The Quiet Crisis in Our National Parks – And Why Your Hands Are Needed Now

I Was Headed to Canada—Then I Realized My Adventure Needed to Change. They’re Starving Our Parks – Here’s How We Fight Back

Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is just as fun as the summer. Bring spikes or snow shoes and look at the weather report.

---

THIS IS ALL HANDS ON DECK

This isn’t solely about overflowing trash cans or understaffed visitor centers.

This is about a deliberate, systemic dismantling of America’s greatest idea.

Since 2020:

• National Park Service budgets have been slashed by 18% despite record visitation

• 1 in 5 permanent staff positions remain unfilled due to hiring freezes

• Maintenance backlogs now exceed $22 billion while oil/gas leases are fast-tracked

For the past 4 years, I have traveled through Canada during the summer months. It is a wonderful way to explore the continent. Canadians are wonderful people and the nature is abundant. This year I will be staying close to home. I canceled my Canada plans because Rocky Mountain National Park, like all our parks, is being bled dry. Not by accident. By design.

St. Mary's Lake inside Glacier National Park. Glacier is widely recognized as America's crown jewel. It is also a UNESCO-designated heritage site, as well as the International Peace Park with Canada.

---

WHY VOLUNTEERING IS NOW RESISTANCE

1. We’re Losing Ground Literally

• 2.5 million acres of protected lands have been opened for drilling/mining since 2021

• Volunteer trail crews now maintain what paid staff can’t

2. Your Presence Is Protection

• Documenting damage (photos, GPS logs) creates legal evidence

• Visitor numbers = political leverage ("X million people love this place")

3. The New Park Ranger
Could be you. Must be you. Roles now filled by volunteers:

• Wildlife monitoring

• Historic preservation

• Crisis first response

The chains section of Angels Landing inside Zion National Park will connect you intimately with the park. Adrenaline is a good way of keeping moments memorable.

---

HOW TO SHOW UP (NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED)

Immediate Actions:

1. Adopt-a-Trail Programs (Even 4 hours/month matters)

2. Citizen Science (Invasive species tracking, water testing)

3. Political Witnessing (Document changes with date-stamped photos)

Long-Term Commitment:

• Volunteer Vacations (1-4 week intensive programs)

• Seasonal Hosting (Free campsite + utilities in exchange for service)

Protest With Your Presence:
Visit endangered parks. Photograph what’s at stake. Share widely.

MY VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT

Over the next five months, I'll be wearing many hats across the park:
Leading Photography Tours - Helping visitors capture Rocky Mountain's beauty while teaching Leave No Trace principles
High Country Cleanups - Packing out trash from alpine zones most visitors never see
Camp Hosting - Serving as ambassador at Moraine Park Campground
Fill-in Volunteer - Going wherever needed, from trail maintenance to visitor education

Every Wednesday, I'll share an update on:

• What we're accomplishing together

• Surprising moments from park life

• How you can replicate these efforts in your favorite park

A male elk bugles during the annual rut in Rocky Mountain National Park. I couldn’t be more excited to be inside the park for this event.