Iowa park ranger frustrated by sudden layoff as part of Trump purge
- Thread starter cigaretteman
- Start date
It's literally impossible to have done enough research into all these departments to justify the layoffs/terminations.
It would be a different discussion if it was done after, say, maybe a year.
This is nothing but a vindictive, knee jerk reaction to fulfil some random campaign promise. And the decision comes from some clown who reports to no one.
It would be a different discussion if it was done after, say, maybe a year.
This is nothing but a vindictive, knee jerk reaction to fulfil some random campaign promise. And the decision comes from some clown who reports to no one.
Maybe we don’t need ICE, maybe we don’t need law enforcement, maybe we don’t need social security offices, maybe we don’t need IRS workers maybe . . . . .
Might wanna look up the Inflation Reduction Act, and the impacts on flyover country for renewables generation.
This (^) is the problem.
The thing is, no one is arguing that there isn't bloat, inefficiency and redundancy in the federal government....just like all very large organizations. Some might argue degrees, but no one says it simply doesn't exist.
However, making blanket terminations of low-hanging fruit based on the most cursory employment elements seems like impractical, superficial, lazy grandstanding...something Trumpy Bear is good at.
Most importantly, it's VERY difficult to trust that these are the guys who will be the ones to finally effect meaningful positive "right-sizing" changes to the federal bureaucracy without ultimately causing way more problems than they solve.
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National parks are a net positive to the economy estimated at $30B per year. It's either vindictive, first step towards privatization or just plain stupid
So much of this. And it's just not worth getting into the details of this because the DOGErs just don't get it. Until it's too late.
It may be privatization, but not of the parks activity and continued access to the public. It will be selling off the resources/rights to corporations or the rich.
Hope nobody was planning to be camping at Yosemite and other national parks this summer!
We're missing one of your HITMAN posts. Please do oblige us with your wit and humor. I have some ice cold sprite.
I read that they've begun the rif's in the Forest Service. Park Rangers, fire fighters, etc...
The people that perform these jobs - imagine WANTING to do a job like this, the kind of people that WANT to do these kinds of jobs. The devotion to maintaining these national treasures for the people of this country that these people have.
So, when they begin going up in smoke this summer and they don't have nearly enough boots on the ground to keep them safe - remember these days, MAGAt's.
The people that perform these jobs - imagine WANTING to do a job like this, the kind of people that WANT to do these kinds of jobs. The devotion to maintaining these national treasures for the people of this country that these people have.
So, when they begin going up in smoke this summer and they don't have nearly enough boots on the ground to keep them safe - remember these days, MAGAt's.
Yes....but just think how much Elno and Bezos will be saving on their 2025 taxes!!!!
Oh, I am sure you and our family have lots of healthy, normal experiences at one of our state parks. Probably with friends, too. It's just weird that you can't name 5 of them.
Better take your own Port-a-potty and TP this year.
And watch out for stepping in other human poop for people who didn't.
Someone should ask this terminated Park employee who he voted for.
Cause I have ZERO sympathy for affected terminations if those people sided with President Musk.
Cause I have ZERO sympathy for affected terminations if those people sided with President Musk.
I doubt many in the park service would be Trumpers.
Most are involved actively in conservation efforts, in line w/ the Parks' objectives.
But, there could be a few.
Good job MAGA
Terminated, Effective Immediately
At the risk of exposing what a nerd I am, I’ll tell you that when I first opened my Forest Service uniform, I held my badge and cried. I was so proud to be part of the agency whose mission is “caring for the land and serving people”. I thought about how proud my dad would be. He instilled in me a sense of duty, patriotism, and a strong desire to do what’s right, especially when people need it most.
For the past 19.5 months, I’ve been working in disaster recovery for the National Forests in North Carolina. I worked on 6 hurricanes or major storms and a dozen or more wildfires during that time, including deployments to western states.
I also took a temp promotion as the District Ranger for the Grandfather Ranger District two weeks before Hurricane Helene ravaged Pisgah National Forest, western NC, and other states. While my own family didn’t have power or a way to keep food and medication cold, I went in and worked 19 days straight before someone made me take a break.
I led the District to the best of my ability through something none of us signed up for. I had to. People needed us. Our first focus was clearing a path to get to 35 kids and their teachers who were trapped in a facility behind several landslides and giant piles of debris. After that, we focused on supporting search and rescue, clearing roads for emergency access, and helping everywhere we could.
I returned to my normal role on the disaster recovery team in January and started working towards long-term recovery for the Forest and our local communities. On Thursday, I stood on the ruined part of I-40 with a team planning how to stick an interstate back on the side of a mountain. People probably don’t realize that portion sits on National Forest land and cannot be fixed without Forest Service employees. That afternoon we got word that 14 of our employees were indiscriminately fired. All of them were actively working on hurricane recovery.
