A career in the National Park Service is often built over decades—but what happens when that future is cut short? The Trump administration’s mass firing of 1,000 probationary employees, along with deep budget cuts, has sent shockwaves through the agency. Former park superintendents warn that these cuts will ripple far beyond lost jobs, impacting visitor experiences, research, and even the preservation of fragile resources. With hiring freezes, delayed seasonal staffing, and growing uncertainty, national parks may face one of their most challenging summers yet.
Get the full story from Seth Tupper writing for South Dakota Searchlight.