National Park Changes Spark Concerns Over Preservation

Staffing cuts and policy shifts at the National Park Service raise questions about the future of America's public lands.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A year after the Trump administration enacted staffing cuts at the National Park Service and made changes to displays at parks and historic sites, conservation groups are sounding alarms about potential threats to public lands. Some exhibits about enslaved people and LGBTQ+ history have been removed, while parks have faced layoffs that have left them understaffed.

Why it matters

The changes at national parks and historic sites reflect a broader political debate over how America's history and values should be represented in public spaces. Critics argue the moves undermine efforts to tell a more inclusive story, while supporters say the parks should focus on their core mission of conservation and recreation.

The details

About a year ago, the National Park Service was hit by sweeping layoffs that led some to dub it the "Valentine's Day massacre." Staffing cuts weren't the only changes that hit national parks and federal historic sites, though: Displays about enslaved people held in Philadelphia by George Washington were removed from an exhibit steps away from the Liberty Bell, and in New York, a Pride flag was taken down and references to transgender people scrubbed at Stonewall National Monument.

  • In February 2025, the National Park Service faced major staffing cuts.
  • In the past year, changes have been made to exhibits and displays at various national parks and historic sites.

The players

National Park Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and preserving America's national parks, monuments, and historic sites.

Bill Wade

The executive director of the nonprofit Association of National Park Rangers, who has been sounding the alarm about potential threats to public lands.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They just need to be more aware of what is happening to their beloved national parks.”

— Bill Wade, Executive Director, Association of National Park Rangers (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Conservation groups are continuing to monitor the situation and advocate for the preservation of national parks and historic sites.

The takeaway

The changes at national parks reflect a broader political debate over how America's history and values should be represented in public spaces. While supporters argue the parks should focus on conservation, critics say the moves undermine efforts to tell a more inclusive story about the nation's past.