America’s National Parks are some of the most stunning and cherished landscapes in the world, but they’re facing an unprecedented crisis. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for visitors to step up, do their part, and help protect these treasured places.

First things first—what is happening?

In early February 2025, the Trump administration terminated approximately 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) employees as part of broader federal spending reductions. This initial wave of layoffs was followed by additional cuts, bringing the total number of NPS positions eliminated to over 4,000, affecting both full-time rangers and seasonal staff.

The impact of these cuts was swift and widespread. For instance, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California have canceled all ranger programs and reduced operating hours at key visitor centers. These developments highlight the pressing need for visitors to adapt and take on a more active role in preserving the integrity of our national parks.

How does this affect me, the visitor?

Unfortunately, this not only altered the lives of tens of thousands of NPS employees and their families. It will similarly affect the hundreds of millions of folks who visit the parks each year. 

In action, this will look like:

• Fewer rangers & park staff – Limited ranger-led programs, longer emergency times, and fewer people enforcing park rules will decrease safety and security in the parks.
• Dirtier trails & campgrounds – With maintenance crews cut back, expect overflowing trash cans, unclean restrooms, and neglected facilities.
• Closed visitor centers & trails – Many parks will (and already have) reduce hours, shut down visitors, or temporarily close trails due to lack of upkeep.
• Delays in search & rescue efforts – Fewer staff means slower response times in case of accidents or lost hikers.

Instead of avoiding National Parks, this is the time to step up and do our part to keep them clean, safe, and enjoyable for all. Here’s how you can help.

1. Pack it in, pack it out—for real.

With fewer staff to empty trash cans, visitors must manage their own waste. Bring a trash bag and some gloves, pack out everything (yes, even food scraps), and leave no trace.

Furthermore, I’d recommend packing your trash all the way out of the park. Less park staff means less hands to empty the trash cans within the park.

2. Bring your own toilet paper (and maybe a trowel).

Many restrooms will go uncleaned and unstocked, and some might be closed entirely. Come prepared with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a trowel for properly burying waste where necessary. In high-traffic areas, consider bringing WAG bags to pack out human waste responsibly.

3. Pick up trash—even if it’s not yours.

With maintenance crews stretched thin, litter can accumulate quickly. In fact, the National Park Service manages roughly 70 million pounds of waste, every single year. If you see trash on the trail, in campgrounds, or near parking areas, pick it up. A small effort from each visitor can make a significant difference in maintaining the health of our parks.

4. Respect trail closures and resource protection areas.

With fewer rangers and maintenance crews, trails may be unmonitored, eroding, or temporarily closed for safety or conservtaion reasons. Stick to marked paths to prevent environmental damage, avoid creating new trails, and respect closures—even if they seem unnecessary. Ignoring them can lead to long-term harm and unsafe conditions for others.

5. Prepare for limited park services.

Visitors centers may have reduced hours, ranger-led programs might be canceled, and emergency response times could be longer. Always check park websites before visiting for updates on closures, fire restrictions, and safety advisories.

6. Be your own safety net.

With search-and-rescue teams likely being affected by layoffs and experiencing a reduction in resources, it’s imperative to take extra precautions before venturing out into the parks. Carry extra food and water than you normally would, tell at least one person exactly where you’re going, download maps ahead of time, and don’t take a chance if the weather looks a little hairy.

7. Respect wildlife—there’s less oversight now.

Essential wildlife management personnel were among those affected by the layoffs, meaning less eyes and ears monitoring wildlife. This reduction increases the risk of negative human-wildlife interactions and threatens the well-being of park ecosystems. Avoid any wildlife on the trail, secure food and trash in bear-proof containers, and carry the proper wildlife repellent for the region you’re exploring.

8. Volunteer if you can.

Many parks deeply rely on volunteers for trail maintenance, visitor education, and conservation efforts. In fact, more than 1.5 billion hours of service through the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Program have kept the National Park Service running and growing since its establishment in 1970. Check out current volunteer opportunities available through the National Park Service VIP program.

9. Support local communities around parks.

National parks don’t exist in isolation—tourism is the lifeblood of many towns in proximity to America’s National Parks. In 2022, the National Park Service reported visitor spending in communities near national parks contributed more than $50 billion towards the nation’s economy. 

You can help the NPS by eating at local restaurants, booking tours with local guides, and supporting small businesses close to the parks.

10. Stay informed & advocate for our parks.

The best way to protect our national parks long-term is to use your voice. Use these resources (courtesy of a fellow NPS enthusiast on Reddit) to contact your elected officials:

• Determine who represents the congressional districts in which your favorite national parks are located.
• Figure out who your elected officials are based on your address.
• Locate contact information for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senators.

Use these NPS letter templates and phone script to express your concern for the National Park System in its current state.