The loss of federal biologists due to staffing reductions jeopardizes crucial conservation efforts and impacts endangered species monitoring, including the California spotted owl.
If the cuts aren't restored, "this just isn't going to be the same Park Service," said Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs for the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Assn. "All of these places are so beautiful and have been so well-protected for so long; continuing to chip away at the staff is illogical."
"Uncertainty is at an all-time high. Morale is at an all-time low," one federal wildland firefighter said. Multiple federal employees asked not to be named because of their fear of retribution from the White House.