Protests erupt as thousands of national park employees lose jobs

In early March 2025, protests took place across Colorado, specifically at Rocky Mountain National Park, in response to the termination of about 1,000 employees from the National Park Service and over 3,000 from the U.S. Forest Service. These layoffs were caused by efforts from the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, to reduce the federal workforce. The firings have raised significant concerns among local communities and park advocates regarding the future management and safety of national parks. The layoffs occur as the country anticipates a busy summer tourist season, which historically sees around 325 million visitors to national parks each year. The fallout from these staff reductions means park operations will suffer, leading to poorer visitor experiences marked by longer waits, restroom closures, and unmaintained trails. Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America's National Parks, highlighted parallels with the management failures during previous government shutdowns which resulted in significant damage to park lands. The loss of staff compromises oversight, leading to unchecked visitor behavior that endangers both nature and parkgoers. Community leaders, including Estes Park Mayor Gary Hall, voiced their concerns about how not only the park but the surrounding economy would feel the repercussions. Local businesses depend heavily on tourism from the national park, and with reduced staffing, safety for both visitors and staff remains at critical risk. As the economic stability of Estes Park is intrinsically linked to the health of Rocky Mountain National Park, residents fear a downturn if park operations falter. This situation prompted the Resistance Rangers, a group of off-duty park employees, to organize a nationwide day of action on March 1, 2025. Protestors across 433 national parks engaged in activities to raise awareness about the negative impacts of these job cuts. Actions included handing out flyers, displaying signs, and participating in clean-up efforts at parks. These demonstrations underline the community's determination to advocate for the reinstatement of laid-off staff and the preservation of national parks which thrive on public support and federal resources.