1. United States
2. Miss.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's decision to lay off thousands of recent hires at the US Forest Service and National Park Service poses a grave threat to our cherished national parks and public lands. These parks are not mere commodities to be exploited, but invaluable natural and cultural treasures that belong to all Americans. Cutting staff who maintain and protect these sites will inevitably lead to overflowing trash, unsanitary conditions, and a diminished experience for visitors seeking respite in nature. Moreover, reducing the ranks of firefighters and wildfire prevention crews jeopardizes the very existence of these lands during an era of intensifying climate change-driven wildfires. Our national parks and forests safeguard irreplaceable ecosystems, shelter diverse wildlife, and preserve our shared heritage. They are not mere playgrounds for the affluent, but public resources to be enjoyed by all, regardless of wealth or status. Allowing these sites to deteriorate through neglect and understaffing is an assault on the principle of equal access to nature's bounty. We must fight to uphold the noble vision of our national parks as a legacy to be passed down to future generations, unspoiled and unsullied. I urge you to take decisive action to protect funding and staffing levels for the National Park Service and US Forest Service. Ensure that our parks remain pristine havens, not tarnished relics of corporate avarice. Defend our right to experience the grandeur of America's natural wonders, free from the ravages of negligence and exploitation. Our national parks are a reflection of our nation's values – let us not allow them to be degraded by short-sighted policies that prioritize profits over preservation.