1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

America's national parks are treasured public lands that belong to all citizens. The severe staffing cuts and operational disruptions caused by the Trump administration's reckless actions threaten to undermine the National Park Service's ability to properly maintain and protect these cherished natural resources. With over 700 year-round employees taking buyouts, nearly 1,000 probationary staff fired, travel restricted, and credit cards deactivated, remaining park rangers and staff are being stretched dangerously thin. This poses risks to visitor safety, resource preservation, and the overall park experience that over 325 million people enjoyed in 2023 alone. Parks cannot adequately function without sufficient personnel. Budgets must be increased to hire and retain the skilled workforce required to manage growing visitation responsibly. Reverting to a skeleton crew operation jeopardizes the future of America's best idea - our national parks. I urge you to take immediate action to fully staff and fund the National Park Service before irreparable damage is done. Our parks' legacy is at stake.