Maine Insights Newsmagazine

Maine river landscape, photo by Ramona Cornell du Houx

A nationwide day of protest against Trump’s parks agenda is set for August 25 called-“United by Parks Day of Action.” with the National Parks Conservation Association.

National park supporters will gather online and at events across the country to demand greater protection and investment for the employees who keep America’s parks operating.

Actions are planned at Yosemite Valley and Muir Woods in California, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, Acadia National Park in Maine, Assateague Island in Maryland, Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio, Big Bend in Texas, Great Falls in Virginia and New River Gorge in West Virginia.

Events are also scheduled at Kenai Fjords in Alaska, Albuquerque in New Mexico, Brooklyn in New York and several locations around Washington, D.C., including Rock Creek Park and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Organizers also plan to deliver petition signatures directly to the Department of the Interior.

August 25 is the campaign’s main day of action and marks the National Park Service’s 110th anniversary. However, related events will run from August 22 through September 1 in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Montana, Utah, Washington state, Minnesota and elsewhere.

Not every event will resemble a traditional street protest. The campaign includes advocacy stations, public presentations, community gatherings, conservation work and park celebrations.

The National Parks Conservation Association says the Park Service has lost nearly a quarter of its permanent workforce since January 2025. Those losses include rangers, maintenance workers, educators, scientists, historians and emergency personnel.

Advocates say staff shortages have forced parks to reduce educational programs, limit visitor services and delay maintenance, research and conservation work. They also warn that fewer employees could weaken emergency responses and put natural and historic resources at risk.

The Trump administration rejects claims that it is undermining the parks. Officials say its policies will expand recreational access, reduce unnecessary regulations and raise money for park infrastructure.

But park advocates argue that funding for roads and buildings cannot replace the experienced people needed to protect visitors, wildlife and historic sites.