Urgent: Massive Staff Cuts Threaten Our Public Lands

Conservation & Advocacy
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Fellow Nature Photographers,

The National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are facing severe staffing cuts, jeopardizing the management and protection of our cherished landscapes. These reductions—approximately 3,400 recent hires from the USFS and 1,000 probationary NPS employees—will have a direct impact on our ability to access and photograph these wild places.

According to a February 14th Reuters report (link to article), these cuts are part of an effort to reduce federal spending. But the consequences are clear:

  • Fewer Rangers & Visitor Services – Expect closed visitor centers, fewer educational programs, and limited access to key locations.

  • Maintenance Backlogs – Trails, roads, and facilities may fall into disrepair, affecting both accessibility and safety.

  • Increased Environmental Damage – With fewer staff to enforce regulations, we could see more vandalism, illegal activity, and habitat destruction.

  • Wildlife & Ecosystem Impacts – Reduced funding means less research, conservation work, and protection for fragile habitats.

While firefighters and law enforcement are exempt from the USFS cuts, and NPS seasonal hires remain unaffected, the loss of experienced personnel will strain these agencies and could lead to rolling closures or severely diminished services.

We’ve seen what happens when public lands are neglected. Now is the time to take action.

What You Can Do Right Now:

:loudspeaker: Contact Your Representatives – Demand restored funding and staffing for NPS and USFS. Personalize your message—explain how these cuts affect you as a constituent and nature photographer.

:herb: Support Conservation Organizations – Groups like the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and The Wilderness Society are fighting to protect these places. Consider donating or volunteering.

:camera_flash: Use Your Photography for Advocacy – Share your images alongside factual, respectful messages about the importance of these landscapes and the threats they face.

:do_not_litter: Leave No Trace & Document Conditions – Be extra mindful of our impact, and if you visit a park, report signs of neglect, damage, or reduced services with photos and facts.

Read more about what you can do here.

This is a space for us to discuss, share information, and coordinate action. Let’s stand together to protect the places that inspire us.

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