US Forest Service and National Park Service to fire thousands of workers

The Trump administration is implementing significant workforce reductions at the US Forest Service and the National Park Service, resulting in the termination of approximately 4,400 employees. This includes about 3,400 recent hires at the Forest Service and 1,000 at the National Park Service, primarily targeting those in their probationary periods. The cuts, which represent about 10% of the Forest Service and 5% of the National Park Service workforce, exclude essential roles such as firefighters and law enforcement. Critics, including the National Parks Conservation Association, warn that these reductions could lead to deteriorating conditions in national parks, with potential issues like overflowing trash and inadequate visitor services. The cuts come amid a broader federal funding freeze affecting wildfire prevention programs and seasonal hiring, raising concerns about the ability to manage increasing visitor numbers and wildfire risks. Advocacy groups have expressed alarm over the impact on recruitment and retention of firefighters, exacerbating existing staffing challenges. The administration's actions have drawn scrutiny from Senate Democrats, who are urging the release of fire-mitigation funding and exemptions for seasonal firefighters from hiring freezes.

- The Trump administration is cutting approximately 4,400 jobs at the US Forest Service and National Park Service.

- The cuts target recent hires and exclude essential roles like firefighters.

- Critics warn of negative impacts on park conditions and visitor experiences.

- The federal funding freeze is affecting wildfire prevention efforts and seasonal hiring.

- Advocacy groups highlight ongoing recruitment and retention challenges for firefighters.