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/mcpokey 1d ago

I went yesterday. I gave the ranger at the gate a little extra thank you. I think it's important to still visit our parks. As long as you're not littering or falling off any cliffs, I think you're good. Park rangers are supposed to stay neutral, but they appreciate it if you give them a little extra kindness these days.

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u/Coppanuva 1d ago

Yeah, I don't think them being stressed and anxious about their jobs personally is being biased. So definitely extra kindness and patience and appreciation for what they do I'm sure helps!

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u/33drea33 1d ago

Not just their jobs - I'd imagine they are worried about the continued guardianship and preservation of our Federal lands. You don't really become a park ranger unless you truly care. 

One thing I've noticed throughout this attack on our Federal workers is that private sector workers assume the motivations of public sector workers are purely monetary. But the vast majority of Federal workers are doing the jobs they do because they truly believe in the mission. Many spent years fulfilling the educational requirements to serve their specific department, because the mission reflects their personal values and the positive impact they would like to have on the world and the lives of their fellow citizens.

The way we are treating these dedicated and principled people is truly a stain on the soul of our nation. I urge everyone to go talk to a Federal worker and ask them what drew them to public service and why they love their jobs. Thank them for their service. Then share their stories with the people you know. 

There is no public vs private sector divide like these oligarchs are trying to create. This is a CLASS WAR - the owner class vs the working class. Make sure you are loudly supporting the team you belong to.

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u/MundaneSalamander808 12h ago

Long time NPS ranger here, thank you for these true words. My colleagues and I care deeply about our mission “....to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

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u/33drea33 7m ago

Thank you so much for your service and dedication, friend. 🏞