How to Help the National Parks Service Right Now
Federal budget cuts have threatened some of America's best places
I am a huge fan of National Parks. I started visiting one a year as part of my new year's goals in 2019. Last year, I did a five day road trip in order to visit three new National Parks across three states. National Parks are important to the United States for so many reasons, including doing vital environmental and cultural conservation work, as well as providing spaces for visitors to experience some of the most unique and spectacular parts of the country.
Recent budget cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) have led to significant staff reductions and operational challenges. In February 2025, the Trump administration terminated approximately 1,000 NPS employees, representing about 5% of the agency's workforce. These layoffs are part of a broader federal downsizing effort that also affected the U.S. Forest Service, which saw 2,000 employees dismissed.
The staff reductions are expected to impact various aspects of park operations, including:
- Visitor Services: Reduced staff means potential reduced campground availability, longer entrance lines, and diminished services such as facility cleanliness and road maintenance. The wait to enter Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park this past weekend doubled after four employees who worked at the south entrance were fired.
- Public Safety and Resource Protection: Concerns have been raised about compromised public safety and decreased protection of natural and cultural resources. The NPS has been at the forefront of intervening with vandalism and defacement of sites, which will only become exponentially more difficult with a reduced staff.
- Economic Impact: Local communities that rely on tourism generated by national parks may experience economic downturns due to decreased visitor satisfaction and park accessibility. According to a study done by the National Park Service, in 2023 "325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks. This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income, and $55.6 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy." The ripples of these budget cuts and closings will affect more than just the National Parks themselves.
These developments have prompted criticism from conservation groups and local stakeholders, who emphasize the importance of adequate funding and staffing to preserve the integrity of national parks and support surrounding communities.
How to Help the National Park Service Right Now
1. Volunteer Your Time
The NPS has a portal to help those who wish to volunteer access the best options for them, either by looking for a specific volunteer opportunity, events calling for volunteers, or by contacting a National Park near you.
NPS volunteers may lead or support education programs, maintain trails, conduct research, host at a campground, or even produce art.
2. Funding
Advocate for External Funding Sources
There are many different avenues from which the NPS can receive funding, and many different ways you can help to ensure that even as the federal budget cuts take place, other options are still available:
- Contact your representatives and urge them to support NPS funding. You can use resources like 5 Calls to easily find the phone numbers for the representatives in your area.
- Support organizations that lobby for national park conservation, like the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA).
Donate to Park-Supporting Organizations
Support the National Park Foundation (NPF) or local "Friends of the Park" groups that directly aid park operations. (Just Google "Friend of [Insert park here]" to most easily find your local group).
Visit and Spend Money in Parks
- Pay park entrance fees and purchase items from park gift shops (which help fund operations).
- Stay in park lodges or nearby communities that rely on tourism dollars, helping the local economy that supports the park.
3. Reduce Park Costs Through Sustainable Practices
- Practice Leave No Trace to reduce the cost of waste cleanup.
- Use carpools or shuttles to reduce the need for park infrastructure maintenance.
The national parks of the United States are a unique and irreplaceable treasure, offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vital cultural heritage. Spanning deserts, mountains, forests, and coastlines, these protected areas serve as sanctuaries for wildlife and as living laboratories for scientific research.
They provide unparalleled opportunities for recreation, education, and inspiration, allowing visitors from around the world to connect with nature and history. Beyond their beauty, national parks play a crucial role in conservation, preserving biodiversity and combating climate change. As a shared global resource, they remind us of our responsibility to protect and cherish the planet’s natural wonders for future generations, and so we must fight for them now before they are lost.
About the Creator
Erica J.
Chronic-pain sufferer just trying to be healthy and enjoy life while bird lurking and photographing nature. Purchase photo prints and read birding blogs: https://linktr.ee/erica80hd
Tidal Barrier to Be 10m Shorter to Save Money
Rethinking Flood Protection in Somerset If you live near the coast, the threat of flooding isn’t just news — it’s a reality you can feel. That’s the situation in Bridgwater, Somerset, a historic market town near the Bristol Channel. For years, plans have been underway to build a tidal barrier to protect homes, businesses, and livelihoods from storm surges. Now, new updates reveal the barrier will be about 10 metres shorter than originally planned, a decision aimed at reducing costs while still keeping the town safe. This announcement has sparked conversations about engineering, budgets, and how communities adapt to climate challenges. Why the Barrier Is Being Shortened The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier was initially designed to be a high-profile flood defence, protecting thousands of properties from tidal surges that travel up the River Parrett. But after a recent design efficiency review, engineers concluded the barrier could be slightly shorter without compromising safety. Reducing the barrier by 10 metres lowers construction complexity, saves money, and reduces long-term maintenance costs. The Environment Agency and local authorities say this approach allows the project to move forward on time and on budget, ensuring the community gets protection sooner rather than later. The Cost Factor Public infrastructure projects like this don’t happen in a vacuum. Rising inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages have increased costs for large-scale projects. Officials argue that the revised design is a responsible compromise: it balances cost savings with safety. Somerset Council leaders have welcomed the decision, noting that managing costs wisely helps the project reach completion without compromising protection for residents. Community Voices and Concerns Local engagement has been a key part of the project. Residents have attended consultations and drop-in sessions to see the updated plans and ask questions. Some community members appreciate the cost savings and faster timeline. Others worry whether a shorter barrier will be as effective against future extreme weather events. Questions include: Will the barrier remain strong against increasingly unpredictable storms? Does reducing the height limit future adaptability as climate impacts grow? What effect might it have on local ecosystems and fish habitats? These are valid concerns, reflecting how communities are increasingly involved in climate adaptation decisions. Engineering Flood Defence Today Tidal barriers are not new — Britain has relied on them for decades. London’s Thames Barrier, for instance, has protected the capital since the 1980s. But today, rising sea levels and more frequent storms mean engineers must balance safety, cost, and environmental impact carefully. In Bridgwater, officials say the revised barrier will still protect against 1-in-200-year tidal events. It’s designed to provide robust safety now while remaining adaptable for the future. The Human Side of Flood Protection It’s easy to get lost in numbers and metres, but behind the design decisions are real people. Residents depend on reliable flood protection to feel secure in their homes and communities. For families, businesses, and local services, knowing a barrier is being built — even a slightly shorter one — provides peace of mind. It’s not just a structure; it’s a symbol of resilience and preparedness. Next Steps for the Barrier The Bridgwater project is still under construction, with the revised design undergoing final refinements. Once completed, the tidal barrier will provide long-term protection for thousands of properties and critical infrastructure in Somerset. Officials emphasize that the shortened design does not compromise safety. If anything, staying on budget ensures the project is completed faster, meaning protection arrives sooner for the community. A Lesson in Climate Adaptation The story of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier is more than engineering or economics. It’s about how communities respond to climate risks and how governments make tough choices balancing safety, cost, and sustainability. The barrier being 10 metres shorter may seem small on paper, but it reflects a larger truth: infrastructure planning today is as much about community engagement, adaptability, and long-term resilience as it is about concrete and steel. By keeping people involved and making informed, cost-effective decisions, Somerset shows how towns can adapt to climate change without sacrificing safety. Conclusion The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier demonstrates that infrastructure projects in the 21st century must adapt to multiple pressures: climate change, financial constraints, and community expectations. While the barrier is slightly shorter than originally planned, it remains a critical line of defence against flooding. More importantly, it highlights the importance of public involvement, transparency, and strategic planning in building a resilient community. For Bridgwater residents, the message is clear: the tide may rise, storms may come, but with smart planning and community engagement, the town will be ready
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Red Ice Part 1
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