5 Ways to Support the National Parks

In recent days, the new administration has implemented significant changes, including federal budget cuts to key agencies such as the Forest Service and the National Park Service, alongside a hiring freeze. As a result, approximately 10% of the workforce has been laid off, primarily impacting employees with less than one year of service. Despite a substantial increase in visitation to national parks and public lands, staffing levels at land management agencies have continued to decline. These cuts and shifts are poised to have serious repercussions for outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural spaces.

Here are 5 ways you can help support public lands going forward: 

Sign a Petition

There are a handful of petitions going around online that send a message directly to elected officials calling for action to protect the country’s parks and monuments. These forms take less than 3 minutes, including name, address, and contact information. You can find them all at the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) website, or below.

• Tell Congress to Protect National Park Service Staff

• Tell Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to protect national monuments from oil, gas, and mining

• Tell Congress national parks are worth fighting for

• Tell Congress to fund historic and cultural sites nationwide

• Tell Congress to protect wildlife in national parks

Call Elected Official Directly

Find your elected officials in the US Senate (Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego for Arizona) and House of Representatives (based on Zip Code) and call them reading the following script:

Hello!

My name is [insert name here], and I am a constituent in [insert zip code here]. I am calling today as a national park lover and constituent of [insert name of elected official here] because I have some concerns about the future of our parks.

New budget cuts introduced by Congress would slash funding for the National Park Service and lay off thousands of staff. 

Our communities and economies rely on our parks – and parks rely on National Park Service rangers and staff. As your constituent, I want you to do everything in your power to protect the

National Park Service staff from these egregious staffing cuts.

Please call on Secretary Burgum to stop slashing the National Park Service staff and ask him to waive the hiring freeze for the agency. 

Improperly funding the budget for national parks undermines the very places our lawmakers like you have promised to protect.

Thank you.

Donate to Organizations Supporting Different Land Agencies

There are many non-profits like the NPCA, National Park Foundation, and National Forest Foundation that help raise funds to support the preservation and maintenance of public lands. Donations can directly fund park programs, educational outreach, and conservation efforts. There are many local organizations you can support too.

Volunteer with Local Park Programs

Many land agencies offer volunteer programs for individuals and families. Volunteers can help with trail maintenance, habitat restoration, educational programs, and even administrative tasks. This is an excellent way to directly contribute to the upkeep and protection of parks. I will be going into my third year volunteering as a River Ranger in the Tonto National Forest as well as a steward/communications chair with the White Tank Mountains Conservancy.

Practice Responsible Tourism

When visiting national parks, make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife, and adhere to park guidelines. By preserving these spaces during your visits, you help ensure they remain intact for future generations. You’ll also reduce your impact on the short-staff ranger teams.

Taking any of these steps can significantly impact the health and future of our national parks, ensuring they remain protected for years to come.