National Park staffing faces crunch time amid Trump cuts
National parks, which have been on budget for years and have been understaffed, face a severe workforce shortage that has been exacerbated by the Trump administration’s cuts.
Texas’ largest national park may soon grow even bigger.
Big Bend National Park could soon expand after the bipartisan Big Bend National Park boundary adjustment law passed unanimously through the Senate, according to a news release posted by three members of Congress on June 18.
The law, which passed the Senate, returns to the House before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk.
Already covering over 800,000 acres, the park was able to quickly add land adjacent to Terrylinga Creek, located along the western part of the park.
“There is no better example of Texas’ natural beauty and vibrant wildlife than Big Bend National Park, and I’m pleased that the Senate is unanimously enjoying it.”
However, there are several conditions for acquiring land. According to the release, the National Park Service can acquire land through donations or exchanges, and worship services are prohibited from using prominent domains to secure land.
There is a possibility of expansion in NPS reduction
Potential land expansion at Big Bend National Park comes as the Trump administration cut staffing at National Park Services across the US
Earlier this year, the Trump administration fired it and subsequently rehired 1,000 probation workers. The National Park Conservation Association said the park was “already thin.”
“Without urgent action to restore staffing and resources, our parks, and those who protect them, can push them to breakpoints,” the NPCA wrote earlier this month.
USA Today’s Trevor Hughes contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA Today. Contact him at fernando.cervantes @gannett.com and follow him at x @fern_cerv_.
