The Trump Administration has made significant cuts to the National Park Service (NPS), laying off around 1,000 newly hired employees as a part of a border initiative to reduce federal spending. These cuts are the latest in a series of mass firings led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, aimed at cutting the federal workforce budget.
Among those affected by the layoffs are Stacy Ramsey and Leah Saffian, who both worked at the Buffalo National River in Arkansas, part of the Ozark National Forest. Ramsey, a river ranger, has been the only permanent ranger along the Buffalo River, a position that required her to manage search-and-rescue operations, assist park visitors, and maintain the park’s safety. Ramsey had worked tirelessly, “I actually worked seven days a week for a few weeks just to get my foot in the door,” Ramsey said. Her job, which she called “home,’ provided her with a sense of peace as she was able to help visitors enjoy one of America’s most beautiful rivers.
For Saffian, the loss of her position as a campground manager at the same park came after she had relocated, taking out a loan to purchase a $16,000 camper that would serve as her residence. Only three weeks into the job, she was informed that her position had been removed. “I feel very disrespected…I cycle through being angry, sad, distressed”, Saffian told CBS News.
The National Park Service is responsible for managing over 85 million acres of public land across the U.S., and positions range from fee collectors to maintenance staff, rangers, and search-and-rescue workers. The layoffs have created concerns among park advocates, who believe the cuts will lead to safety risks for visitors.
With fewer staff members, national parks may face shorter operating hours, closed visitor centers, and reduced safety measures. The Trump administration’s mass firings have gained criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups alike. As workers like Ramsey and Saffian continue to navigate the fallout. The long-term impact on these cuts on national parks remains a growing concern.
Leave a Reply