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The U.S. National Parks are attracting more visitors than ever! In 2024, almost 331.9 million recreation visits were recorded, setting an exciting new record. But at the same time, there’s a worrying story unfolding behind the scenes. As people flock to enjoy the stunning beauty of places like Yosemite and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, staffing cuts are putting these treasured natural spaces at risk.
In 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) saw a 2% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, with over 6 million more people experiencing the wonder of America’s national parks. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California became the most visited site, welcoming an impressive 17.18 million guests! This was a significant jump of 15% from 2023, showing just how much people love getting outside.
While these numbers make it clear that people adore our national parks, there’s a concerning aspect. The Trump administration let go of around 1,000 National Park Service employees, which is causing issues for both visitors and wildlife. Former NPS superintendent Russell Galipeau, who has worked in parks for decades, warns that fewer staff members lead to higher risks of poaching and trail deterioration, not to mention the potential harm to the habitats of endangered species!
Big protests took place across the country, with thousands gathering at national parks to voice their disappointment about job cuts. Groups like the Resistance Rangers organized these events at around 145 parks, some famous like Yosemite and others more hidden treasures like Effigy Mounds. Organizers pointed out that these cuts threaten not just jobs but the natural areas they love and cherish.
With a record number of visitors, parks need all hands on deck. The cuts have made it harder for the remaining staff to perform their essential jobs, such as protecting wildlife and keeping the parks safe and clean. For example, research efforts to save the island fox, whose population has been declining, are now at risk. This just shows how vital it is to have enough staff to keep our parks thriving.
| Park Name | 2024 Visit Numbers |
|---|---|
| Golden Gate National Recreation Area | 17.18 million |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 16.73 million |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 12.19 million |
| Yosemite National Park | 8.2 million |
With staff shortages threatening the very essence of our beloved parks, it’s important for everyone to get involved. Whether it’s visiting a national park, sharing your experiences on social media, or joining efforts to protect these natural wonders, every little bit counts. Kids and teens can play a big role too! Encourage your friends and family to appreciate and protect the incredible environments our national parks offer.
The record-high visitation to national parks showcases how much people love getting outdoors, but it also highlights the urgent need to support the staff who protect these spaces. As we celebrate the beauty of these parks, let’s also stand up for the people who work tirelessly to maintain them. Our national parks are a gift—let’s keep them safe for everyone!
The U.S. National Parks are attracting more visitors than ever! In 2024, almost 331.9 million recreation visits were recorded, setting an exciting new record. But at the same time, there’s a worrying story unfolding behind the scenes. As people flock to enjoy the stunning beauty of places like Yosemite and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, staffing cuts are putting these treasured natural spaces at risk.
In 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) saw a 2% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, with over 6 million more people experiencing the wonder of America’s national parks. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California became the most visited site, welcoming an impressive 17.18 million guests! This was a significant jump of 15% from 2023, showing just how much people love getting outside.
While these numbers make it clear that people adore our national parks, there’s a concerning aspect. The Trump administration let go of around 1,000 National Park Service employees, which is causing issues for both visitors and wildlife. Former NPS superintendent Russell Galipeau, who has worked in parks for decades, warns that fewer staff members lead to higher risks of poaching and trail deterioration, not to mention the potential harm to the habitats of endangered species!
Big protests took place across the country, with thousands gathering at national parks to voice their disappointment about job cuts. Groups like the Resistance Rangers organized these events at around 145 parks, some famous like Yosemite and others more hidden treasures like Effigy Mounds. Organizers pointed out that these cuts threaten not just jobs but the natural areas they love and cherish.
With a record number of visitors, parks need all hands on deck. The cuts have made it harder for the remaining staff to perform their essential jobs, such as protecting wildlife and keeping the parks safe and clean. For example, research efforts to save the island fox, whose population has been declining, are now at risk. This just shows how vital it is to have enough staff to keep our parks thriving.
| Park Name | 2024 Visit Numbers |
|---|---|
| Golden Gate National Recreation Area | 17.18 million |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 16.73 million |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 12.19 million |
| Yosemite National Park | 8.2 million |
With staff shortages threatening the very essence of our beloved parks, it’s important for everyone to get involved. Whether it’s visiting a national park, sharing your experiences on social media, or joining efforts to protect these natural wonders, every little bit counts. Kids and teens can play a big role too! Encourage your friends and family to appreciate and protect the incredible environments our national parks offer.
The record-high visitation to national parks showcases how much people love getting outdoors, but it also highlights the urgent need to support the staff who protect these spaces. As we celebrate the beauty of these parks, let’s also stand up for the people who work tirelessly to maintain them. Our national parks are a gift—let’s keep them safe for everyone!
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It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
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