FODOR’S TRAVEL • April 8, 2025
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has directed National Parks to “remain open and accessible for the benefit and enjoyment of the American people .” The order prevents local park officials from making adjustments without approvals from the assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. A spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association called the order “micromanagement at its worst.” Earlier this year, Interior rescinded some staffing cuts, but National Parks are still facing significant staffing shortages going into the peak summer visitor season. The Department of Interior has offered employee buyouts ahead of another round of staffing cuts, which could reduce payroll up to 30%. The National Park Service oversees 433 units covering 85 million acres on behalf of the American people, who are ultimately the owners of the country’s federally designated public lands. U.S. national parks set a visitation record in 2024, with 331.9 million recreational visits.