The Trojan Horse of Current State-Assistance in Federal Land Management: A Dangerous Precedent for the Future of National Parks and other Public Lands

In recent weeks, the damage wrought by the Trump administration to our National Parks and other public lands has forced individual states to take unprecedented actions to fill the void left by Trump's neglect. Across the country, we have seen states stepping in to repair washed-out roads, restore damaged ecosystems, and even rehire park and forest rangers who were dismissed or whose positions were eliminated under Trump’s leadership.

These efforts, particularly those in places like Washington State, where officials have allocated funds to restore roads in Olympic National Park, are commendable. They are deeply committed to preserving America’s natural heritage and ensuring these cherished landscapes remain accessible. However, beneath these well-intentioned state actions lies a dangerous and potentially catastrophic precedent: the growing argument that states should assume full responsibility for public lands, or worse, that these lands should be transferred to private ownership. What appears to be a noble act of stewardship could, in fact, become the Trojan horse for the greatest public land giveaway in American history.

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Public Lands

The damage inflicted on National Parks and federal lands during Trump’s presidency cannot be overstated. In his first term, Trump aggressively pursued a deregulatory agenda that prioritized extractive industries over conservation, slashing the budgets of the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service while significantly reducing the size of protected lands such as Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The administration also weakened environmental protections, fast-tracked oil and gas leasing, and dismissed or forced out career park rangers and scientists who opposed its policies. Most recently, he rescinded two California national monuments.

His past and current reckless policies have left the NPS and other federal land management agencies in a crisis, with significant maintenance backlogs, staffing shortages, and degraded infrastructure. As a result, when natural disasters such as landslides and wildfires struck, many parks lacked the resources necessary to recover. This is where states began to step in.

State-Led Interventions: A Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Consequences

Faced with federal inaction, some states have taken matters into their own hands. In Washington, state leaders have allocated hundreds of thousands to repair washed-out roads in Olympic National Park, a critical lifeline for visitors and local economies. Similarly, states like California and Oregon have increased wildfire prevention on public lands or begun efforts to maintain environmental protections at or above current federal standards. Perhaps most significantly, several states are hiring former federal employees who lost their jobs under Trump, ensuring that local expertise in land management is not entirely lost.

While these actions are necessary to mitigate the damage caused by federal neglect, they also set a dangerous precedent. Suppose states continue to shoulder the burden of managing public lands. In that case, it will reinforce the argument—often advanced by anti-federal land advocates—that the federal government can no longer maintain national parks and forests. This, in turn, fuels the narrative that these lands would be better managed by states or private entities, a notion that has long been promoted by industries eager to exploit public lands for profit.

The Push to Privatize: A Looming Threat

The argument for transferring federal lands to states is not new. For decades, conservative lawmakers, industry lobbyists, and anti-government activists have sought to dismantle federal control over public lands, often under the guise of “local control” and “states’ rights.” The Trump administration emboldened these efforts, with figures like former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Utah Senator Mike Lee openly advocating for transferring national lands to state ownership. States across the West feel emboldened by the Trump administration's new approach and are taking action to assert co-management of national parks or abolish federal landholdings altogether. This move would likely lead to increased privatization, development, and resource extraction.

With states now stepping in to manage and restore federally owned lands, these proponents have found new ammunition for their cause. The logic is insidious: if states are already paying for the upkeep of national parks, why not give them complete control? If the federal government cannot be trusted to maintain roads and infrastructure, why not sell the land to those who can? What begins as an emergency measure to protect national treasures could ultimately be used to justify their dismantling.

The Risks of State Control

The transfer of federal lands to state governments carries enormous risks. Unlike the federal government, which is obligated to manage these lands for the benefit of all Americans, states often lack the financial resources and legal frameworks necessary to maintain public access and conservation protections. With budget shortfalls, states could be pressured to sell off lands to private developers, logging companies, or oil and gas interests. Legislators have already expressed interest in doing that in many Western states, such as Alaska, Arizona, and Idaho.

In short, what many Western states want is Subsidize Anarchy. These states want it both ways when it comes to federal land management: they want the financial support of the American taxpayer to cover the costs of maintaining and managing vast federal lands, but they also want state and local interests to dictate how those lands are used. This approach creates a scenario where states push for increased autonomy over public lands—often favoring extractive industries, development, or reduced environmental oversight—while still expecting federal funding for infrastructure, wildfire suppression, and land stewardship. Essentially, western states want the benefits of federal ownership without the accountability that comes with it, shifting costs to the national taxpayer while prioritizing an inconsistent morass of local economic and political interests over broader conservation and public access goals.

