U.S. national parks are facing unprecedented challenges as turmoil, resignations, and severe staffing cuts threaten their operations. Recent actions from the House have advanced budget bills that propose reducing the National Park Service staff, sparking concerns just as visitor numbers peak. Alaska’s national parks are particularly vulnerable, bracing for millions of visitors amid significant staff reductions. Former national park leaders have expressed deep concerns, stating that the current cuts will severely impact public lands and the economy. Advocacy groups are pushing back against proposed plans that could transfer the management of national parks to states, emphasizing the bipartisan support for preserving these national treasures. As summer travel approaches, experts warn about the implications of understaffing and the dire need for action to protect America’s iconic landscapes.