Cuts to National Park Service
Issue tracker and action guide
Updated:
Jul 29, 2025
US Nationwide
Summary
The Trump administration has already made cuts to staffing and funding for the National Park Service. Now they want to go much further. The cuts would do severe harm to our national parks and the cherished places they protect.
Latest Updates
Jul 21, 2025
House FY2026 Spending Bill Cuts NPS Funding 6%
Jul 3, 2025
Staffing Crisis at National Parks, Data Shows
What's Happening
- Staffing Reduced: Since January 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) has lost 24% of it's permanent employees due to layoffs, buyouts, and the hiring freeze. Seasonal hiring is also down — as of early July, NPS had hired roughly 4,000 seasonal workers — well below, the nearly 8,000 pledged by the administration.
- Funding Clawed Back: Trump's "big, beautiful bill" rescinded $267 million in existing NPS funding. This money was previously approved under the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Major Cuts Proposed: In his 2026 budget request, Trump proposed over $1 billion in funding cuts to NPS. This would be a 30% drop from 2025 levels. It would likely result in the closing of many park units.
- Big Decision in Congress: Congress is now deciding on the 2026 spending bill for NPS. Good news — the current draft bills reject Trump's extreme cuts and fund NPS at close to 2025 levels. But there is still a long road for these bills to pass and it is uncertain if Trump will follow what they say.
Why It Matters
- Our National Treasures: National parks protect our nation's most important and cherished natural and historical places. A record 331 million people visited national parks in 2024. An overwhelming majority — 83% of voters — support increasing or maintaining funding for national parks.
- Key Economic Driver: National Parks are critical for the economy. In 2023, national park tourism contributed $55.6 billion to the economy and supported 415,400 jobs. Every dollar we invest in our national parks generates a $15 return for the economy.
- Less Staff, Less Protection: Parks don't protect themselves. It takes rangers to enforce rules, and respond to emergencies. It takes biologists to save wildlife populations. It takes specialists to preserve historical structures. It takes workers to maintain trails, reduce wildfire risk, and control invasive species.
How To Help
- Urgent Action: Please call your representative and senators about the 2026 spending bills. Urge them to fully fund the National Park Service at 2025 levels.
- Spread the Word: We need to spread the word about the importance of NPS funding and staffing. Use this guide and the links provided to inform yourself. Use your voice and creativity to inform others.
- Organization To Support: National Parks Conservation Association is the leading advocacy organization specifically for the National Park Service. For a local focus, almost every national park has a partner nonprofit organization that supports the park. You can find a full list here.
