandering too close to wild animals or hiking without sufficient water or gear.
A potential solution might lie in the controversial plan by the Trump administration to offload national park sites to the states. However, states have shown little interest in taking on these responsibilities, as managing the parks comes with significant costs and obligations.
Staffing shortages also threaten sensitive research and wildlife management projects, with park managers likely to sacrifice long-term gains for immediate needs, like maintaining roads and providing customer service.
In optimistic news, Jonathan Farrington, CEO of the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, reported that only 13 NPS positions have been cut at Yosemite, and none of them involved key public-facing positions. He believes the visitor experience in Yosemite will be excellent during the summer season.
Sources:1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Park_Service_employee_layoffs_in_20172. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Park_Service#cite_note-363. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/80344. https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/05/16/congressional-park-restoration-bill-marks-first-steptowards-addressing-long-term-park-funding-needs5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protect_Our_Parks_Act
In this challenging summer season, tech-savvy park visitors might need to check weather updates regularly due to the unpredictable conditions that could arise from understaffed national parks. Despite the staff shortages, the National Park Service (NPS) is encouraging visitors to plan ahead and be aware of site guidelines to ensure a smooth visit.
