National Park Service layoffs impact staffing, visitor access nationwide

National parks across the U.S. are facing significant challenges due to recent federal layoffs, with the National Park Service (NPS) terminating approximately 1,000 employees just before the busy season. These cuts, part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce, have led to concerns about safety, accessibility, and visitor services at the parks. While the NPS has been granted permission to hire 7,700 seasonal workers, experts worry that many positions will remain unfilled in time for summer, exacerbating existing staffing shortages. Local economies tied to parks, such as the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, are bracing for potential downturns as reduced staff may limit access and services. Advocacy groups are warning that these cuts could negatively impact park safety and visitor experiences from iconic locations like Yosemite to lesser-known sites. The staffing crisis is not limited to the NPS, as the U.S. Forest Service is also experiencing significant reductions, leading to trail closures and maintenance issues in Washington state.