Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Hiker's death raises concerns over declining park ranger staffing levels
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Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Blue Ridge Parkway. Source @blueridgenps ([link removed])
The recent death of a hiker on the Blue Ridge Parkway is amplifying concerns about visitor safety ([link removed]) as visitation to national parks and public lands ramps up amid declining budgets and staffing levels. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited national park units in the country and connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The incident is at least the second hiker death in the area ([link removed]) in recent months.
Brian Bonville worked as a seasonal interpretive ranger in the area last year, and in an interview with WRAL News ([link removed]) said his team was often the first to respond to trail emergencies. “People often think we’re just handing out maps, but we’re the ones warning about trail hazards, pointing out hornet nests, or responding when a pet becomes aggressive. Those small interactions help build a culture of safety,” Bonville said ([link removed]) .
According to the Coalition to Protect National Parks, the National Park Service has experienced a 13 percent reduction in staffing over the past two months of the Trump administration ([link removed]) , a stat that is not being touted with the Interior department's messaging for National Park Week ([link removed]) this week.
“These parks bring such a big benefit to society,” Bonville continued ([link removed]) . “They offer free pastimes that support public health, well-being, even clean air and water. But when you lose the staff who connect people to the landscape and help keep them safe, you lose a huge part of what makes these places work.”
** Quick hits
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Resumes reveal deep corporate ties at Trump's Interior department
Public Domain ([link removed])
Trump admin moves to strike Biden-era conservation rule, considers selling public lands
Aspen Public Radio ([link removed])
Interior Secretary gives DOGE aide sweeping powers over the department
KUNC ([link removed]) | Washington Post ([link removed]) | SF Gate ([link removed])
Wildlife advocates fear losses amid border wall construction in sensitive desert ecosystem
Arizona Republic ([link removed])
Editorial: Selling public land is a bad idea that won't go away
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel ([link removed])
Interior begins inventory of onshore oil and gas resources in effort to boost fossil fuels
E&E News ([link removed])
Trump pushes expanded offshore drilling while Gulf Coast oil disaster impacts are still being felt 15 years later
Associated Press ([link removed])
Trump opens pristine swath of Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing
Washington Post ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” It should be abundantly clear to [U.S. Representative Jeff] Hurd that Western Slopers have a deep, intimate relationship with the public lands that surround their communities. These places provide clean water for drinking and agriculture, critical habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation that have come to define the Western Slope lifestyle.”
—Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Editorial Board ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
Welcome to a celebration of the night! 🌌 During International Dark Sky Week we're highlighting the pristine skies you can find on public land.
Did you know that reducing light pollution can improve the health and safety of humans and wildlife? Light pollution disrupts our sleep, negatively impacts well-being, disrupts migratory wildlife patterns, and affects the behavior of nocturnal animals. So, turn off the lights, go outside and appreciate everything the night gives us!
When recreating at night, know before you go and be prepared. Learn more at the link in our bio.
📷 Mojave Trails National Monument, Bureau of Land Management - California; Bob Wick
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