What Next | Daily News and Analysis Gutting Our National Parks | 2025 in Review
Dec 24, 2025
Jon B. Jarvis, the former director of the National Park Service, and Kevin Heatley, a former superintendent of Crater Lake, dive into the concerning future of America's national parks. They discuss alarming staffing shortages and the operational chaos stemming from budget cuts. Jarvis recounts the proud history and evolution of the Park Service, while Heatley shares harrowing stories of vandalism and shutdowns. They also warn of potential privatization threats, drawing cautionary parallels to China's parks, emphasizing the need for proper funding and stewardship.
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Visiting Parks Evokes Deep Awe
- Jon B. Jarvis described visiting Point Reyes with pelicans, sea ducks, and elephant seals to evoke the feeling of seeing a landscape untouched for centuries.
- He framed parks as places that give visitors awe and rejuvenation while connecting them to the country's past.
Dream Job Cut Short At Crater Lake
- Kevin Heatley described taking the Crater Lake superintendent job as a dream position and leaving within months due to disruptive policy changes.
- He warned the public that Crater Lake's future appearance for children may differ if staffing and funding decline.
Staff Cuts Are Crippling Operations
- Since January the Park Service lost a quarter of its permanent staff and faced proposed budget cuts up to one-third, leaving parks understaffed.
- Staffing gaps have real operational consequences like delayed snow removal and excessive overtime for remaining staff.