But most importantly, state and private control would undermine the very purpose of national parks and federal lands: to be preserved in perpetuity for all Americans, not just those who live in a particular state. Public lands belong to the nation as a whole, and their management should reflect the collective interests of all citizens, not just the political whims of state governments.

A Call to Strengthen Federal Protections

Instead of allowing state interventions to justify land transfers, policymakers must double down on restoring federal leadership in public land management. This means fully funding the National Park Service, reinstating environmental protections rolled back under Trump, and passing legislation strengthening protections against land privatization. It also requires addressing the root causes of federal neglect—namely, political interference and budget cuts that have weakened agencies like the NPS and the U.S. Forest Service.

Additionally, we must remain vigilant against efforts to use state-led restoration as an argument for privatization. While states should be commended for stepping in where the federal government has failed, their role should be seen as a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution. The goal must always be to restore federal responsibility and ensure our public lands remain in public hands.

Conclusion: A Slippery Slope We Must Avoid

Repairing roads in Olympic National Park, rehiring fired rangers, and other state-led interventions are essential to address our national parks' immediate crises. However, these efforts also create a dangerous opening for those who seek to dismantle federal land protections. What appears to be a necessary act of stewardship could be weaponized against the very idea of public lands, transforming them from a national trust into a commodity to be sold off to the highest bidder.

The American people must reject this Trojan horse strategy and demand that the federal government resume its rightful role as the steward of our national parks and forests. Anything less risks the irreversible loss of our most cherished public lands. The solution to Trump-era neglect is not to abandon federal responsibility but to restore and strengthen it, ensuring that America’s public lands remain public—not just for today but for future generations.

What We Can Do

The good news? These parks have survived threats before—and they can again. But only if we step up.

• Stay informed – Policies can change overnight, but awareness is the first step in fighting back.
• Make your voice heard – Contact your representatives, support conservation groups, and demand accountability.
• Make your voice heard part 2: Write your local papers expressing your support for national parks, public lands, and opposition to Trump's policies.
• Spread the word: Post your support for parks on social media, and encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved.
• Amplify your impact: Join and support non-profits defending our public domain.
• Visit and support our parks – Show the world that these places matter as protected landscapes and as vital pieces of our national heritage.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

The Greatest Threat to Our National Parks Isn’t What We Thought

When I gave my TED Talk titled Why Protect National Parks ten years ago, I believed the
biggest threats to their survival were the usual suspects—urban sprawl creeping ever closer, reckless overuse, shrinking budgets, and the slow march of climate change. The solution seemed clear: keep the public engaged, remind people why these places matter, and keep fighting the good fight.

But I never imagined the biggest threat wouldn’t come from outside forces—but from the president himself.

A Storm Brewing Over Public Lands

In a blitz of executive orders, President Trump has taken a wrecking ball to the very foundations of our national parks. Thousands of park rangers fired. Budgets frozen. Protections for forests and wildlife gutted. Environmental safeguards rolled back. Each move may seem like just another bureaucratic shuffle, but together, they spell disaster for America’s most treasured landscapes.

The short-term fallout? A summer of chaos—park closures, mismanagement, and deep frustration for millions of visitors. The long-term risk? A national park system so weakened that it’s ripe for the taking. The same forces that have long eyed our public lands for private gain—real estate developers, fossil fuel companies, and politicians eager to hand over control to the states—now have an open door.

The Greatest Crisis Our Parks Have Ever Faced

Let’s be blunt—America’s national parks face an existential crisis. Not even World War I, the Great Depression, or World War II posed such a direct threat to their survival. During those dark times, we rallied to protect these lands, recognizing them as part of our national identity. With the stroke of a pen, Trump is unraveling over a century of conservation progress.

This isn’t just bad policy—it’s a fundamental assault on the very idea of public lands. National parks belong to all Americans, not just those with the deepest pockets or the best political connections.

What We Can Do

The good news? These parks have survived threats before—and they can again. But only if we step up.

• Stay informed – Policies can change overnight, but awareness is the first step in fighting back.
• Make your voice heard – Contact your representatives, support conservation groups, and demand accountability.
• Make your voice heard part 2: Write your local papers expressing your support for national parks, public lands, and opposition to Trump's policies.
• Spread the word: Post your support for parks on social media, and encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved.
• Amplify your impact: Join and support non-profits defending our public domain.
• Visit and support our parks – Show the world that these places matter as protected landscapes and as vital pieces of our national heritage.

The fight for our national parks isn’t over. But if we don’t act now, we may soon find ourselves mourning their loss.

Are we really willing to let that happen?

