Over 300 million people visit National Parks in America each year, generating more than $40 billion in revenue.
Now, Congress is considering a budget reconciliation bill that would cut $260 million from the National Park Service, threatening thousands of jobs at our National Parks.
National Park Service staff do everything from collect entry fees to guide tours, manage and repair trails, clean restrooms, remove trash and more. Already with the DOGE cuts in staffing there are reports of long lines and even longer wait times. Trail closures, the lack of access to amenities such as bathrooms or campgrounds and even search and rescue operations could be impacted as well if appropriate staffing is not restored and protected.
The result of these proposed cuts will mean less people wanting to come into the park which in turn means less money for the local economy. The lost revenue is likely to be significant.
I’m writing to call on you to reject cuts to our National Parks in the upcoming budget reconciliation vote.
Thank you for your time.