OIA releases statement on Department of the Interior staff cuts
The president of the US-based Outdoor Industry Association has said recent staffing cuts at the US Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are “deeply concerning”, especially as these agencies are already operating with historically low staff-to-visitor ratios.
Kent Ebersole said: ““The stewards of our national parks, forests, and public lands—park rangers, maintenance crews, and visitor service staff—are the backbone of these treasured places. They keep trails open, respond to emergencies, educate the public, and ensure that millions of visitors not only experience the outdoors safely but also feel welcomed and inspired by the landscapes they explore.
“With fewer staff, we risk longer emergency response times, neglected trails and facilities, and disruptions to the experiences that make these places so special.
“OIA stands with these dedicated professionals and urges policymakers to prioritise sustainable staffing solutions. Our public lands and the people who care for them deserve better.”
Based in Boulder, Colorado, with offices in Washington, ?the OIA is group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting the benefits of the outdoors.
