I’ve been trying to stay positive but there is so much heartbreak and concern in the US right now and I refuse to remain silent about things that matter. Our National Parks and National Forests need us now more than ever. 🌲THOUSANDS of National Park and US Forest Service workers lost their jobs as a result of the new administration. These cuts will affect conservation efforts, campgrounds, trails, and wildfire prevention. Less workers and rangers means👇 •Longer wait times at entrances •Campgrounds being closed (some have already delayed their opening dates) •Trails being closed or not maintained making them unsafe •Search and rescue efforts being impacted •Restrooms unmaintained and visitor centers understaffed (longer wait times or closed altogether) What we can do💙 •Call your representatives and sign petitions urging them to fund our public lands •Learn the principles of Leave No Trace •Respect the lands: stay on marked trails, clean up after yourself and pets, if pets aren’t allowed, DONT bring them •Follow all rules pertaining to campground fires and educate yourself on how to property put out a campground fire •Always bring the 10 Essentials, even if you’re just going for a day hike. This will help you be prepared should something unexpected happened Tips💚 • If you forget a trash bag, dog poo bags works great •Try to visit in OFF SEASON •Purchase an annual park pass •Volunteer with organizations who help protect and maintain our lands like @trailkeepersoforegon •Teach your kids to love and respect the land •Remember “if it doesn’t GROW here, it doesn’t GO here” your orange peels and apple cores are NOT organic to the land and are still considered littering- please pack these out! •As always, be patient and kind with park workers and rangers…but maybe just a little extra now 🫶🏻 •Thank a park ranger 🥹 Now is NOT the time to be silent!
#nps #nfs #protectourparks #nationalparks #nationalparkservice #nationalforests #nationalforestservice