Interior secretary orders national parks to be open, accessible as workforce is cut

Apnews - Apr 4th, 2025
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has directed national parks to remain open and accessible despite widespread staff cuts across the country. This move comes amid criticism and concerns over the reduction in workforce due to voluntary separations, layoffs, and a hiring freeze under the Trump administration. Park advocates argue that fewer employees could lead to operational challenges, including reduced hours, unmaintained facilities, and potential risks to public safety. The National Park Service has reportedly lost approximately 1,500 permanent employees this year, with more reductions anticipated.

The order has been met with mixed reactions. While Republican Rep. Bruce Westerman supports it as a means to fulfill the parks’ mission, critics like Jennifer Rokala of the Center for Western Priorities view it as a superficial attempt to placate public outrage. They argue that maintaining park operations without sufficient staff and resources is unfeasible. The order requires assistant secretaries to review each park's operating hours and submit a report within 15 days, potentially sidelining park superintendents and the public from management decisions. This development raises concerns about the future management and accessibility of national parks, which attract millions of visitors annually.

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RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the challenges facing national parks due to staffing cuts, presenting a balanced view by including perspectives from both supporters and critics of the directive. It effectively uses quotes to convey different viewpoints, enhancing clarity and understanding. However, the article could improve in terms of transparency and source quality by providing more detailed attribution and direct citations from official documents. While the topic is of significant public interest and has the potential to influence opinion, the article could engage readers more actively through compelling storytelling or interactive elements. Overall, the article offers a clear and accessible introduction to an important issue, but there is room for deeper analysis and verification to strengthen its impact and credibility.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article provides a factual account of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's directive to keep national parks open, despite workforce reductions. The claim about staff cuts is supported by Rick Mossman's statement regarding the loss of approximately 1,500 permanent employees. However, the article lacks precise data or references to official documents that verify these numbers. The mention of a judge's order restoring some positions is factual but requires further verification. Additionally, the story references widespread criticisms and praises, which are generally accurate but need more concrete evidence or direct quotes from official sources to enhance precision.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both supporters and critics of the directive. It mentions Rep. Bruce Westerman's support for the order, citing its potential to fulfill the parks' mission, while also highlighting criticisms from Jennifer Rokala and park advocates about the feasibility of maintaining operations with reduced staff. This balanced representation allows readers to understand the complexity of the issue without apparent bias. However, the article could improve by including more detailed arguments from both sides, particularly from park employees directly affected by the cuts.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative of the situation facing national parks. It effectively uses quotes to convey different viewpoints, which aids in understanding the issue. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, such as the specific impacts of staffing cuts on park operations. Additionally, the article could improve clarity by providing more context on the historical background of the staffing reductions and the broader implications for national park management.

6
Source quality

The article references statements from key figures such as Doug Burgum, Rick Mossman, and Jennifer Rokala, which adds credibility. However, it lacks detailed attribution for some claims, such as the exact number of employees affected or the specifics of the judge's order. Including more diverse sources, such as park employees or visitors, would enhance the reliability and depth of the reporting. Additionally, direct citations from official documents or press releases would strengthen the article's authority.

5
Transparency

The article provides a general overview of the situation but lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. While it references statements from various stakeholders, it does not clearly outline the basis for all claims, such as the exact impact of staffing cuts on park operations. The absence of direct links to official documents or data sources limits the reader's ability to independently verify the information. Greater transparency in how information was obtained and more explicit disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest would improve the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/04/interior-secretary-orders-national-parks-be-open-and-accessible
  2. https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-doug-burgum-directs-implementation-president-donald-j-trumps-executive
  3. https://www.montevistajournal.com/stories/interior-secretary-orders-national-parks-to-be-open,80263
  4. https://www.kulr8.com/news/interior-secretary-mandates-us-national-parks-remain-open-despite-budget-cuts/article_1ab86f46-733a-4f4b-a05d-4738e6fe280d.html