Conor Marshall
Our national parks and forests connect us to nature and to each other. Whether it’s a family hike near Snoqualmie Pass, a winter ski trip to Mount Rainier, or a bucket list backcountry trip in the Enchantments, Washington’s federally managed public lands lie at the heart of outdoor recreation in the Pacific Northwest.
Behind each of these outdoor experiences is a dedicated workforce of land managers who improve recreation, protect natural resources, and shape a more sustainable future for our public lands. They’re dedicated to public service and deeply connected to the landscapes where they live and work.
Recent actions by the administration have significantly cut the federal land manager workforce, putting public lands, outdoor recreation, and public safety at risk. 10% of the entire Forest Service staff and 5% of staff at the National Park Service were fired last month, and more cuts are expected this year.
The effects of these actions will be felt across Washington’s public lands this year and beyond. Campground closures, neglected maintenance, fewer emergency personnel, and a diminished ability to prevent and respond to wildfires are likely - local impacts have already begun.
Join us virtually April 4 at 12:30pm to learn more about these impacts, what The Mountaineers and our partners are doing to advocate for our land managers, and what these changes might mean for Mountaineers programs.
All registrants will receive a Zoom meeting link to join on the day of the event.
