A group of approximately 50 demonstrators gathered in South Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon to protest the recent decision by the Trump administration to lay off over 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) employees. The rally took place on the Lake Street and Marshall Avenue Bridge, a symbolic location that connects Minneapolis and St. Paul and offers views of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area—one of the many national park sites affected by federal staffing cuts.
Concerns Over Job Losses and Environmental Impact
Protesters, including environmental advocates, park volunteers, and former NPS employees, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the layoffs on public lands, conservation efforts, and park maintenance. Organizers said the cuts would leave many parks understaffed, reducing visitor services, ranger-led programs, and essential maintenance work.
“These parks belong to all of us, and without adequate staffing, we risk losing the very things that make them special,” said Sarah Keller, a former NPS ranger who helped coordinate the demonstration. “This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about protecting our national treasures.”
Bipartisan Criticism of the Cuts
While the Trump administration argues that the layoffs are necessary to streamline government spending, critics from both parties have voiced opposition. Minnesota Representative Betty McCollum, a longtime advocate for public lands, issued a statement condemning the job cuts, calling them a “reckless move that jeopardizes our national heritage.”
Some protesters carried signs reading “Save Our Parks” and “Public Lands for the People”, while others chanted in support of the NPS workers facing unemployment.
Next Steps and Public Response
Advocacy groups are urging Congress to intervene and restore funding for NPS staffing. Letters and petitions are being circulated to encourage lawmakers to push back against the cuts. Meanwhile, demonstrations similar to the one in Minneapolis are being planned in other cities across the country.
The Trump administration has yet to respond directly to the protest but maintains that the staffing reductions will lead to a more “efficient and sustainable” National Park Service.
