Mass Federal Layoffs Shake U.S. Public Lands Agencies

Thousands of civil servants were abruptly fired, leaving critical gaps in national parks, forests, and conservation efforts.

Over 3,400 U.S. Forest Service employees and 1,000 National Park Service workers were terminated as part of a federal workforce reduction initiative led by the Trump administration.
The layoffs disproportionately targeted probationary employees, including many with essential roles in fire mitigation, conservation, and emergency response.
Protests erupted at over 140 national park sites nationwide, with demonstrators voicing concerns about the future of public lands and the impact on local economies and ecosystems.
A federal judge ruled that the mass firings were likely unlawful, granting temporary relief but not reinstating employees or halting potential future terminations.
The cuts have intensified staffing shortages, with some parks reducing hours, closing facilities, and halting critical environmental and safety projects.