Over the weekend, the National Park Service faced devastating budget cuts, impacting more than 4,400 employees and threatening the future of our most treasured public lands. These cuts mean fewer park rangers to protect wildlife, reduced maintenance for trails and campgrounds, and the loss of crucial conservation programs that preserve the beauty and biodiversity of these landscapes.
At Wildway, we believe in the power of the outdoors. Our brand was built on the idea that nature fuels adventure, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us. But without proper funding, the places that inspire us, from Yosemite’s towering granite cliffs to the vast wilderness of Yellowstone and the untouched beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, are at risk.
Why This Matters
National parks are more than just scenic destinations. They are living ecosystems that support thousands of plant and animal species, cultural landmarks that hold deep historical significance, and economic drivers for communities across the country. Each year, national park visitors contribute over $50 billion to local economies, supporting small businesses, hotels, and restaurants in gateway towns.
With these budget cuts, the ripple effect is undeniable. Fewer rangers mean less oversight, leading to increased risks of wildfires, poaching, and environmental degradation. Trail closures and facility shutdowns limit public access, making it harder for families, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the parks they love. Education programs that introduce the next generation to the wonders of the natural world are being slashed, reducing opportunities to inspire future conservationists.
What You Can Do
The outdoors has given us so much. Now it is time to give back. Here is how you can help.
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Contact Your Representatives
Congress needs to hear from us. Contact your local representatives and urge them to restore full funding for the National Park Service. A simple email or phone call can make a difference. You can find your elected officials at www.usa.gov/elected-officials. -
Support Organizations That Protect Public Lands
Groups like the National Parks Conservation Association, The Wilderness Society, and Leave No Trace work tirelessly to protect and advocate for our national parks. Consider donating or volunteering. -
Visit and Support Your Local Parks
While funding may be cut, visitation remains crucial. Plan a trip, pay entrance fees when required, and support businesses in national park gateway communities. Every dollar spent helps sustain these vital landscapes. -
Raise Awareness
Share the news. Talk to friends and family, post on social media, and spread the word about why national parks need protection. The more voices that rally for change, the harder they are to ignore.
Wildway’s Commitment
As a 1% for the Planet company, Wildway is committed to protecting our public lands. This year, we are dedicating our contributions to organizations actively fighting for national park funding and conservation efforts. Because without wild places, there is no Wildway.
Take Action Now
One of the most effective ways to make a difference is to contact your representatives and urge them to restore funding to the National Park Service. Below is a template letter you can use to send to Congress. Personalizing it with your own experiences and passion for the parks will make an even greater impact.
Letter to Congress
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
The Honorable [Representative’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: Urgent Action Needed to Restore National Park Funding
Dear Representative [Last Name],
I am writing to you today as a passionate advocate for our national parks, urging you to take immediate action to restore and increase funding for these irreplaceable public lands. Our national parks are more than scenic landscapes. They are vital to preserving biodiversity, protecting cultural heritage, and providing millions of Americans with a connection to the natural world. However, recent budget cuts threaten to undermine the very resources that keep our parks accessible, protected, and thriving.
For me, and for countless others, national parks are more than just places on a map. They are where I have felt the most alive, where I have built lasting memories, and where I have been reminded of the beauty and vastness of this country. But these sacred spaces are facing increasing challenges. Underfunding, reduced staffing, and growing pressures on their ecosystems put them at risk. Without adequate support, we could see irreversible damage to these invaluable sanctuaries.
National parks rely on funding to maintain infrastructure, offer educational programs, and continue essential conservation efforts. These programs do more than preserve nature. They fuel local economies, supporting jobs and small businesses in gateway communities. In 2022 alone, visitor spending contributed over $50 billion to local economies, proving that investing in our parks means investing in our communities.
Yet, despite their undeniable value, our parks are being treated as expendable. Budget cuts mean fewer park rangers to protect fragile ecosystems, fewer resources to maintain trails and campgrounds, and fewer opportunities for future generations to experience the magic of these landscapes. These cuts are a short-sighted decision with long-term consequences.
I respectfully request that you take immediate action to restore and expand funding for the National Park Service. I urge you to prioritize these lands in upcoming budget discussions and support legislation that ensures they receive the resources they desperately need. Our parks deserve to be protected and cared for, not just for us, but for the generations that come after us.
With your leadership, we can make a meaningful difference. Please let me know how you plan to address this issue and what steps I, as a constituent, can take to support this effort. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Call Script for Your Representative
Calling your representative’s office is one of the most effective ways to make an impact. Use this script when making your call.
Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent from [Your City, State]. I am calling to express my deep concern about the recent budget cuts to the National Park Service, which have impacted over 4,400 employees and put our public lands at risk.
Our national parks are essential to conservation, recreation, and local economies. Without proper funding, these lands will suffer from neglect, fewer rangers, and the loss of important programs that protect wildlife and habitats.
I urge Representative [Last Name] to support the full restoration of NPS funding and to prioritize legislation that ensures these parks receive the resources they need. Can you tell me where the Representative stands on this issue?
Thank you for your time and for passing this message along. I appreciate your efforts to protect our national parks.
Now is the Time to Act
Our national parks are a gift that should not be taken for granted. By making your voice heard, you can help ensure they remain protected for generations to come.
Let’s stand up for the wild. Let’s make sure our parks get the funding they deserve.
