science
National Park Service lost 25% of permanent staff since 2025
The agency recorded 323 million visits in 2025 while facing a 70% drop in project spending outside Washington and a $24 billion maintenance backlog. Yosemite and other parks reported traffic jams, illegal parking, and reduced services during peak summer weekends.
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The National Park Service recorded 323 million visits in 2025 while operating with roughly 25% fewer permanent staff positions than at the start of 2025. Yosemite National Park withdrew a pilot reservation system this summer after traffic backups and long bathroom lines appeared during Memorial Day weekend.
Budget and staffing changes Spending on park projects outside Washington fell about 70% in fiscal year 2026, an $854 million reduction from the prior year. The Pacific west region, which includes Yosemite, lost $235 million of that total. Spending on the national capital region rose more than 92% during the same period.
Mass firings and early-retirement incentives removed close to one-quarter of permanent NPS positions. Visitor centers have closed and entrance lines have lengthened, according to staff surveys. The agency also stopped public notification of injuries and fatalities inside parks.
Visitation and maintenance needs Park advocates note that the system still carries a $24 billion backlog for roads, buildings, and utilities. Yosemite staff reported that parking, staffing, and road capacity are insufficient for current crowds. A 22-year-old visitor died after being swept over Nevada Fall in June; the incident remains under investigation.
Requests for comment from the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service went unanswered.
