The Park's Purpose: Sharing Appreciation for Park Rangers
The Park's Purpose: Sharing Appreciation for Park Rangers
The Issue
This petition is more than a signature-- it's an opportunity to share your story.
Starting on Valentine's Day, over 1,000 National Park Service employees were fired from their dream positions. On a day that is supposed to celebrate love and appreciation, undervalued Park Rangers were awoken unemployed, hated, and unappreciated. This heartbreaking occurrence highlights a severe issue: NPS employees and our National Parks are continuously devalued in the United States.
As a child, I grew up in an environment where I could explore National Parks. I would hike miles with my grandmother in the Indiana Dunes and we always made it our duty to get as many Junior Ranger badges as possible. Every visit was a learning experience for me, and seeing hundreds of Park Rangers passionately protecting the environment inspired me to want to do the same. Now, as a high school senior, I am attending University to become an Environmental Lawyer or policymaker with the intent of continuing sustainability efforts-- and I owe all of it to the Park Service.
National Park Rangers serve important roles in National Parks. Not only do they maintain the safety of trails, but they also educate the next generation of critical thinkers, adventurers, and environmental lovers. But now, our dedicated Park Rangers are under attack and are facing public humiliation. It is time to show the world that the people of the United States care for our National Parks and Park Rangers.
This petition is meant to have a clear objective: show your support for our National Parks and thank the Rangers who got you there. With this collection of stories, photos, and anecdotes, we can show federal legislators the importance of Park Rangers and why they should support pro-environmental legislation. This petition is so much more than a signature, it's an opportunity to share your story!
Addison Ellis with Indiana Dunes Park Ranger
Sources:
- (Cover Photo Information) NPR| A fired national park ranger lost his dream job. He says the public is losing more
- Associated Press| Trump's firing of 1,000 national park workers raises concerns about maintenance and operating hours
363
The Issue
This petition is more than a signature-- it's an opportunity to share your story.
Starting on Valentine's Day, over 1,000 National Park Service employees were fired from their dream positions. On a day that is supposed to celebrate love and appreciation, undervalued Park Rangers were awoken unemployed, hated, and unappreciated. This heartbreaking occurrence highlights a severe issue: NPS employees and our National Parks are continuously devalued in the United States.
As a child, I grew up in an environment where I could explore National Parks. I would hike miles with my grandmother in the Indiana Dunes and we always made it our duty to get as many Junior Ranger badges as possible. Every visit was a learning experience for me, and seeing hundreds of Park Rangers passionately protecting the environment inspired me to want to do the same. Now, as a high school senior, I am attending University to become an Environmental Lawyer or policymaker with the intent of continuing sustainability efforts-- and I owe all of it to the Park Service.
National Park Rangers serve important roles in National Parks. Not only do they maintain the safety of trails, but they also educate the next generation of critical thinkers, adventurers, and environmental lovers. But now, our dedicated Park Rangers are under attack and are facing public humiliation. It is time to show the world that the people of the United States care for our National Parks and Park Rangers.
This petition is meant to have a clear objective: show your support for our National Parks and thank the Rangers who got you there. With this collection of stories, photos, and anecdotes, we can show federal legislators the importance of Park Rangers and why they should support pro-environmental legislation. This petition is so much more than a signature, it's an opportunity to share your story!
Addison Ellis with Indiana Dunes Park Ranger
Sources:
- (Cover Photo Information) NPR| A fired national park ranger lost his dream job. He says the public is losing more
- Associated Press| Trump's firing of 1,000 national park workers raises concerns about maintenance and operating hours
363
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on February 20, 2025