The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Opposes Federal Staffing Cuts

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is urging action to oppose drastic cuts in the staffing budgets for the National Parks Service (NPS) and the Forest Service. According to ATC, the staff cuts will heavily impact our National Parks and National Forests, that have already been understaffed by 20% for many years.  Our parks and their facilities will continue to deteriorate.

The work of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) will be directly and negatively impacted because there will be less staff support and funding to help maintain the trails.   According to the PATC during the last federal shutdown, people were still using the Parks but without oversite the facilities were abused and trash noticeably more prevalent.

The ATC is urging the PATC and all other local Appalachian Trail clubs to take direct action including:

1) Sending a letter to their respective congressional delegations describing the negative impacts of the staffing cuts.

 2) Reaching out to their respective congressional delegations by phone and /or email with information about the impact of the staffing cuts.

 3) Calling local newspapers and expressing concern about the topic. Letters to the editor can be important in educating the general public about the impact of staffing cuts.

 4) Requesting individual club members to take direct action including discussing the problem with friends and neighbors.

The ATC has prepared a generic letter to help individuals and clubs communicate their concern about the staffing cuts to the National Park Service and the Forest Service.

Dear Representative,

I am concerned about the recent mass firings in the USDA Forest Service (10% of the workforce) and National Park Service (5% of the workforce). As a supporter of the Appalachian Trail, I know that without our federal partners in key positions, the work of organizations like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the individual volunteers cannot take place. If for no other reason, civil servants for the A.T. are needed so that the non-federal partners can do the work they are eager and able to do. Please use your elected position to reverse these firings and to prevent further disruptions to the Cooperative Management System which brings people and places together, working as one.

Find your U.S. Senator.

Find you U.S. Representative.