Our national parks generated over $55.6 billion in economic output to our country in 2023. This is a $5 billion increase from the previous year. Yet, in an effort to “cut government corruption”, decision-makers may be creating a situation where the economic damage far outweighs any savings.

Recently a significant number of Rocky Mountain National Park employees were fired—employees essential to the park's operations. One individual worked in search and rescue, as a paramedic in the park, and at the park entrance station. It would be difficult to classify them as non-essential.

I’m in New Mexico visiting my father and these notices are everywhere!