The Trump administration has made a sweeping decision to fire approximately 1,000 newly hired National Park Service employees. These workers play a crucial role in the national parks as they educate visitors, maintain facilities, and clean the parks. With this drastic reduction in staffing, the future of many parks–and the experiences of visitors, possibly including Webb students on their annual trips–hangs in the balance. 

The decision to cut these employees stems from a larger effort to downsize the government, aggressively eliminating thousands of federal jobs, and significantly reducing federal spending. This initiative is led by Elon Musk and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to slash federal spending. In addition, the park service reports that it is currently reinstating about 5,000 seasonal jobs that were initially revoked last month as part of a spending freeze ordered by President Donald Trump. 

Unfortunately, the consequences of these cuts are severe. Hundreds of national parks will be critically understaffed, forcing tough decisions regarding operation hours, public safety measures, and resource protection. With staffing in turmoil, some parks may struggle to function properly, and in extreme cases, they may even be forced to close temporarily. Visitors could encounter unmaintained trails, limited access to parking facilities, and reduced educational programming, all of which diminish the overall park experience. 

“I am worried a little bit about how the senior trips are going to go for my class,” Geniya Parker (‘26) said. “I have no idea if the firing of park rangers is going to worsen or even stay the same, which also isn’t good due to the fact that many of the national parks are not doing well because of this.” 

Many national parks have lost many of their park rangers, including: 

• Acadia National Park: 8 

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park: 14 

• Everglades National Park: 15 

• Grand Canyon National Park: 10 

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 12 

• Haleakala National Park: 7 

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: 7 

• Mammoth Cave National Park: 15 

• Mount Rainier National Park: 10 

• Rocky Mountain National Park: 12 

• Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park: 10 

• Shenandoah National Park: 15 

• Yellowstone National Park: 7 

• Yosemite National Park: 9 

• Zion National Park: 11 

The staff reductions may have a direct impact on many of Webb’s traditions, such as going to National Parks for unbounded days, and even the traditional senior trips, which take students to the most iconic National Parks in America–Yosemite for the girls and The Grand Canyon for the boys. With staffing shortages now worsening, these trips could face logistical challenges that alter the experience for this year and possible years to come.  

“Our reservations [this year] are secure at both locations and the hikes we do are staffed by contracted guides and faculty chaperones,” said Sarah Lantz, Dean of Students. “Given the reduction in staff, I anticipate there may be longer lines, but we plan our itineraries with plenty of time to check-in.” 

Yosemite, the destination for Webb’s senior girls, has indefinitely delayed its campground reservations and ticketed entry system due to losing nine park rangers. With fewer staff available, services such as guided hikes, ranger talks, and emergency response efforts will be significantly strained. Visitors may find themselves waiting longer for assistance or encountering unmaintained trails and facilities.  

Similarly, the Grand Canyon, where senior boys go, is losing ten rangers. This will result in longer wait times at park entrances and fewer available facilities. While the park will remain open, staffing shortages may lead to reduced trail maintenance and limited ranger-led programs, making the experience less enriching than in previous years. 

Some students, especially juniors, have been worried about if this is going to affect their senior trips coming next year. 

“I know that the seniors this year probably won’t have many issues since they have been planning the trip since the beginning of the year, but I don’t know what will happen with my class since Webb probably has not made reservations for us yet,” Sochika Ndibe (‘26) said. 

The decision to reduce park staffing has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only park operations but also the experiences of visitors, possibly including future Webb seniors. As these cuts take effect, the school may need to reconsider trip logistics or explore alternative destinations. In the meantime, students should prepare for potential changes and challenges during their upcoming senior trips.