Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole released the following statement in response to recent staffing cuts at the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior, which threaten the safety, maintenance and overall visitor experience on America’s public lands.
“The recent workforce reductions at the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are deeply concerning, especially as these agencies are already operating with historically low staff-to-visitor ratios,” said Ebersole. “The stewards of our national parks, forests and public lands — park rangers, maintenance crews and visitor service staff — are the backbone of these treasured places. They keep trails open, respond to emergencies, educate the public and ensure that millions of visitors not only experience the outdoors safely but also feel welcomed and inspired by the landscapes they explore.
“With fewer staff, we risk longer emergency response times, neglected trails and facilities, and disruptions to the experiences that make these places so special. OIA stands with these dedicated professionals and urges policymakers to prioritize sustainable staffing solutions. Our public lands and the people who care for them deserve better.”
Earlier this month, 22 democratic and independent U.S. senators also issued a warning to newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, citing concerns that deep staffing cuts to the National Park Service could force some national parks to close.
