In a record-setting year, America's national parks welcomed over 331 million visitors. Despite this achievement, the Trump administration is reportedly downplaying these numbers due to significant staffing reductions within the National Park Service, including approximately 1,000 firings. A recent internal memo suggests avoiding proactive communications about the visitation figures, though individual parks can disclose the data if asked. Critics, including Kristen Brengel from the National Parks Conservation Association, warn that these cuts could jeopardize public safety and park programs, reflecting a disconnect between public interest in the parks and administrative actions.
The National Park Service just reported the highest visitation in its history, as the administration conducts massive firings and threatens to close visitor centers and public safety facilities.
Ms. Brengel said the numbers showed that Americans love national parks and warned that the cuts would mean closed campgrounds and canceled ranger programs.
Collection
[
|
...
]