Alaska’s breathtaking national parks are facing significant threats due to drastic staffing and budget cuts to the National Park Service.
As reported by USA Today, the National Park Service’s Alaska Regional Office in Anchorage has seen an alarming one-third reduction in its workforce, losing over 60 skilled Alaskans due to downsizing and pressured buyouts from the Department of the Interior.
The threat of further cuts looms, with the federal administration hinting at mass firings.
In 2023, Alaska’s national parks welcomed approximately 2 million visitors, who contributed about $1.5 billion to the economy and supported around 23,000 jobs.
According to Visit Anchorage, one in nine jobs in Anchorage is tied to the tourism industry, emphasizing the importance of these parks to the local economy.
Moreover, across the nation, every tax dollar invested in the Park Service is reported to generate a staggering $10 return to the economy.
However, the operational needs of national parks cannot be overstated—they rely heavily on personnel ranging from rangers to educators, researchers, and contractors to ensure their smooth and effective function.
The Alaska Regional Office plays a crucial role in overseeing 24 national park sites that encompass over 50 million acres of federal land in Alaska.
The vastness and unique landscape of the state make the oversight provided by the Regional Office essential, as many parks have only minimal staff capacity.
For instance, not every park can afford to have its own pilot, geologist, or subsistence expert; hence, the Regional Office acts as a consolidated resource for all parks.
Recent cuts and consolidation at the Regional Office have resulted in the elimination of key positions, including that of the regional chief ranger, who is responsible for overseeing law enforcement across the parks.
Alarmingly, there is now just one staff member dedicated to archaeology and cultural resource protection for all the national park sites in Alaska, with a limited number of personnel remaining to collaborate with Alaska Native tribes on important cultural and subsistence matters.
The National Park Service personnel are Alaskans, deeply integrated into their communities, and the jobs they hold provide significant financial benefits to the local economy.
The loss of these jobs, along with those from other federal land management agencies, stands to have detrimental effects on the Alaskan economy and put precious natural resources at risk.
With insufficient staffing, park visitors could encounter safety risks or disappointment due to the potential deterioration of facilities and services.
The tourism industry is incredibly competitive; therefore, negative experiences—such as poorly maintained roads, inadequate restroom facilities, lack of visitor information, and diminished wildlife sightings—could severely undermine a cornerstone of Alaska’s economic health.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski has been a staunch advocate for the protection of federal jobs in Alaska; however, Rep. Begich recently voted to cut $250 million from Park Service staffing funds.
It is crucial for the Alaskan congressional delegation to advocate for the national parks, the economy, and the local communities that rely on their vitality.
There is still time to ensure that Alaska’s remarkable national parks remain safe, accessible, sustainable, and world-class.
Fran Ulmer, who has held several political roles in Alaska and is currently a board member of the National Parks Conservation Association, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these staffing and budget challenges.
image source from：https://www.adn.com/opinions/2025/05/27/opinion-budget-cuts-are-threatening-alaskas-national-parks-and-a-key-segment-of-our-economy/
