National Day of Action for National Parks

Advocates for national parks are organizing a day of action against former President Donald Trump’s parks policies. They demand increased protection and investment for the workforce that maintains these vital public spaces. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is leading this movement, urging people to participate online and in-person on August 25 to support America’s national parks.

The NPCA encourages the public to sign a petition directed at Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This petition calls for the protection of parks and their employees. According to NPCA, the National Park Service lost a quarter of its permanent staff last year. This includes vital positions such as rangers and maintenance workers. The petition warns that these shortages have led to reduced educational programs and weakened conservation efforts, impacting visitor safety and park emergencies.

Campaign Activities Across the Nation

The focus on August 25 is part of a broader effort with approximately 30 events across 20 states and Washington, D.C., from August 22 through September 1. These activities mark widespread discontent with Trump’s management of public lands. Critics have noted staffing reductions, increased international visitor fees, and cuts to environmental regulations.

The Trump administration argues that its policies will broaden recreational access, boost park funding, and achieve a balance between conservation and economic growth. Burgum has claimed that Trump safeguards national landscapes while streamlining regulations. Government officials also point to ongoing investments under the Great American Outdoors Act, signed by Trump, as proof of a commitment to conservation.

NPCA’s Stance on Park Support

NPCA’s campaign protests the shrinking number of National Park Service employees and what they see as federal neglect of the remaining workforce. The association states that staffing cuts have led to a reduction in educational programs, loss of specialists in research and conservation, and questioning the capability to manage emergencies. The petition demands meaningful support for park staff to ensure proper site care.

This staffing issue has been aggravated by terminations, hiring restrictions, and early retirement offers. In February 2025, about 1,000 Park Service workers were let go but eventually reinstated by court orders. Others left through retirement programs, causing a significant knowledge and experience gap that cannot be quickly remedied.

Further Controversies Under Trump

The Trump administration’s policies have sparked other disputes. Supporters have noted changes like adding Trump’s image to the America the Beautiful annual pass and setting higher admission fees for foreign visitors. U.S. residents pay $80 for a yearly pass, while international visitors pay $250. Additional entry fees of $100 per person apply at 11 heavily visited parks for those without a pass.

Burgum justified the price differences by stating that U.S. taxpayers, already supporting the parks, deserve affordable access, while international visitors should contribute more. Trump’s directive also included reviewing federal site materials to enhance American achievement and remove divisive content.

This is part of a broader stance on public lands and environmental regulation, promoting increased resource extraction, expanded energy production, and faster permitting. The administration dismisses accusations of hostility towards parks, citing the Great American Outdoors Act as a significant public-lands investment.