National Park Service Layoffs Spark Protests, Threaten $640 Billion Outdoor Recreation Industry

Outdoor lovers and communities located near national parks and recreation areas are beginning to sound the alarm over the staffing cuts at the National Park Service.

Last week’s firing of roughly 1,000 probationary employees in the National Park Service and 3,400 in the U.S. Forest Service—primarily new hires who had worked at the agency less than one year—is causing uncertainty for travelers and outdoors enthusiasts ahead of the 2025 summer season.

The numbers of laid-off employees represent approximately 5% of the total National Park Service workforce and 10% at the U.S. Forest Service.