Sequoia National Park is one of the best US National Parks

Californians are sounding the alarm about escalating threats to the state’s parks, national monuments, and public lands. This urgent warning comes amid a secretive review by the Department of the Interior aimed at identifying public lands for potential sale, mass layoffs of federal employees tasked with their stewardship, and efforts to dismantle a bipartisan conservation tool used to protect iconic sites like Joshua Tree and Grand Canyon National Parks.

“We are witnessing Project 2025 unfold before our very eyes,” said Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the Vet Voice Foundation and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “The mass layoffs of staff who ensure we can enjoy our parks and national monuments are alarming. Furthermore, this closed-door review appears to prioritize oil and gas drilling and mining over public access to recreational lands. Project 2025 raises significant concerns about the future of our public lands and the potential sell-off to private corporations. Both veterans and non-veterans should be deeply concerned.”

Peaks and valleys, or the mystical desert landscapes of Joshua Tree

In early February, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued a series of secretarial orders in support of the administration’s “energy dominance” agenda. Embedded within these orders was a directive mandating Department of the Interior staff to draft plans to enhance fossil fuel extraction and mining development on America’s public lands by February 18, 2025. As of now, more than a week past this deadline, no details have emerged regarding these plans.

Millions of acres of public land in California stand to be affected by this covert initiative, particularly all national monuments established under the Antiquities Act. Key sites in jeopardy include the California Coastal National Monument, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Carrizo Plain National Monument.

“It’s troubling that the Department of the Interior could be advancing these plans without public input,” warned Joel Weltzien, California Chapter Coordinator for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “For anyone who enjoys hunting and fishing on our public lands, these developments signal a worrying trend of decision-making that could jeopardize the future of these cherished areas. Our public lands are a national treasure deserving of investment, not neglect.”

The abrupt dismissal of thousands of employees responsible for managing federal public lands has raised concerns. These dedicated workers previously facilitated park reservations, maintained trails and campsites, cleaned facilities, and provided critical emergency services.

Beautiful sunset in Yosemite Valley

At Yosemite National Park, camping reservations for several summer spots were halted following the layoffs. Similarly, at Devils Postpile National Monument, the only certified EMT ranger capable of performing CPR was let go. Visitors to the Grand Canyon National Park have experienced longer wait times due to staffing shortages.

A former federal employee and biologist from the Los Padres National Forest expressed deep concern after their dismissal, stating, “The places that are open for exploration help bring people together and create lasting memories. The growing influence of corporations and billionaires over our public lands harms America in ways we will all feel.”

In California’s deserts alone, millions of acres of public lands may be impacted by the administration’s covert review and potential sell-off. This region includes four national monuments that safeguard over 2.4 million acres for public enjoyment and are critical to the cultural landscape of local tribes.

“Tribal Nations across Indian Country are actively working to ensure the preservation of our homelands in ways that honor our history and future,” said Zion White, Tribal Councilman for the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe. “Autonomy and oversight within our ancestral lands have led to thriving ecosystems and economic opportunity. Collaboration with policymakers is crucial, making any attempts to roll back protections through executive order a step backward for federal trust responsibilities.”

The tourism and outdoor recreation sectors on public lands are vital to California’s economy, generating more than 545,000 jobs and contributing $81.5 billion annually. Efforts to roll back protections for these lands risk significant economic repercussions for the state. As Californians grapple with these developments, the future of the beautiful and diverse landscapes that define the state hangs in the balance.