Yesterday, I received the call that I was being fired. We’ve lost 17 in total from the National Forests in North Carolina. Every single one was working on hurricane recovery projects. The majority of them hold firefighter or incident management qualifications and actively support wildfire operations. The US Forest Service has reportedly lost more than 4000 employees at this point. More than 10% of the agency.
My termination letter said it was “based on performance”. The supervisor that called me said I was the best hire they had ever made. My performance reviews have always been excellent. I love what I do and, like so many of my colleagues, I care about getting it right to meet our mission.
In my time working for this agency, I think I’ve made a difference. Besides growing personally and professionally, I’ve tried to be an example of a strong, caring woman for my daughters. I talk with them about how we can do hard things and we should always “do what we can, with what we have, where we’re at.” When I told them that I wasn’t allowed to do my job anymore, they cried with me. We have all sacrificed for my work. I’ve taught them to believe it matters.
It still matters.
I hope I get to do it again one day.
Terminated, Effective Immediately
At the risk of exposing what a nerd I am, I’ll tell you that when I first opened my Forest Service uniform, I held my badge and cried. I was so proud to be part of the agency whose mission is “caring for the land and serving people”. I thought about how proud my dad would be. He instilled in me a sense of duty, patriotism, and a strong desire to do what’s right, especially when people need it most.
For the past 19.5 months, I’ve been working in disaster recovery for the National Forests in North Carolina. I worked on 6 hurricanes or major storms and a dozen or more wildfires during that time, including deployments to western states.
I also took a temp promotion as the District Ranger for the Grandfather Ranger District two weeks before Hurricane Helene ravaged Pisgah National Forest, western NC, and other states. While my own family didn’t have power or a way to keep food and medication cold, I went in and worked 19 days straight before someone made me take a break.
I led the District to the best of my ability through something none of us signed up for. I had to. People needed us. Our first focus was clearing a path to get to 35 kids and their teachers who were trapped in a facility behind several landslides and giant piles of debris. After that, we focused on supporting search and rescue, clearing roads for emergency access, and helping everywhere we could.
I returned to my normal role on the disaster recovery team in January and started working towards long-term recovery for the Forest and our local communities. On Thursday, I stood on the ruined part of I-40 with a team planning how to stick an interstate back on the side of a mountain. People probably don’t realize that portion sits on National Forest land and cannot be fixed without Forest Service employees. That afternoon we got word that 14 of our employees were indiscriminately fired. All of them were actively working on hurricane recovery.
Yesterday, I received the call that I was being fired. We’ve lost 17 in total from the National Forests in North Carolina. Every single one was working on hurricane recovery projects. The majority of them hold firefighter or incident management qualifications and actively support wildfire operations. The US Forest Service has reportedly lost more than 4000 employees at this point. More than 10% of the agency.
My termination letter said it was “based on performance”. The supervisor that called me said I was the best hire they had ever made. My performance reviews have always been excellent. I love what I do and, like so many of my colleagues, I care about getting it right to meet our mission.
In my time working for this agency, I think I’ve made a difference. Besides growing personally and professionally, I’ve tried to be an example of a strong, caring woman for my daughters. I talk with them about how we can do hard things and we should always “do what we can, with what we have, where we’re at.” When I told them that I wasn’t allowed to do my job anymore, they cried with me. We have all sacrificed for my work. I’ve taught them to believe it matters.
It still matters.
I hope I get to do it again one day.
Posted from another site, referring to RMNP layoffs:
"In the last few days, we've seen Rocky Mountain National Park take a major hit. For the past several years, Rocky has struggled with being significantly understaffed, making it difficult to operate a park that sees over 4 million visitors annually. From 2012 to 2019, Rocky experienced a 58% increase in visitation and a 16% decrease in staffing. Since then, staffing issues have remained tenuous.
The cost of living has skyrocketed, especially in Estes Park, but park staffing budgets have not kept up. Many people assume that entrance fees should generate enough income to cover staffing costs, but entrance fees cannot be used for permanent park staffing.
Additionally, a significant portion of those funds is distributed to other national parks. Because of this and other factors, staffing at Rocky has been a growing problem for many years now. On Valentine’s Day, just a couple of days ago, a significant number of Rocky Mountain National Park employees were fired—employees essential to the park's operations. I just spoke with one of them, who lost their job and may now lose their home as well. This individual worked in search and rescue, as a paramedic in the park, and at the park entrance station. It would be difficult to classify them as non-essential.
Getting a job at a national park like Rocky is not easy. It typically requires a degree in the natural sciences, years of unpaid volunteer work, and eventually securing a paid position—one that does not offer high wages. Those who pursue this path do so out of passion, a passion for our natural world. These are truly special people.The impact of these staffing cuts on the park remains uncertain. I have been unable to obtain any information directly from the national park staff, as they are not permitted to discuss the situation or its effects. They can only direct inquiries to a contact in Washington, D.C. As a result, we are facing an information blackout, leaving us uncertain about how severe the consequences will be this summer.
