Mass Federal Firings Threaten Our Public Lands

The Trump Administration’s mass firings have left our public lands, parks, and forests severely understaffed and vulnerable.

Last week, thousands of dedicated public servants who have spent their careers safeguarding our shared public lands and resources were fired. Reports indicate that 3,400 employees were laid off as part of a federal workforce reduction, leading to a 10% decrease in the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) workforce. While positions related to public safety were prioritized, critical roles in road and trail maintenance, wildfire mitigation (including range and timber management), watershed restoration, and recreation management were eliminated.

These cuts pose a significant threat to the conservation and protection of our public lands, parks, and forests, making them more susceptible to dangers like wildfires and encroaching development. The reduced staff within the USFS and the Department of the Interior (DOI) will challenge land management efforts, as their capacity to protect these lands diminishes.

HCCA stands in solidarity with all those who lost their jobs last week—our dedicated public servants who committed their lives to protection, conservation, and advocacy. We will remain vigilant in the protection of our public lands, and assist agencies where we are needed.

The firings at agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, Department of the Interior, and National Park Service jeopardize the health, safety, and accessibility of our public lands.

Support HCCA as we work to protect the health, integrity, and beauty of the public lands, waters, and wildlife locally here in the Gunnison Country.