Key Takeaways
- National Parks are Vital: They offer more than just scenic beauty; they contribute to our mental, physical, and financial well-being.
- Layoffs Hurt Everyone: Reduced staffing can lead to park closures, limited access, and fewer educational opportunities.
- The Real Cost of Cuts: You may face higher park fees, reduced services, and the loss of affordable recreation options.
- Hidden Impact on Finances: Declining park access can lead to increased healthcare costs and diminished educational opportunities, impacting long-term financial stability.
- Take Action: Contact your representatives and support organizations fighting to protect our national parks.
The Parks Are in Danger
For anyone who has spent any time on our website, it comes as no surprise that Purpose Built loves national parks. We proudly display our membership in 1% for the Planet, a foundation of companies that donate at least one percent of their top-line revenue to environmental causes. In our case, our donations well exceed that minimum. Each company chooses the environmental cause they are most passionate about, and for us, almost all of that money goes to National Parks. I personally have visited 16 parks with my daughters, and over 30 individually, and I plan to visit many more.
Loving the parks as I do, I find the current layoffs of park employees greatly troubling. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has laid off 1,000 at the National Parks Service which maintains and operates our country's national parks. .
Vox recently published a story on the financial impact of these layoffs. Here are two of the most impactful graphs from the article:
Park Visitors Over Time
You'll notice that visitation to National Parks started increasing in 2013, increasing rapidly and then plateauing slightly before the COVID pandemic. As soon as the pandemic calmed, park visitation again started to ramp up quickly back to its pre-pandemic highs and has yet to slow down.
Staffing Levels of National Parks Over Time
The numbers above are before the DOGE headcount reductions, which are over 5% of the workforce (1,000 people). So we were heading towards record visitation of the park while at the same time lowering headcount over time.
Some of the reasons for DOGE staffing cuts are rationalized, as in the IRS, by the increasing use of technology like AI increasing productivity and reducing the need for people. This is not the case with the national parks. There is no tech or AI that is going to come in and clean up the parks or repair the physical damage caused by increasing visitation. Until humanoid robots are in widespread use, actual humans are needed to keep the parks up and running.
Why Are National Parks Important?
When people think about the value of national parks, they often focus on the stunning scenery, unique wildlife, and conservation efforts. The peaks of the Glacier National Park and the wildlife in Yellowstone are the first two that come to my mind.
But the benefits of these protected lands go far beyond their intrinsic beauty or the environmental, “green” cause alone. National parks are important to our overall well-being, impacting everything from our mental and physical health to our family finances. Below are some key ways in which the decline of national parks, through layoffs, reduced funding, or limited access can ripple into your daily life and long-term financial plans:
- Supporting Mental and Physical Health
Spending time in nature is more than just a pleasant escape; it can have measurable health benefits. Studies have shown that regular contact with nature reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and contributes to improved mental health. For families, especially those juggling busy work schedules and multiple responsibilities, having access to national parks can provide a low-cost way to boost overall well-being. If budget cuts or staffing shortages make it harder to access these places, you might find yourself spending more on stress-related healthcare costs or seeking expensive alternatives for family recreation. When we consider the decline in our health due to lack of access to nature, we have to also consider how that will affect our pocketbooks. Over time, higher medical bills and diminished quality of life can limit your ability to save for the future. - Increased Costs for Park Visitors
If you are fortunate enough to still be able to access the parks (they may be more stringent with permits to manage volume due to less staff), you may find that the national parks have significantly raised entrance fees or cut back on services to make up for budget cuts. That means you could end up paying more for a reduced park experience; fewer guided tours, less frequent ranger-led programs, and minimal upkeep of facilities. While these fees might seem minor alone, they can add up for families who consider national parks their go-to vacation spot. An extra $300 or $400 here and there can quickly become a few thousand dollars over the course of a year, reducing the money you might otherwise allocate for saving, investing, or tackling long-term goals like college funds and retirement. - Loss of Affordable Recreational Opportunities
National parks have traditionally offered cost-effective ways for families to enjoy the outdoors with their hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and educational programs (see next topic) that don’t break the bank. With fewer rangers and reduced funding, there may be fewer free or low-cost activities available. You might be forced to travel farther to find the same level of natural beauty or recreation, leading to higher travel expenses such as airfare, lodging, and gas. Banff is looking better and better as my next park but doesn’t contribute to my life goal of visiting all the US National Parks. If you start visiting international locations, spending more on vacations, you’ll be saving less. - Diminished Educational Opportunities
One of the greatest yet often overlooked aspects of national parks is the hands-on learning they provide. Park rangers often lead tours and interactive programs that teach children about ecology, history, and conservation. If you’re staying in the park, the rangers typically have free educational presentations each night in the campsite’s amphitheater or around a bonfire. Without adequate staffing and funding, these educational programs might be scaled back or eliminated altogether. Missing out on these unique experiences can affect your child’s intellectual growth and long-term curiosity about the world, qualities that often foster future academic and career success. While not always immediately quantifiable, the reduction in these learning opportunities could echo in eternity by affecting on your children’s future prospects and therefore their long-term financial stability.
National parks are about more than preserving beautiful landscapes: they’re spaces that enrich our health, reduce financial stress by offering affordable activities, and contribute to our children’s education in ways traditional classrooms can’t replicate. I may be stretching by attempting to directly relate the importance of national parks to your finances but it’s worth recognizing how much we all stand to lose if our national parks are neglected. Protecting our national parks and securing your financial future are not mutually exclusive.
Take Action
If you share the view that these layoffs are detrimental to the future of our national parks and society as a whole, there are concrete steps you can take to make a difference. Reach out to your local representatives to voice your concern and encourage them to fight budget cuts that threaten our parks (You can find your representative here). Even a quick email or phone call can have an impact. You can also support organizations dedicated to preserving and maintaining our national parks by making a donation. Consider donating to The National Park Foundation (this is where I donate most of my donations to) or the National Parks Conservation Association, both of which work tirelessly to protect these cherished national treasures.
We believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions that reflect their value (even if they are not National Parks). To learn more about how your financial and tax planning can align your investments with your values, schedule a meeting with Purpose Built today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I find out which national parks are affected by the layoffs?
A: The National Park Service website (NPS.gov) provides updates on park closures, service changes, and staffing levels. You can also contact individual parks directly for the latest information.
Q: Are there alternative ways to support national parks besides donating money?
A: Yes! You can volunteer your time at a park, participate in citizen science projects, or advocate for park-friendly policies in your community.
Q: How can I plan a budget-friendly trip to a national park despite potential fee increases?
A: Consider visiting during the off-season, camping instead of staying in hotels, and taking advantage of free activities like hiking and ranger-led programs.
Q: What are some specific examples of how national parks benefit local economies?
A: National parks create jobs, attract tourism revenue, and support businesses in surrounding communities. They also help preserve natural resources that drive local industries like fishing and agriculture.
Q: How can I learn more about the environmental impact of national park closures and reduced staffing?
A: The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) publishes reports and articles on the ecological consequences of park underfunding and limited access. You can also find research on this topic from academic institutions and environmental organizations.
Final Thoughts
At Purpose Built Financial Services, we believe in aligning financial planning with your value and creating financial independence that allows you to chase your passions.
If you’d like to learn how, we’re here to help.
About the Author
Sean Lovison, CPA, CFP®, is a flat fee-only financial planner based in Moorestown, New Jersey, serving clients virtually nationwide. After spending 14 years as a corporate chief financial officer (CFO), receiving and designing compensation plans, he decided to help others navigate their plans.
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