What Next | Daily News and Analysis Gutting Our National Parks
Aug 11, 2025
Jon B. Jarvis, the 18th director of the National Park Service and a seasoned ranger since 1976, highlights the critical state of America's national parks amid budget cuts. He discusses how recent governmental changes threaten park operations and staff, particularly at Crater Lake. The conversation also delves into the risks of privatization and contrasts U.S. parks’ struggles with China's proactive approach. Jarvis emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and preserving the unique experiences that national parks offer.
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Crater Lake Superintendent Resigns
- Kevin Heatley left Crater Lake less than a year into his dream job after rapid political disruptions threatened park stewardship.
- He warned that future generations may not see the park the way we do today.
Snow Crews Worked Unsustainable Overtime
- Kevin Heatley described snow-removal crews at Crater Lake working extreme overtime to keep roads open into summer.
- Those crews routinely logged 60 hours of overtime in two-week pay periods, stressing staff and operations.
Wild Park Service Tales
- Jon B. Jarvis recounts wild on-the-job experiences like avoiding a grizzly and belaying a mountain lion out of a tree.
- He uses these stories to show the unpredictable, hands-on nature of park stewardship.
