As summer approaches, Alaska’s breathtaking national parks—home to rugged mountains, sprawling glaciers, and diverse wildlife—are gearing up for an influx of millions of visitors. However, a wave of staffing cuts at the National Park Service (NPS) has left these iconic destinations struggling to maintain their pristine beauty and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for tourists. With Alaska hosting half of all national park lands in the U.S., the impact of these reductions could ripple across the state’s tourism industry, local communities, and the natural wonders that draw people from around the world.
A Perfect Storm: Record Visitors, Shrinking Staff
In 2024, U.S. national parks welcomed a record-breaking 331.9 million visitors, with Alaska’s parks alone expecting around 3.3 million this year. From the towering peaks of Denali National Park to the icy fjords of Kenai Fjords and the remote wilderness of Gates of the Arctic, these parks are a cornerstone of Alaska’s identity and economy. Yet, recent staffing cuts have slashed the NPS workforce by an estimated 13% nationwide over the past two months, with Alaska’s regional office losing about one-third of its staff. This drastic reduction comes at a time when parks are already stretched thin, grappling with a maintenance backlog exceeding $22 billion and the pressures of climate-driven challenges like melting glaciers and wildfires.
The cuts, part of broader federal workforce reductions under the Trump administration, include layoffs of approximately 1,000 probationary employees and over 700 voluntary resignations through buyout offers. In Alaska, the impact is particularly stark. The state manages 60% of all NPS-controlled land, making it a critical hub for conservation and tourism. With fewer rangers, scientists, and support staff, parks are struggling to keep up with basic operations, from trail maintenance to visitor safety.
What Visitors Can Expect This Summer
For the millions of tourists planning to explore Alaska’s parks, the staffing shortages could mean a less-than-ideal experience. Visitors may face longer wait times at entry points, closed trails, uncollected trash, and limited access to visitor centers. In some parks, guided tours and ranger-led programs—key to understanding the cultural and natural significance of these areas—are being scaled back or canceled entirely. For example, Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks in California, which face similar cuts, have already reported reduced visitor center hours and canceled ranger programs, a trend likely to hit Alaska’s parks as well.
At Denali National Park, a top destination for cruise ship passengers and adventure seekers, the loss of staff could mean fewer rangers to guide visitors or respond to emergencies. In remote parks like Katmai, accessible only by plane or boat, reduced staffing raises concerns about search-and-rescue operations. “It’s going to be a disappointment to the public,” said Christine Lehnertz, president of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, in a recent statement. “From managing budgets to helping a family find someone lost on a trail, these cuts impact everything.”
The Ripple Effect on Alaska’s Economy
Alaska’s national parks are not just natural treasures; they’re economic engines for local communities. Gateway towns near parks like Wrangell-St. Elias and Glacier Bay rely heavily on tourism dollars from visitors who stay in local lodges, eat at nearby restaurants, and book guided tours. With fewer staff to manage park operations, these communities could see a drop in visitor spending. Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar emphasized the broader impact, noting that rural areas “are going to be very much affected” by the reduced services.
The cruise industry, a major driver of Alaska’s tourism, is also feeling the strain. Holland America Line, which offers cruisetours to Denali and other parks, has reassured guests that their experiences will remain robust, but the broader industry is concerned about the long-term effects of understaffed parks. With cruise ships bringing thousands of visitors to Alaska each year, any disruptions in park services could tarnish the state’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Conservation at Risk
Beyond the visitor experience, the staffing cuts threaten the very ecosystems the NPS is tasked with protecting. In Alaska, where climate change is accelerating glacier melt and altering wildlife habitats, the loss of scientists and resource managers is particularly alarming. For instance, monitoring wolves, whales, and fragile tundra ecosystems requires skilled staff, many of whom are now gone. The NPS’s Cultural Resources Stewardship and Natural Resource Stewardship directorates, both heavily impacted by layoffs, are critical for preserving archaeological sites and tracking environmental changes.
Public lands advocates, like Alex Johnson of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), warn that the cuts could have long-lasting consequences. “These reductions imperil important work, both on the frontlines and behind the scenes,” Johnson said. The loss of expertise could hinder efforts to combat invasive species, restore damaged habitats, or study the impacts of climate change—tasks that are vital to preserving Alaska’s parks for future generations.
A Controversial Mandate to Stay Open
Adding to the challenge, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has issued a directive requiring all national parks to remain open and maintain amenities, regardless of staffing levels. Park superintendents must now seek approval from agency leadership to close even a single trail or visitor center, a move critics call “reckless and out of touch.” Kristen Brengel of the NPCA argues that this order sidelines the expertise of park staff, forcing them to stretch limited resources dangerously thin. In some cases, scientists and IT staff are being reassigned to clean bathrooms and campgrounds, diverting them from their core duties.
This mandate has sparked outrage among park advocates, who argue it prioritizes optics over safety and sustainability. “It’s micromanagement at its worst,” Brengel said, highlighting the risk to both visitors and park resources. With parks like Wrangell-St. Elias, the largest in the U.S. at 13.2 million acres, already operating with skeleton crews, maintaining full operations could lead to burnout among remaining staff and compromised safety for visitors.
What Can Visitors Do?
Despite the challenges, park officials and advocates are urging visitors not to cancel their trips but to plan ahead. Here are some tips for making the most of your Alaska national park visit in 2025:
- Research Park Conditions: Check park websites for updates on closures, reduced hours, or limited services before you go.
- Book Early: With fewer staff to manage reservations, campsites and tours may fill up quickly. Secure your spot well in advance.
- Pack Responsibly: Bring extra supplies, including food, water, and gear, to be self-sufficient in case services are limited.
- Be a Steward: Follow park guidelines—stay on trails, pack out trash, and respect wildlife—to reduce the burden on staff.
- Visit During Off-Peak Times: Consider weekdays or shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to avoid crowds.
A Call for Support
As Alaska’s national parks brace for a challenging summer, there’s a growing call for public support. Volunteering, donating to organizations like the NPCA, or participating in events like Holland America’s “On Deck for a Cause” can help fill the gap left by staffing cuts. These efforts not only support park operations but also ensure that future generations can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of places like Glacier Bay and Katmai.
The stakes are high for Alaska’s national parks, where the balance between welcoming millions of visitors and preserving fragile ecosystems is more delicate than ever. As one park advocate put it, “These spaces shouldn’t be taken for granted, and they are at risk.” By staying informed and prepared, visitors can help protect these natural wonders while still enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.
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