ABC10: Layoffs at Yosemite National Park raise concerns for visitor experience
By Jeannie Nguyen
Following federal layoffs at Yosemite National Park, there are still many questions about the impacts of eliminating these employees.
In a letter to the Department of the Interior, Democratic U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) is asking for a better visitor experience at Yosemite National Park, and he believes it starts with proper staffing.
“Now is the time to be investing in the recruitment, the training of that personnel that we rely on for public safety in our national parks, for sanitation,” Padilla said.
With the warmer months ahead, Padilla said he is concerned about long lines, trash and wastewater treatment. He said the need for a well-staffed park will be important.
“The spring and summer and fall will be upon us before we know it, and a lot of visitors that visit Yosemite and other national parks throughout California,” said Padilla.
All of this comes as the Trump Administration has issued layoffs and funding freezes. This is part of the president’s promise to cut costs to promote government efficiency.
Last week on the House floor, Republican Congressman Tom McClintock (R-El Dorado Hills) doubled down on his support for cuts at Yosemite and said the layoffs were not that many people.
“What is the actual number of layoffs at Yosemite National Park that will bring this beautiful valley to rack and ruin? Ten. Ten probationary employees. Ten out of nearly 500 full-time winter employees,” said McClintock.
McClintock even said a majority of the national parks working staff across the country do not physically work at the parks they’re employed to.
“In 2023, 34% of the National Park Service employees across the country were still working from home. Need to find the nearest unlocked restroom? Well, just email them,” McClintock said.
Senator Padilla disagrees with McClintock’s statements.
“This sounds like nothing other than yet another Republican member of Congress towing the company line. If there are any remote employees, they’re helping with the reservation system and other important administrative support,” Padilla said.
Padilla said he has yet to get a response from the Department of the Interior on his letter. The letter is also asking the Trump administration to approve Yosemite National Park’s Visitor Access Management Plan. Padilla said Yosemite implemented a temporary reservation system during COVID and again last summer. He’s hoping to make this reservation system permanent.
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