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Celebrating the Department of the Interior: A Legacy of Stewardship and Service

Today marks the anniversary of one of the most consequential agencies in the federal government: the U.S. Department of the Interior. Established in 1849, the Department of the Interior (DOI) was a groundbreaking addition to the federal government, tasked with managing the nation’s vast public lands and natural resources. Over 175 years later, the DOI remains at the heart of conservation, land management, and stewardship of America’s national parks, wildlife, and indigenous affairs.

While its mission has evolved, the DOI remains vital in protecting America’s environmental and cultural heritage. Yet, its role has often been threatened by political forces seeking to weaken environmental protections and prioritize corporate interests over public lands. The Trump administration’s efforts to undermine and gut agencies like the DOI serve as a cautionary tale about what happens when we neglect stewardship in favor of short-term exploitation.

Today, we celebrate the Department of the Interior’s enduring legacy and explore why its work is more important than ever.

The Founding of the Department of the Interior: A Landmark Moment

The DOI was officially established on March 3, 1849, just days before President James K. Polk left office. Before its creation, many of the responsibilities that the department would assume—such as managing public lands, overseeing Indian affairs, and handling patents—were scattered across various government agencies.

The creation of the DOI was precedent-setting because it consolidated these diverse responsibilities under one umbrella, making it one of the first federal agencies dedicated to domestic affairs. At the time, the U.S. was expanding westward at an unprecedented rate, and the federal government needed a centralized department to oversee the massive tracts of land being acquired, settled, and developed.

While its early years were marred by controversial policies, particularly in relation to Native American displacement, the DOI gradually evolved into a force for conservation and responsible land management. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a cornerstone of America’s environmental policy, a role that continues to this day.

The Mission of the Department of the Interior

The DOI’s mission is to “protect and manage the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provide scientific and other information about those resources; and honor its trust responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities.”

In simpler terms, the DOI is responsible for:

• Managing over 480 million acres of public land—about 20% of the U.S. landmass
• Overseeing the nation’s national parks, wildlife refuges, and historic sites
• Conducting scientific research on geology, water, and natural disasters
• Managing water resources, including major river systems
• Upholding the U.S. government’s responsibilities to Native American tribes
• Regulating offshore energy development

From preserving breathtaking landscapes like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to ensuring the responsible use of water and mineral resources, the DOI plays a crucial role in both environmental protection and economic development.

Agencies Under the Department of the Interior

The DOI is home to several agencies that directly impact the environment, public lands, and Native American affairs. Among the most well-known:

National Park Service (NPS)

Created in 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) manages over 400 national parks, monuments, and historic sites across the U.S. These parks are not just beautiful landscapes; they are living history, preserving America’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Without the NPS, iconic places like Yosemite, the Everglades, and Mount Rainier would be vulnerable to exploitation and destruction.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Founded in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides critical scientific research on geology, water resources, and natural disasters. USGS scientists help us understand earthquakes, volcanoes, climate change, and water scarcity—issues that are becoming increasingly urgent as global temperatures rise.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 245 million acres of public lands, primarily in the western U.S. The BLM’s role is controversial because it balances conservation with resource extraction, including grazing, logging, and oil and gas leasing. Under strong leadership, the BLM can be a force for sustainable land use, but under industry-friendly administrations, it has been used to sell off public lands to the highest bidder.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) upholds the federal government’s legal and treaty obligations to Native American tribes. While its history is fraught with injustices, today the BIA plays a crucial role in supporting tribal sovereignty, economic development, and self-determination.

These agencies and others like the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Bureau of Reclamation are essential to managing America’s natural and cultural resources.

The Importance of the DOI Today

The DOI’s work is more critical than ever in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing pressure on public lands. The department helps protect the country’s fragile ecosystems, from the Arctic tundra to the deserts of the Southwest. It also plays a key role in managing water supplies, an increasingly contentious issue in drought-prone states like California and Arizona.

Furthermore, the DOI serves as a vital counterbalance to industries that seek to exploit public lands for profit. Whether it’s oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or logging on forest lands, the DOI’s leadership can determine whether these lands are protected or sacrificed to corporate interests.

The Trump Administration’s Attack on the DOI

The Trump administration waged an unprecedented assault on the DOI and its mission. Under Trump’s Interior Secretaries—first Ryan Zinke, then David Bernhardt, a former oil lobbyist, and now Doug Burgum the department is being hollowed out and redirected to serve private interests.

