From dirty bathrooms to fire risks: Public lands feel the pinch this summer
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White River National Forest. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Whether it's dirty bathrooms, unkempt trails or greater wildfire risks, America's public lands face new threats this summer.
Why it matters: The Trump administration and Republican-led Congress are targeting public lands, such as national forests and parks, for workforce and spending cuts.
Driving the news: A coalition of environmental organizations is calling attention to attacks on public lands as part of a tour through the West that launched Wednesday in Denver.
- Public lands advocates are celebrating the rejection of a public land sale amendment in President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" but are urging allies to remain vigilant.
- The cuts to staff and budgets will lead to significant impacts down the road, advocates warn.
What they're saying: "Public lands and stewardship and conservation should not be such a partisan issue," Scott Fitzwilliams, former supervisor of Colorado's White River National Forest, the most visited forest in the nation, told us in an interview.
By the numbers: The White River National Forest lost 43 full-time employees, a 29% staff reduction, as part of the recent budget cuts. It was unable to hire about 50 seasonal workers to handle increased crowds, according to environmental groups.
- At Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, a third of the park's 74 positions remain vacant and custodial staff were let go.
- A workforce shortage prompted four of the 10 campgrounds at the Curecanti National Recreation Area to close.
- Gunnison National Forest did not hire seasonal workers this summer to maintain trails, pit toilets and issue permits for outfitters and guides.
Zoom in: Fitzwilliams compares the situation to car maintenance. Without it, the vehicle will operate, but one day it will break down and cost more to fix.
- "I worry about safety issues, fire issues and then just long-term stewardship issues, fire mitigation, wildlife habitat protection, taking care of our trails, taking care of our recreation sites," he said.