An American Journey

A Threat to our National Parks

Congress Passes the H.R. 1 Bill

H.R. 1 National Parks Summary by Richard Olsenius

Discussion on the impacts of H.R. 1 legislation on national parks, including budget cuts, staffing, maintenance, and cultural significance.

Highlights

1. Emotional and Cultural Significance of National Parks

• National parks are described as living symbols of shared heritage, offering solace, adventure, and connection to nature, with places like the Grand Canyon and sequoia trees evoking awe and a sense of vastness.

• Parks hold deep emotional and cultural meaning for families, veterans, and children, serving as spaces for memory-making, healing, and experiencing nature for the first time.

• Cuts to park funding are seen as undermining the collective trust and stewardship Americans feel toward these sacred spaces, potentially eroding the sense of shared responsibility and national character tied to their preservation.

2. Overview and Impacts of H.R. One Legislation

• H.R. One, also called the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," includes provisions that could significantly affect national parks, particularly through Title VIII (Federal Lands) and Title V (Energy and Natural Resources).

• Subtitle C of Title VIII introduces "rescissions," which involve pulling back previously allocated funds, targeting unobligated balances meant for the National Park Service (NPS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

• Title V includes Section 5305, which cuts $267 million earmarked for staffing, including rangers, emergency crews, curators, and scientists, as well as $12 million intended for climate resilience projects addressing floods, fires, and storms.

3. Immediate Operational Impacts on National Parks

• Rescissions and budget cuts shrink the current operational capacity of parks, affecting day-to-day maintenance, ongoing projects, and staffing levels.

• Reduced staffing could lead to fewer ranger-led programs, longer waits for assistance, reduced visitor center hours, and diminished access to expert guidance during visits.

• Maintenance backlogs may worsen, with damaged trails and campgrounds potentially remaining closed indefinitely, lowering the quality and accessibility of park experiences.

4. Equity and Accessibility Concerns

• Outreach programs connecting parks to urban areas and underserved communities are particularly vulnerable to budget cuts, potentially depriving children of school trips that often serve as their first exposure to nature.

• Cuts to these programs raise concerns about fairness and inclusivity, as they disproportionately affect those who rely on such initiatives to access national parks.

5. Impact on Park Staff and Institutional Knowledge

• Budget constraints lead to burnout and attrition among park staff, with fewer personnel struggling to manage the same or increased workloads, especially during high visitor seasons.

• Loss of experienced staff results in a significant decline in institutional knowledge, which includes deep understanding of park ecosystems, history, and emergency management, making it difficult to replace their expertise.

• The emotional toll on staff, described as "moral injury," stems from witnessing the degradation of parks they are dedicated to protecting, leaving them feeling powerless and deeply wounded.

6. Broader Implications for National Parks and Society

• Cuts to funding and resources send a subtle message that preservation and shared spaces are not urgent priorities, potentially undermining the cultural compass tied to the idea of national parks as sacred ground.

• The decline in park quality and accessibility could weaken the connection families, veterans, and children have with these spaces, eroding their role as symbols of democracy and shared values.

• The document suggests that these changes could have long-term consequences for the legacy of national parks and the collective sense of wonder and responsibility they inspire.