Cutting Public Lands Workforce Will Have Consequences for Outdoor Recreation
Image credit: Stephan Widua, Yosemite National Park
Over the last few days, at the direction of the new administration, the Forest Service and other agencies have laid off about 10% of their workforces, targeting all employees with less than one year of service. We have also heard reports that probationary staff—including veterans hired through non-competitive processes—are being let go, which could affect 200,000 employees across the federal government (the Washington Post has reported similar). These reductions will make it harder for agencies to care for public lands and ensure safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences.
Over the last ten years, staffing at land management agencies like the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has steadily declined even as visitation has increased (source). Since 2010, the NPS has seen a 20% reduction in full-time staff, despite a 16% increase in visitation during the same period (source). The Forest Service, as we wrote about in the fall, is facing ongoing budget shortfalls and recently announced a hiring freeze for seasonal workers, further straining its ability to maintain trails, campgrounds, and recreation sites.
Outdoor Alliance has worked closely with agency staff over the last ten years, and while we don’t always agree on every issue, we deeply respect the work they do. Forest Service, Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employees are dedicated professionals, the vast majority of whom live in the communities they serve. They know the landscapes intimately, care for them tirelessly, and share many of the same values as the outdoor recreation community—because they are often part of it. Their work is essential to keeping public lands healthy, accessible, and protected for everyone.
Just months ago, Congress passed the bipartisan EXPLORE Act, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at expanding and improving outdoor recreation on public lands and waters. This overwhelming, across-the-aisle support underscored the undeniable value of outdoor access for communities, local economies, and public health. But passing the EXPLORE Act was only the first step—without adequate staffing at land management agencies, its implementation will be nearly impossible. From streamlining permits to improving recreation infrastructure, every aspect of the bill depends on having enough skilled agency staff to carry out its vision. Cutting the very workforce responsible for making public lands accessible directly undermines the progress Congress just made.
Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Outdoor Alliance, said, “We are deeply sorry to hear about the staffing cuts rolling in across federal land management agencies. 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.”
Across the Park Service and Forest Service, these cuts affect newer workers—who are often essential to outdoor recreation. They maintain trails, manage campgrounds and facilities, assist visitors, issue permits, support search and rescue operations, respond to emergencies, monitor wildlife, and restore landscapes by removing invasive species and aiding in reforestation. Eliminating these roles will directly impact the quality and accessibility of outdoor recreation.
Lawmakers, including Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA), the Republican chair of the House Agriculture Committee, have expressed their concern about the administration’s plans to reduce the federal workforce and how that will impact public lands. Fewer staff does not mean greater efficiency—rather, it’s experienced and competent employees who make these agencies function effectively.
While it’s reasonable to evaluate whether agencies need restructuring, this approach is reckless. “Deferred retirement” primarily pushes out employees already planning to leave or encourages the exit of top young talent who can find work elsewhere. Laying off probationary and early-career employees doesn’t eliminate inefficiency—it cuts off the future workforce. Worse, these cuts disproportionately affect on-the-ground staff—the very people who maintain trails, manage campgrounds, and ensure visitor safety. The result will be an immediate and tangible decline in the outdoor recreation experience.
These 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 Americans from getting out and enjoying their public lands safely this summer.
Beyond recreation, these cuts could also hamper emergency response efforts. With fewer staff, critical contracts for services like trash removal, restroom maintenance, and campground management may be delayed or canceled, reducing safe access to public lands. The cuts may also affect wildfire prevention and response, stretching firefighting resources even thinner. 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.
Without adequate staffing and resources, our experiences outside, the health of our public lands, and the outdoor recreation economy will suffer. Congress and the administration must take urgent action to protect the workforce that keeps our public lands safe, accessible, and well cared for.
Please write your lawmakers right now and ask them to push back against cuts to land management agencies, especially for on-the-ground staff who are crucial to outdoor recreation experiences this spring, summer, and fall: