Management
National parks, public lands feared at risk of long-term harm as shutdown drags on
National parks and other public lands remain open, but advocates and former agency employees warn that reduced staffing is putting natural resources and visitor safety at risk.
Exclusive
Workforce
The Interior Department is taking steps to implement layoffs
After a series of delays, DOI is preparing RIF lists as it looks to implement significant personnel cuts in the coming weeks.
Workforce
At some federal beaches, surf’s up but the lifeguard chair’s empty
Some of the nation’s most popular beaches managed by the National Park Service are now seeing lifeguard shortages due to a mix of budget cuts, DOGE layoffs and a federal hiring freeze.
Workforce
National Parks scramble to fill top leadership positions, but fix could create more vacancies
The agency is also struggling to recruit staff for front-line positions as the parks hit their busiest season.
Exclusive
Management
‘Censorship:’ See the National Park visitor responses after Trump requested help deleting ‘negative’ signage
The administration asked for help erasing language on park displays that failed to emphasize American grandeur, but visitors have not identified any examples.
Workforce
Democratic bills would rehire axed National Parks and Forest Service employees
Both agencies have already undergone workforce reductions with more layoffs still planned.
Exclusive
Workforce
Thousands of layoffs to hit Interior, National Parks imminently
Employees fear diminished capacity after RIFs are tacked on to existing mass exodus.
Management
How social media is influencing our interactions with public lands
Getting the perfect online photo is drawing more people into nature. Land managers are trying to mitigate risks and damage to wild places.
Oversight
National Park Service’s IRA hiring surge could fail ahead of funding deadline
While the legislation gave hundreds of millions to NPS for hiring, it didn’t grant new hiring flexibilities, which the Interior Department inspector general reports is hampering progress.
Workforce
6 places where federal employees actually work in swamps
A tour of government-owned wetlands.
Workforce
Tom Hanks thinks he would be the best ever at this federal job
The actor’s ideal career would involve working for Uncle Sam.
Workforce
‘It’s Glacial’: One Agency Is Still Struggling to Overcome the ‘Assault’ on Its Workforce
Biden promised to revive a "hollowed out" federal workforce, but one agency is struggling to realize that promise.
Management
The Return of the American Bison Is an Environmental Boon — and a Logistical Mess
American bison are back on the rise. The problem is, they don't respect fences.
Workforce
Floods, Park Closure Contribute to Decrease in Yellowstone National Park Visitors
Park officials expect to open roads to North Entrance and Northeast Entrance by mid-October
Workforce
Some Specifics Emerge on How the Senate-Backed Tax-and-Climate Bill Would Impact Agency Staffing Levels
One agency will grow less than some claim, while another would see an unexpected boost.
Oversight
A Republican Lawmaker Wants Answers on U.S. Park Police Staffing and Facilities Upkeep
Letter to the Interior Department follows an IG management advisory last month.
Oversight
The Park Police’s ‘Dilapidated’ D.C. Dispatch Office Puts Safety at Risk, an IG Says
Holes in the roof allowing water and bird droppings through and possible black mold are among the issues, as well as problems with staffing and training.
Management
Senate Makes Historic National Park Service Director Confirmation
Charles Sams III is the first confirmed leader in four years and the first-ever Indigenous American to lead the agency.
Management
A 2019 Report Found National Parks Employees Felt Abused and Harassed, but the Agency Never Released It
NPS says it was working on putting the report out before the pandemic hit.
Management