1. United States
2. Hawaii
3. Letter

Today I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent layoffs within the National Park Service (NPS) and their detrimental impact on our cherished national parks. The termination of approximately 1,000 NPS employees, including essential staff such as maintenance workers and emergency responders, poses a significant threat to the preservation of these natural treasures and the safety of their visitors. These staffing reductions have already led to noticeable declines in park maintenance and operations. Visitors are experiencing longer entrance lines, reduced campground availability, and diminished services, including unclean facilities and poorly maintained trails. Such conditions not only degrade the visitor experience but also jeopardize the safety and integrity of the parks themselves. Moreover, the economic repercussions extend beyond the parks. Local communities that rely on tourism generated by national park visitors are facing financial hardships due to decreased visitation and spending. The National Parks Conservation Association has criticized these layoffs as "reckless," highlighting the severe impacts on the National Park System, public safety, and environmental protection. While the administration has recently reversed some of these job cuts, allowing for the rehiring of seasonal workers, the damage inflicted by the initial layoffs continues to affect park operations and visitor experiences. It is imperative that we fully restore and support the NPS workforce to ensure the proper stewardship of our national parks. I urge you to advocate for the reinstatement of all terminated NPS employees and to support increased funding for the National Park Service. Our national parks are invaluable assets that require adequate staffing and resources to preserve their natural beauty and historical significance for future generations. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.