In this eye-opening segment from CBS Sunday Morning, correspondent Conor Knighton explores the real-world consequences of sweeping staff reductions at the National Park Service. Under the Trump administration’s federal workforce cuts, around 1,000 park employees have been laid off, leaving our beloved national parks struggling to maintain services, upkeep trails, and ensure visitor safety. Protests have erupted at park units across the country, from Acadia to Zion, as park employees and advocates warn of the long-term damage these cuts could cause. Knighton speaks with rangers, former employees, and a so-called “Resistance Ranger,” who is among the many fighting back against these austerity measures. As fewer rangers patrol the parks and resources dwindle, the question looms: what will happen to America's most treasured landscapes without the people who protect them?

Key Points:

• Massive Cuts: Around 1,000 National Park Service employees have been laid off due to the Trump administration's effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce.
• Park Impact: With fewer staff members, national parks are struggling to provide essential services such as maintenance, visitor safety, and guided programs.
• Protests and Backlash: Demonstrations have taken place at multiple locations across the country as the public reacts to the staffing reductions.
• Resistance Rangers: A group of current and former park employees is tracking layoffs and speaking out about how the cuts are affecting operations.
• Threats to Preservation: Experts warn that a decreased workforce could lead to issues like trail degradation, increased litter, and even potential safety hazards for visitors.
• Visitor Experience at Risk: As one ranger put it, “If there’s no one here to protect these places, how long before they start to fall apart?”

This report sheds light on the ongoing battle over funding for public lands and raises serious concerns about the future of our national parks. If staffing shortages continue, the effects could be felt for generations.
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