By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern from Dartmouth College ‘28
The Trump Administration’s budget proposal calls for a cut of up to 75% for the National Park System. The proposed cut of more than $1 billion is the largest in the history of the National Park Service, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. “With 433 national park units across the country, that would essentially wipe out budgets and staffing for at least 350 national park units.” The administration labels this outrageous action simply, a “reduction in force.”
“The President’s proposed budget plan is beyond extreme,” according to Theresa Pierno, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association. “It is catastrophic. Every action taken so far by this administration has chipped away at National Parks and their staff, but this budget is the final blow. If enacted by Congress, our National Park System would be completely decimated.”
Our National Parks showcase the diverse beauty and rich history of our country, and have existed for more than 100 years. These funding cuts would decimate the system and lead to devastating losses for wildlife and visitors, the closing of parks and the canceling of hundreds of thousands of reservations.
It is already disrupting people’s summer vacation plans and laying off talented Park Service staff. This will also negatively affect already struggling local communities facing the loss of jobs and tourism.
We must act now to protect our National Parks. Join the Alliance in signing this petition from the National Park Conservation Association and demand that Congress stand up for our national parks and reject this proposal!