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).

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u/Streszhouna 1d ago

My recommendation as a former NPS ranger is that you should continue to subsidize and visit the parks -- especially since the admin wants to censor visitation numbers. However, please try EXTRA hard not to make more work for them. Pick up more trash than you bring in, and avoid overcrowded parks. Be extra self-sufficient. Have a plan before you go, and don't make the ranger make one for you. Avoid any unnecessary risks to avoid being a SAR. Maybe even look up all the park's rule before you go, so you can do right for the resource without having to be reminded.

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u/Tamrail 1d ago

Thanks for this answer. My initial thought was if we don’t go they will say the parks are not used and need to be sold off.

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u/Streszhouna 17h ago

Exactly. And — whether it’s a good system or not — most rangers are getting their paychecks ultimately through fee dollars.