To: Interior Secretary Burgum and Members of Congress
We urge you to take immediate action to rehire the 1,000+ National Park Service (NPS) probationary employees who were terminated based on the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) recommendation.
At a time when national park visitation is at a record high and the NPS already struggles with chronic understaffing, these firings have been devastating to the individuals involved and to the well-being of our national parks. They exacerbate challenges that parks are already facing, such as visitor safety and the integrity of our natural and cultural resources. In addition, these firings are compromising essential services, including maintenance, educational programs, and scientific research.
America loves our national parks and the employees that work there. We are asking you to act swiftly to reverse these harmful staffing cuts and bring back the professionals who work hard to ensure the NPS can fulfill its mission: to protect and preserve the public lands that belong to all Americans.
PETITION CLOSED
SIGNATURES: 865
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In February 2025, over 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) probationary employees were terminated from their jobs following recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This classification applies to employees who have been in their positions for less than one year, but it does not reflect their experience, qualifications, or performance.
Despite record-high visitation, national park staffing levels fell by more than 25% between 2010 and 2020. The recent mass firings of NPS employees by DOGE and the Department of the Interior (DOI) have only worsened the staffing crisis, making it even more difficult for NPS to meet its staffing needs.
These staffing cuts will have serious consequences. Reduced staffing will mean limited park access, declines in park maintenance and programs, and diminished visitor safety.
Please sign this letter urging Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to take immediate action to rehire NPS employees who were fired on DOGE’s recommendation. America’s national parks belong to all Americans, and the DOI must ensure their protection, accessibility, and safety for all visitors.
For more information on the steps PEER has already taken to stand up for National Park Service employees, see our letters to Secretary Burgum regarding the hiring freeze’s impact on seasonal staffing and the firing of 1,000 probationary employees, as well as our letter to NPS Acting Director Jessica Bowron regarding the return to work for fired NPS employees.
