We are now facing the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Its impact on public lands is profound and deeply personal for those who care for them.
As president of Save the Redwoods League and former superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks during the 2018 shutdown, I’ve seen firsthand how these closures harm our coast redwood and giant sequoia forests.
When rangers and resource staff are sidelined, vandalism (including burl poaching), illegal camping, and off-trail hiking all increase. And the human toll is just as urgent. Park employees have missed multiple paychecks, and local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and outdoor shops are losing vital income they won’t recover.
To those who protect our parks, this is more than a job. It’s a calling. And right now, they need our support. Like the redwoods, our parks and their stewards are resilient. But they shouldn’t have to weather this storm alone.
Read our full statement and learn how you can stand in solidarity.
