1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The recent firing of around 1,000 National Park Service employees, including essential staff responsible for visitor safety, medical services, and resource protection, raises significant concerns for national park lands in North Carolina. These cuts directly undermine the ability of parks like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and others in the state to fulfill their mission of preserving natural and cultural resources while providing for public enjoyment. With limited remaining staff stretched thin, critical functions like search and rescue operations, invasive species management, basic sanitation, and wildfire prevention and response are being compromised at North Carolina's beloved park destinations. Visitors now face increased risks to their safety. Park rangers and staff based in North Carolina were impacted by these job cuts. Parks cannot operate effectively without adequate staffing. I urge you to take immediate action to restore these vital positions and staffing levels across the National Park Service, including those serving North Carolina's parks and public lands. Protecting our national parks, ensuring visitor safety, and maintaining wildfire preparedness should be top priorities. The parks belong to all Americans and depend on us to be responsible stewards.