Letter highlights the fact that thousands of staffing cuts across land management agencies will put public land and outdoor recreation at risk.
Washington, D.C. (Mar. 14, 2025) — Led by Outdoor Alliance, 120 outdoor recreation organizations and businesses are calling on U.S. lawmakers and the Trump Administration to reverse staffing cuts at land management agencies.
Signatories to a letter being submitted today include brands like Patagonia, KEEN and NEMO, REI Co-Op, advocacy groups such as the Outdoor Industry Association, The Conservation Alliance, the Next 100 Coalition, and Surfrider Foundation, as well as a range of other local recreation organizations and outdoor industry businesses.
Public lands are under threat from a severe reduction in the workforce. In the past month, an estimated 10-30 percent of staff at the Forest Service (USFS), National Park Service (NPS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have been laid off. These reductions will make it harder for agencies to care for public lands and ensure safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences.
While some offices are seeing positions restored, thanks to overwhelming outreach from the public, agencies are now being required to submit plans for a Reduction in Force (RIF) and agency reorganization, meaning even more significant cuts are on the horizon. After already losing valuable time and losing staff through the deferred resignation program, land management agencies are facing a staffing crisis that may only get worse.
These staffing cuts will lead to fewer maintained trails, campground closures, and a diminished experience for the millions of Americans who rely on public lands for recreation and recreation-related jobs. Even more concerning, layoffs include emergency response teams and wildfire mitigation — both of which are vital to keeping people safe on public lands and waters.
“Outdoor recreation experiences depend on well-managed public lands, and these staffing cuts are already making it harder for people to access and enjoy the places they love,” said Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Outdoor Alliance. “Trail crews, park rangers, and recreation staff do the essential work of keeping public lands open, safe, and well cared for, and losing them means more closures, more disrepair, and fewer opportunities for people to get outside. We need Congress and the administration to restore these jobs before the damage becomes irreversible.”
“Outdoor recreation is not just a nice option for Americans — it’s core to our economy and our overall well-being,” said Alicia Harvie, Head of Community & Government Affairs at REI Co-op. “Each year, our national parks and recreation destinations host nearly half a billion visits, none of which would be possible without the thousands of passionate, knowledgeable and highly skilled members of our public lands workforce. Following the recent layoffs in these ranks, we’ve already seen the quality and availability of recreation opportunities deteriorate across the country. For every dollar spent in our parks, local economies see a ten-dollar benefit. We must act now to restore these vital workers, support our gateway communities, and ensure everyone maintains safe access to the great outdoors.”
Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance, added, "Our public lands are the backbone for our nation's $1.2 trillion economy. They provide enormous benefits to businesses, employees, and communities across the country. The ongoing reduction of front line stewards to properly manage these resources will have devastating effects on nature and economies alike.”
Without adequate staffing and resources, our experiences outside, the health of public lands, and the outdoor recreation economy will suffer. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action formto help the public send personalized letters to their lawmakers. You can ask your members of Congress to take urgent action to protect the workforce that keeps America’s public lands safe, accessible, and well cared for. To learn more, please visitwww.outdooralliance.org.
About Outdoor Alliance
Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.
