At the direction of the new administration, land management agencies, including the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), have recently faced substantial staffing cuts—eliminating approximately 10% of their workforce. These reductions disproportionately affect newer employees, including veterans hired through non-competitive processes, and could impact as many as 200,000 positions across federal agencies. These cuts are more than just numbers—they will directly affect paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
Public lands protections remain one of the most widely supported bipartisan issues in the United States. Americans across the political spectrum value these treasured spaces and want to see them preserved for future generations. As paddlers, we rely on public lands for access to many of our favorite rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. These places are not only vital to our recreation, but they also contribute to local economies and serve as gateways to nature, adventure, and community. Yet, with fewer staff to maintain trails, access points, and facilities, paddlers may see noticeable declines in the quality of our experiences in the coming months.
These staffing reductions also run counter to the progress made with the recent passage of the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan legislation was a hard-fought victory for the outdoor community, designed to improve access, streamline permitting, and enhance recreation infrastructure. However, without adequate personnel to implement it, the very gains we celebrated are now at risk of being eroded. Cutting the workforce responsible for executing this landmark legislation will hinder its effectiveness and could slow or halt critical improvements meant to benefit paddlers and all outdoor recreationists.
Beyond policy concerns, these staffing cuts will have real, tangible effects on paddlers’ experiences. Delays in the permitting process, closures of access points, and a decline in facility maintenance are just some of the challenges we may face. As a resident of Asheville, North Carolina, I have personally witnessed the long road to recovery following Hurricane Helene. Local access points were destroyed, roads along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain in disrepair, and trails are blocked by fallen trees. Public lands were already chronically understaffed, and further reductions make it even more difficult to maintain and restore these cherished places. This is a time when we need all hands on deck, not fewer.
The ACA believes in taking action, and we urge you to make your voice heard by reaching out to Congress. Through our partnership with Outdoor Alliance, you can easily contact your representatives and advocate for protecting public lands staffing. The workforce that keeps our waterways accessible and well-maintained needs our support. Ask lawmakers to reverse staffing cuts at land management agencies.
Public lands are where we make memories, where we find adventure, and where we connect with the natural world. We cannot afford to stand by while the resources that sustain our passion are undermined. Join us in making a difference—whether by speaking up, organizing a cleanup, or simply staying informed.
Thank you for your dedication to paddling and conservation. Together, we can protect the waters we love.
Sincerely,
Brett Mayer
Policy Director
American Canoe Association