Abdelrahman
Mass Layoffs in National Parks and Forest Service: A Heartbreaking Reality for Employees
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Chelsea Kollmar experienced what she called a "dream job," but that dream turned into a nightmare when she received an email last Friday announcing her termination.
“It feels like the rug has been yanked out from under me,” Chelsea expressed, tears welling up in her eyes. “My colleagues are like my family. The thought of not working with them anymore is unbearable.”
This summer was set to be Kollmar’s ninth with the U.S. Forest Service, and she had aspirations to transition into a permanent role within the agency.
The termination email cited, "The Agency finds, based on your performance, that your continued employment would not serve the public interest."
“That’s simply not true,” Kollmar rebutted. “We all put in tremendous effort. The work is demanding.”
Kollmar joined a gathering of hundreds of protesters in downtown Bellingham on Monday, demonstrating against the Trump administration’s policies executed in the name of "government efficiency."
Approximately 4,400 employees from the U.S. Park and Forest Service are slated to lose their jobs—a group responsible for essential tasks such as maintaining trails, guiding visitors, and keeping facilities clean.
Adrienne Hall, a former Forest Service employee, commented, “There will be no one to operate the trucks that handle the crucial job of emptying 1,000-gallon toilets.”
“The forest won’t receive the protection it needs,” Kollmar added. “It won’t remain the safe, serene, and clean environment that everyone values.”
In Washington’s North Cascades National Park, visitor spending surpassed $26 million in 2023, highlighting the local economic benefits generated by national parks.
Critics suggest that the administration may be overlooking the bigger picture while trying to cut costs.
In total, America’s national parks brought in an unprecedented $55.6 billion to the national economy this past year, which supported over 415,000 jobs.
“There are 500,000 visitors annually on the trails we manage,” said Matt Ross, another dismissed Forest Service employee. “Those visitors contribute significantly to our local businesses.”
While the cuts won’t affect firefighters directly, many support staff who aid them will face layoffs.
These essential workers help with tasks like removing hazardous trees, clearing paths, and providing necessary assistance during emergencies.
“It’s not solely about combating fires,” explained Susan Sherman-Biery, a retired Forest Service employee. “It involves delivering resources to effectively back up the firefighting efforts.”
The repercussions of these job cuts are already noticeable to the public.
A recent sign at the popular Denny Creek/Franklin Falls trailhead near Snoqualmie Pass informs hikers of trail closures due to the extensive layoffs of Forest Service personnel.
“Those wanting to hike may find their favorite trails inaccessible,” Hall noted.
“I just don’t comprehend why it’s so challenging to treat people kindly and care for one another,” added Kollmar.