Some of the most damaging policies included:

• Shrinking national monuments: Trump reduced the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments by millions of acres, opening them to mining and drilling.
• Prioritizing oil and gas leasing: The BLM ramped up leasing public lands for oil and gas drilling, often at rock-bottom prices.
• Weakening protections for endangered species: The Fish and Wildlife Service was pressured to delay or roll back protections for species like the sage grouse, which stood in the way of energy development.
• Relocating BLM headquarters: In a move that gutted the agency, Trump’s DOI relocated the Bureau of Land Management’s headquarters to Colorado, prompting an exodus of experienced staff.
• Firing of rangers and other personnel: The firing of thousands of DOI employees, making it harder for the federal government to fight wildfires, stop poaching, mitigate climate change, and manage recreation.
• Selling of public lands and resources: Trump orders sites like the Presidio to justify its existence and liquidate public lands and facilities. 

These attacks weren’t just bad for the environment; they are bad for democracy, as they prioritized private profits over public interests.

A Future Built on Conservation and Stewardship

The Department of the Interior represents the best of American values: stewardship, conservation, and a commitment to future generations. Every time we visit a national park, see a bald eagle in the wild, or drink clean water from a protected watershed, we are benefiting from the DOI’s work.

Yet, the threats remain. Special interests and anti-environment politicians continue to push for drilling, logging, and deregulation. That’s why we must remain vigilant and support leaders who understand the importance of conservation and public lands.

As we celebrate the DOI’s March 3 anniversary, let’s recognize its profound contributions—and recommit ourselves to protecting it from those who would tear it down. The future of our parks, wildlife, and public lands depends on it.

As always, here are five simple things concerned citizens can do to voice opposition to executive overreach. 

Contact Your Elected Officials: Write letters, send emails, or call your local representatives to express your concerns about executive overreach and request accountability.

Participate in Peaceful Protests: Join or organize demonstrations and rallies to publicly show your opposition and rally like-minded citizens.

Leverage Social Media Platforms: Use online platforms to share your views, engage in discussions, and mobilize support around the issue.

Support Advocacy and Legal Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with groups that work on government accountability and constitutional rights to help push for legal challenges and reforms.

Engage in Public Forums and Community Meetings: Attend town halls or organize community discussions to debate these issues and ensure public voices are heard at all levels of government.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Rangers, Regulators, and the Reality of Government Cuts

Like most folks, I’m still trying to untangle the hot mess Trump dumped on federal agencies in his first month. His shoot-first, aim-never approach led to thousands of park and forest rangers getting the boot, leaving our public lands like an understaffed ghost town. The public hollered, and lo and behold, the administration scrambled to backtrack, promising to beef up seasonal hires for summer. That’s like patching a leaky roof with duct tape—better than nothing, but not exactly a fix. Full-time rangers know these lands like their own backyard, and without them, our most sacred places are about as protected as a picnic sandwich in a bear’s den.

But while the Rangers are getting some love, plenty of other federal workers are getting tossed aside like last week’s leftovers. And oddly enough, a lot of folks seem OK with that. Why? Why do some people rally for park rangers but pop the champagne when other government employees get the axe?

I’ve clocked time at the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, so I’ve seen firsthand how most folks have no clue how much government workers do to keep their lives humming along. 

Heck, even a simple grocery run is made safer, cheaper, and smoother, thanks to federal employees.

Take the drive to the store made safer by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These folks set the rules that make sure your car doesn’t become a rolling death trap. Thanks to seatbelt regulations that went into effect in 1968, nearly a million lives have been saved. In 2019 alone, seatbelts kept about 40,000 folks from meeting an untimely demise. Source: NHTSA

Then there’s the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which makes sure that pound of ground beef in your cart isn’t teeming with something that’ll send you sprinting to the bathroom—or worse, the hospital. Their inspections prevent an estimated 25,000 cases of foodborne illness every year. Source: USDA

And if you’ve ever enjoyed a tuna sandwich without feeling guilty about flippered friends getting caught in the crossfire, you can thank the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Before they stepped in, tuna fishing was a dolphin massacre, with about six million dolphins meeting their untimely end between 1959 and 1976. Thanks to NOAA’s enforcement of dolphin-safe fishing rules, dolphin deaths have plummeted by 99%. Source: NOAA & Save Dolphins

Even that glass of water you just sipped at the drinking fountain is safer, thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They make sure your tap water isn’t a toxic cocktail of lead and mystery chemicals. Before these standards, waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid ran rampant. Now? They’re about as rare as a politician who keeps their campaign promises. Source: EPA & CDC

And if you’ve noticed that your local Kroger or Albertsons didn’t morph into an overpriced monopoly, you can thank the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They stepped in and blocked the merger, saving shoppers from skyrocketing grocery prices and keeping stores from shuttering faster than a lemonade stand in a thunderstorm. Source: FTC

These are just a handful of the ways federal employees work behind the scenes to keep life rolling along smoothly. Sure, we all love the idea of rugged individualism, but let’s be real—no amount of grit, elbow grease, or home remedy wisdom will inspect your food, keep your water clean, or ensure your seatbelt works. We need these folks.

