The Trump administration has issued a directive to keep all national parks open, even as the National Park Service (NPS) faces significant staffing shortages. This decision has sparked criticism from conservation organizations who describe the move as “reckless and out of touch.”

Details of the Order

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized in a memo that the order aims to ensure that all national parks and historic sites are accessible for public enjoyment. The directive stipulates that any decisions to close parks or reduce hours must receive prior approval from both the NPS director and the assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

Concerns from Conservation Groups

Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association, raised concerns about the implications of the order. She stated that the requirement for bureaucratic approval undermines the expertise of park staff who are already managing high visitor numbers during peak season.

According to Brengel, the association believes that park closures should be based on real-time assessments of staffing levels, weather conditions, and maintenance needs. “It’s micromanagement at its worst,” she remarked, highlighting the potential for increased red tape when staff are already overstretched.

Impact of Staffing Cuts

The National Park Service recently recorded 331 million visitors across its 433 locations last year. However, the situation has been exacerbated by recent staffing cuts where President Trump reduced the workforce by about 1,000 personnel, prompting further buyouts among existing staff.

This significant reduction in workforce poses challenges in visitor management, fee collection, sanitation, and emergency response capabilities, leading to concerns about the NPS’s ability to maintain parks effectively during peak visitation.

Future Implications

The Association of National Park Rangers has cautioned that additional cuts may still be on the horizon, which could severely hinder the NPS’s mission to protect and manage national parks. Rick Mossman, president of the association, stated in March that workers are being deprived of the resources necessary to fulfill their essential roles.

Conclusion

As the summer season approaches, the balance between accessibility and adequate staffing in national parks remains a significant concern. The directive from the Trump administration to keep national parks open, even under staffing constraints, could have lasting repercussions on park management and visitor experience.