The national parks are reeling. At least one-fifth of the country’s 433 parks have been significantly strained and understaffed because of steep cuts mandated by the Trump administration, according to The New York Times.
Staffing at the National Park Service had been shrinking in the past decade because of tightened budgets. But it has lost 24 percent of its permanent employees since President Trump took office, according to data compiled by the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association. Among those who left: more than 1,800 park workers who accepted the administration’s resignation initiatives.
More than 90 national parks reported problems between April and the end of July stemming from departures, cuts and a hiring freeze. Routine tasks like cleaning and stocking the bathrooms have gone undone. Fewer rangers have given tours and lectures. Visitor centers have reduced hours, and parks have lost millions of dollars because they are unable to staff entrances and collect visitor fees.
Among the issues raised in the internal documents are these, according to National Parks Traveler:
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.?
