The future of America’s national parks is increasingly uncertain due to significant budget cuts and policy changes initiated during the Trump administration. Established as the first national park on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone has been a cornerstone of the national park system, which has expanded to include **423 parks** under the stewardship of **27 U.S. presidents**. However, recent developments have raised alarm among conservationists and park advocates.
Visitor experiences at national parks have notably declined this year, as many sites faced closed campsites, canceled summer programs, and limited access to visitor centers. These disruptions began prior to the recent government shutdown and highlight a troubling trend of reduced support for America’s treasured landscapes.
In the past **10 months** since President Trump’s second term began, the National Park System has seen drastic staffing reductions and substantial cuts to operations and infrastructure budgets. According to the **Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025**, planned cuts threaten to further diminish the quality and accessibility of parks across the nation.
Under Secretary of the Interior **Doug Burgum**, a new plan threatens the budget and staffing of up to **350 park sites** nationwide. If enacted, this could lead to the closure of smaller parks, such as the **Johnstown Flood National Memorial** and the **Steamtown National Historic Site**, both located in Pennsylvania. These parks already face significant backlogs in maintenance, with **Gettysburg National Military Park** alone reporting a backlog of **$92 million** for necessary infrastructure repairs.
The economic impact of these cuts extends beyond park visitors. The **Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area**, which attracts over **four million visitors** annually, supports local businesses and generates an estimated **$164 million** in revenue for the surrounding Pocono Mountains region. Diminished funding for parks could jeopardize thousands of jobs in the private sector, highlighting the interconnectedness of park health and local economies.
Moreover, the administration’s approach to historical narratives raises concerns about transparency and integrity. At the **President’s House Site** within the **Independence National Historical Park** in Philadelphia, the historical accounts of enslaved individuals who lived there during George Washington’s presidency are reportedly being altered to conform to a more sanitized version of history. This change not only disrespects the legacy of African Americans but undermines the integrity of the historical sites that tell the nation’s story.
The ramifications of these actions could create a lasting legacy of environmental degradation, diminished public lands, and altered historical narratives. The cuts to funding, firings of park employees, and weakened environmental protections represent a profound shift in how the national parks are managed.
Citizens concerned about these developments are encouraged to engage with their representatives. Residents in Pennsylvania, for instance, can reach out to Senators **John Fetterman** and **Scott McCormick** to voice their support for national parks. Additionally, visiting local parks and connecting with rangers can help bolster community efforts to advocate for preservation and protection of these invaluable spaces.
The future of America’s national parks hangs in the balance, and collective action may be essential to counter the detrimental effects of current policies. As the legacy of the Trump administration continues to unfold, the preservation of these natural treasures remains a pressing concern for citizens and conservationists alike.
