1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the illegal firing of National Park Service (NPS) and the potential closure of national parks. These threaten the preservation of our nation's natural and cultural heritage and jeopardize the substantial economic benefits and essential ecosystem services that these protected areas provide. These actions ultimately do not save money! In 2024, approximately 331.9 million people visited national Parks, generating significant economic activity. Visitor spending in communities within 60 miles of a national park amounted to $20.2 billion, supporting approximately 329,000 jobs nationally and contributing a cumulative benefit of $40.1 billion to the U.S. Beyond tourism, national parks provide invaluable ecosystem services that yield substantial economic benefits: Protected watersheds ensure clean drinking water for millions of Americans, reducing the need for costly water treatment facilities. Vegetation in national parks filter air pollutants, contributing to public health and reducing healthcare costs associated with respiratory illnesses. By preserving diverse ecosystems, national parks maintain species that are vital for agriculture, medicine, and ecosystem stability, providing both direct and indirect economic benefits. The recent illegal firing of approximately 1,000 NPS employees, including maintenance workers and scientists, will create closures, unsafe visitor situations, a lack of fire safety, and an inability to preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to the NPS. Our national parks are irreplaceable treasures that offer profound economic, environmental, and recreational benefits. It is imperative that we uphold our commitment to preserving these lands for current and future generations. I respectfully request your leadership in opposing actions that undermine the vitality of our national parks and the myriad benefits they provide.