Trump chaos targets park service, environmental offices
Friday, February 7, 2025
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Many federal government agencies and programs have been the victims of drastic cuts and attempted layoffs since President Donald Trump took office a few weeks ago. This week, Trump administration officials announced plans to close the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, and to downsize the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. And a broad freeze on federal spending has impacted offices across government, including at the EPA and at offices that oversee funding for clean energy projects.
The Trump administration also announced a hiring freeze on seasonal positions at the National Park Service, just when the agency should be lining up extra workers for the upcoming summer tourist season. "It will be chaos. There will be a lot of dirty toilets and a lot of visitors unsatisfied with their experience," said former National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis. "At some point the public has to say this is unacceptable, because Congress is incapable of doing that at the moment."
Voters reward incumbents' support for conservation
The Center for Western Priorities Winning the West report, released earlier this week, analyzed several key U.S. senate and congressional races in Western states and found that support for conservation gave candidates an edge in 2024. In Nevada's U.S. Senate race, Jacky Rosen emphasized her record of support for public land protections, and successfully linked conservation to economic growth. For more analysis of this and other races, visit the Winning the West website to see polling results and read the report.
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How Trump funding chaos is impacting offices across government
Washington Post | High Country News | National Parks Traveler | Politico | E&E News
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Indigenous communities push back on bill to strip presidents of power to designate national monuments
Nevada Public Radio
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WY state senate kills, then resurrects, resolution calling on Congress to give Wyoming all public lands except Yellowstone
WyoFile | Cowboy State Daily | Wyoming Public Radio
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Thompson Divide, CO mineral withdrawal among federal actions up for review
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel
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The latest plot to privatize public lands
In These Times
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23,000 gallons of gasoline spilled into their yard; now, this Durango couple can’t go home
Durango Herald
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Trump's quest for 'energy dominance' is all about the vibes
Grist
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Column: Forget Trump’s wrecking ball. Here’s how to treat America’s public lands
Los Angeles Times
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 [Grand Teton National Park] is the bedrock economic driver for this entire state.”
—Wyoming state senator Mike Gierau, Cowboy State Daily
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@deathvalleynps
Watch where you step! Cryptobiotic soil, also known as desert glue, is a community of organisms that can include cyanobacteria, mosses, green algae, fungi, and lichen. These communities provide structure to the soil, preventing erosion and improving the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water. Cryptobiotic soil is fragile, slow growing and takes many years to form. In Death Valley, you can help protect it by being mindful of where you step while hiking off trail!
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