But Trump’s administration didn’t see it that way. In his first four weeks, he sent thousands of these workers packing. Source: Yahoo News. He sold it as a way to cut waste and save taxpayer dollars, but let’s be honest—gutting safety, health, and consumer protections isn’t exactly a bargain.

So next time someone gripes about “big government,” remind them that it’s government workers who keep their car from crumpling like a tin can, their burger from becoming a biohazard, their water from glowing in the dark, and their grocery bill from doubling overnight. Because without them, we’d all be in for one helluva rough ride.

In addition, here are five simple things concerned citizens can do to voice opposition to executive overreach. 

Contact Your Elected Officials: Write letters, send emails, or call your local representatives to express your concerns about executive overreach and request accountability.

Participate in Peaceful Protests: Join or organize demonstrations and rallies to publicly show your opposition and rally like-minded citizens.

Leverage Social Media Platforms: Use online platforms to share your views, engage in discussions, and mobilize support around the issue.

Support Advocacy and Legal Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with groups that work on government accountability and constitutional rights to help push for legal challenges and reforms.

Engage in Public Forums and Community Meetings: Attend town halls or organize community discussions to debate these issues and ensure public voices are heard at all levels of government.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Trump 2.0: What Could Another Trump Administration Mean for America’s National Parks?

As the prospect of a second Trump administration looms on the horizon, questions arise about the potential impact on America’s beloved National Parks. While these iconic spaces are often seen as untouchable sanctuaries of natural beauty and wildlife, history has shown that federal policies and leadership can profoundly influence their management, conservation, and accessibility. Here’s a closer look at what Trump 2.0 might mean for the National Park System.

A Legacy of Cuts and Controversy

During his first term, Donald Trump’s administration pursued policies many conservationists viewed as detrimental to public lands. Trump proposed slashing budgets for the Department of the Interior (DOI), the agency responsible for overseeing the National Park System. These cuts threatened critical programs ranging from maintenance and infrastructure to resource conservation and visitor services. Simultaneously, the administration’s decision to relocate key federal land management offices to Western states led to significant staff turnover and a loss of institutional knowledge, further undermining the ability to effectively manage these lands.

The Antiquities Act: A Tool for Reduction

Perhaps the most controversial action affecting public lands during Trump’s first term was his unprecedented use of the Antiquities Act to reduce the size of national monuments. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah saw their protections drastically scaled back, opening millions of acres to potential mining, drilling, and other extractive industries. Such actions sent shockwaves through the conservation community and raised concerns about the future integrity of other federally protected lands.

Leadership Matters: The Doug Burgum Factor

Trump’s choice of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to head the Department of the Interior signals a continuation of policies favoring energy development over conservation. Burgum’s deep ties to the oil and gas industry raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and the prioritization of fossil fuel extraction over the stewardship of public lands. With Burgum at the helm, the DOI could pursue an agenda that prioritizes short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term environmental sustainability.

Climate Change Skepticism

The Trump administration’s record on climate change is well-documented, with policies often dismissing or outright denying the scientific consensus. This skepticism has far-reaching implications for the National Park System, where climate change already has visible effects—from shrinking glaciers in Glacier National Park to rising sea levels threatening coastal parks like Everglades National Park. Without robust federal leadership acknowledging and addressing these challenges, parks could face unprecedented threats to their ecosystems and infrastructure.

Implications for Public Access and New Parks

Trump’s policies also risk limiting public access to parks. Budget cuts and reduced staffing could mean fewer resources for maintaining trails, visitor centers, and campgrounds, potentially diminishing the visitor experience. These cuts and the likely reduction in service may embolden some to take advantage of the self-inflicted crisis to assert false ownership of parks and forests and that they should be returned to the states. Moreover, establishing new parks, which require political will and financial investment, seems unlikely under an administration focused on reducing federal oversight and promoting resource extraction.

A Call to Action

America’s National Parks are often referred to as “America’s best idea,” embodying a commitment to preserving the nation’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The potential impact of a second Trump administration on these treasures underscores the importance of vigilance and advocacy. Public lands belong to everyone, and their future depends on collective action to ensure they remain protected, accessible, and resilient in the face of mounting challenges.

As the nation watches the evolving political landscape, it’s crucial to consider the stakes for our National Parks and the values they represent. Their preservation is not just about protecting landscapes and wildlife; it’s about safeguarding the legacy of a shared American heritage.

###

Meet Sean Smith, the master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code.