February 26, 2025 Public lands job cuts put American outdoor safety and access at risk

More than 5,000 public lands employees in the U.S. have been laid off, reducing the capacity of federal agencies to manage trails, parks, and forests. The cuts could mean closures, longer wait times, and challenges for wildfire prevention. Learn how these changes may affect your next adventure.

Over the last few days, at the direction of the new U.S. administration, the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and National Park Service have laid off over 5,000 people, including several Park Rangers. These reductions will make it harder for agencies to care for public lands and ensure safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences.

A decade of declining staffing and growing visitation

Over the last ten years, staffing at U.S. land management agencies has steadily declined even as visitation has increased. Since 2010, the National Park Service has seen a 20% reduction in full-time staff despite a 16% increase in visitation during the same period (source). The Forest Service has been facing ongoing budget shortfalls, which include a recent hiring freeze for seasonal workers, further straining its ability to maintain trails, campgrounds, and recreation sites.

Impacts on outdoor recreation and public access

These additional cuts will have significant consequences for outdoor recreation. They could mean long lines or closures of popular trails, parks, forests, and other recreation infrastructure. Contracts for trash removal, toilets, and campgrounds have been stalled and could prevent people from safely enjoying public lands in the coming months.

Beyond recreation, these cuts could also hamper emergency response efforts and wildfire prevention. Seasonal employees play an essential role in wildfire preparedness by clearing hazardous fuels and assisting with initial attack efforts—reducing their ranks could increase the risk of uncontrolled wildfires on public lands and in nearby communities.

Advocating for public lands and outdoor communities

“We are deeply sorry to hear about the staffing cuts rolling in across federal land management agencies,” says Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Outdoor Alliance.

“Land managers do incredibly important work, often for long hours at modest pay. They are at the front line for stewarding the resources we all care so much about, and the loss of these workers will have real, tangible impacts on our public lands and waters, outdoor recreation, and community safety as we start to move into fire season.”

Without adequate staffing and resources, outdoor experiences, the health of public lands, and the outdoor recreation economy will suffer. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help people send personalized messages to U.S. lawmakers, urging action to protect the workforce that keeps public lands safe, accessible, and well cared for.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

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