Facing criticism for the reduction of staff nationwide, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has emphasized that national parks will “remain open and accessible” and pledged to ensure that there is adequate staff to maintain operations.
The directive, which was issued late Thursday, calls for a comprehensive review of each park’s operational hours, trail closures, and other constraints on visitor amenities. Burgum stressed in the order that both his department and the National Park Service “are committed to ensuring that all Americans have the opportunity to visit and enjoy our Nation’s most treasured places.”
This move, however, has drawn skepticism from park supporters and others, who question whether park personnel can comply with the order in light of the workforce reductions implemented under the Trump administration. These reductions have been carried out through voluntary separations, layoffs, and a prior hiring freeze. Critics argue that having fewer employees might lead to reduced hours, service delays, closed campgrounds, overflowing garbage, unsanitary restrooms, and potential safety hazards.
Rick Mossman, president of the Arizona-based Association of National Park Rangers, noted that the park service has lost nearly 1,500 permanent employees since the start of the year and anticipates further cuts soon. The administration initially reinstated around 50 national park positions and hired some seasonal staff following public backlash against a proposal for substantial downsizing. More staff members were reinstated last month after a judge’s order, but some chose to resign from federal employment or were placed on administrative leave immediately.
Republican Representative Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, who chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources, expressed support for the order, asserting that it will help ensure parks fulfill their missions. “As we head into the summer months, millions of Americans and visitors from around the world will be enjoying our beautiful national parks,” he stated.
However, Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the Denver-based Center for Western Priorities, criticized the mandate, asserting that keeping parks operational without sufficient staff and resources is an unfeasible directive. Rokala labeled Burgum’s order as “hollow and cynical,” accusing the administration of attempting to placate public outrage over its detrimental impact on national parks and dependent communities.
Burgum’s directive requires assistant secretaries to assess each park’s operating hours, with a detailed report to be submitted to him within 15 days. Rokala argued that this approach would exclude park superintendents and the public from future decisions regarding park management. “If past is prologue, the public will be left completely in the dark about all the decisions,” she added.
According to the order, national parks hosted over 331 million visitors last year, with more than 20,000 employees and 300,000 volunteers managing the sites.