""We're definitely really nervous and anxious about the upcoming season, especially with the staff shortage we already have," said a National Federation of Federal Employees union member at Yosemite who requested anonymity to speak candidly."
"The National Park Service has lost nearly a quarter of its staff to buyouts, early retirements and other departures since the Trump administration took office last year, according to an estimate by the National Parks Conservation Assn."
"Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the budget proposal on Capitol Hill last week, telling senators that the visitor experience to parks can be improved even while spending and staff reductions are made."
"The push to cut the park system even further - ahead not only of peak season but of America's 250th birthday - has underscored ongoing questions about how smoothly parks can operate as warm weather and summer vacations draw tourists."
National parks are experiencing significant staffing shortages, with nearly a quarter of staff lost since the previous administration. This has led to long wait times at entrances and operational issues, such as closed visitor centers and water shortages at campgrounds. The National Park Service's recent elimination of the timed-entry reservation system at Yosemite has exacerbated these problems. The administration's proposed budget cuts threaten to worsen conditions during the busy summer season, despite plans to hire seasonal workers to alleviate some staffing issues.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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