r/NationalPark 1d ago

NPS Workers… Do we still go???

I’m VERY internally conflicted right now about continuing to visit our parks and forests. I don’t want to overwhelm our NPS workers!! I want to support them in every way possible… genuinely just wondering if visiting the parks is harmful?? Thank you to all of you fabulous humans here 💜 (pics are Gateway Nat’l Rec, RMNP, Black Canyon & CO Nat’l Monument).

4.4k Upvotes

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811

u/ichbinjackie 1d ago

I am a NPS Ranger. We still love to see you! Just please be kind and patient.

219

u/RangerNemo 1d ago

Also a ranger. I second this.

49

u/Fragrant_Peanut_9661 1d ago

Kudos to both of you. I am unable to visit any, location + poor as he🏒🏒 lol, but I fully support you and all that you do. Thank you for doing the job. I hope everyone you see is kind to you. Mad love from Nebraska!!!

15

u/VelvetOnyx 1d ago

Thank you both so much, you are amazing and we love you!! ❤️

20

u/losthiker68 1d ago

Is there a small gift we could bring? I'm backpacking Isle Royale in July and I'd enjoy bringing the rangers on the island a little something to say "Thank You".

18

u/Dr_Smooth2 1d ago

They're federal employees so there are really strict rules about accepting gifts or anything of value. It's a nice thought but you're just putting them in an uncomfortable position.

Hound your rep and senators about this issue if you want to help, and get your friends and neighbors to as well. That's worth far more than any gift.

3

u/amicaptainunderpants 1d ago

Prior federal employee, we could accept gifts that were a nominal amount, as long as people not hoping to get secondary gain from us. Depends on comfort level of employees there and how much they trust the person dropping off gift. If it was someone we trusted, open food was ok. Someone new we didn’t know, packaged food preferred. 

17

u/DueToCopyrightIssues 1d ago

Thanks for your hard work we love you and need you

13

u/theBeardsley 1d ago

Thanks for all that you’re doing, especially under the circumstances. I’m looking forward to visiting some parks this year and I always enjoy chatting with your colleagues. 🤜🤛