KQED's Forum Yosemite and Other CA National Parks Underfunded, Understaffed this Summer
May 29, 2025
Russell Galipeau, a former national park superintendent, Ashley Harrell, SFGATE’s National Parks Bureau Chief, and Neal Desai, Pacific Region Director at the National Parks Conservation Association, discuss the critical challenges facing California's national parks due to significant funding cuts. They highlight the resulting longer wait times, understaffed visitor centers, and threats to vital ecological research. Despite these obstacles, they emphasize the importance of community engagement and advocacy to preserve these natural treasures and encourage park visits.
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Significance and Impact of Cuts
- National parks are nationally significant and tell the story of America's heritage, culture, and nature.
- Indiscriminate budget cuts compromise the preservation of these irreplaceable resources and visitor experience.
Visitor's Yosemite Experience
- Hunter visited Yosemite before Memorial Day and learned staff were fired and rehired on a temporary basis.
- He observed many closed areas and dedicated visitors picking up trash to support overworked staff.
Staffing Cuts Shift Core Roles
- Parks are understaffed due to layoffs, resignations, and job offer rescinding.
- Scientists and specialists are being reassigned to basic janitorial and visitor service tasks, degrading core functions.