Our national parks generated over $55.6 billion in economic output to our country in 2023, primarily through gateway communities like Estes Park and Grand Lake. This figure represents a $5 billion increase from the previous year. Yet, in an effort to “cut government corruption”, decision-makers may be creating a situation where the economic damage far outweighs any savings. Firing staff who weren't that well paid and who are absolutely essential is insane. This year, it is highly likely that Rocky Mountain National Park will experience long entrance lines, overflowing trash cans and restrooms, fewer rangers available to assist and educate visitors, and an increased risk of fatalities due to inadequate search and rescue staffing.
Would you want to visit a park under these conditions? Probably not—meaning these staffing cuts may result in decreased visitation and reduced economic activity in nearby communities. How is this helpful?
If the goal is to eliminate government waste and corruption, the approach should be precise, like a surgeon’s scalpel, targeting areas where inefficiencies are clear and cuts would have minimal impact. Instead, it seems like a blindfold and a machete were used. The U.S. Forest Service and other agencies responsible for protecting our public lands are facing similar struggles. I, for one, am deeply concerned, and I believe you should be too.-------Now before everyone goes and comments with polarized political perspectives let me say that anger, hate, and attacking are all unproductive. We need to simply address what is not working and have it fixed. Voice your support for our national lands and for our park rangers, bring to light what is not right, but let go of your hate as it only leads to more of the same."
"In the last few days, we've seen Rocky Mountain National Park take a major hit. For the past several years, Rocky has struggled with being significantly understaffed, making it difficult to operate a park that sees over 4 million visitors annually. From 2012 to 2019, Rocky experienced a 58% increase in visitation and a 16% decrease in staffing. Since then, staffing issues have remained tenuous.
The cost of living has skyrocketed, especially in Estes Park, but park staffing budgets have not kept up. Many people assume that entrance fees should generate enough income to cover staffing costs, but entrance fees cannot be used for permanent park staffing.
Additionally, a significant portion of those funds is distributed to other national parks. Because of this and other factors, staffing at Rocky has been a growing problem for many years now. On Valentine’s Day, just a couple of days ago, a significant number of Rocky Mountain National Park employees were fired—employees essential to the park's operations. I just spoke with one of them, who lost their job and may now lose their home as well. This individual worked in search and rescue, as a paramedic in the park, and at the park entrance station. It would be difficult to classify them as non-essential.
Getting a job at a national park like Rocky is not easy. It typically requires a degree in the natural sciences, years of unpaid volunteer work, and eventually securing a paid position—one that does not offer high wages. Those who pursue this path do so out of passion, a passion for our natural world. These are truly special people.The impact of these staffing cuts on the park remains uncertain. I have been unable to obtain any information directly from the national park staff, as they are not permitted to discuss the situation or its effects. They can only direct inquiries to a contact in Washington, D.C. As a result, we are facing an information blackout, leaving us uncertain about how severe the consequences will be this summer.
Our national parks generated over $55.6 billion in economic output to our country in 2023, primarily through gateway communities like Estes Park and Grand Lake. This figure represents a $5 billion increase from the previous year. Yet, in an effort to “cut government corruption”, decision-makers may be creating a situation where the economic damage far outweighs any savings. Firing staff who weren't that well paid and who are absolutely essential is insane. This year, it is highly likely that Rocky Mountain National Park will experience long entrance lines, overflowing trash cans and restrooms, fewer rangers available to assist and educate visitors, and an increased risk of fatalities due to inadequate search and rescue staffing.
Would you want to visit a park under these conditions? Probably not—meaning these staffing cuts may result in decreased visitation and reduced economic activity in nearby communities. How is this helpful?
If the goal is to eliminate government waste and corruption, the approach should be precise, like a surgeon’s scalpel, targeting areas where inefficiencies are clear and cuts would have minimal impact. Instead, it seems like a blindfold and a machete were used. The U.S. Forest Service and other agencies responsible for protecting our public lands are facing similar struggles. I, for one, am deeply concerned, and I believe you should be too.-------Now before everyone goes and comments with polarized political perspectives let me say that anger, hate, and attacking are all unproductive. We need to simply address what is not working and have it fixed. Voice your support for our national lands and for our park rangers, bring to light what is not right, but let go of your hate as it only leads to more of the same."
After 18+ years of federal service I was fired on Friday, February 14.
I was a career employee with over 18 years of service working for the US Forest Service when I took a promotional position with a different federal agency, the US Fish and Wildlife Service. While my service time, retirement, and leave balances all transferred with me, because I switched to a different agency I was subject to another 1-year probation period. And because of this probationary status I was fired.
The recent Fork in the Road email sent to federal employees stated that "our performance standards will be updated to reward and promote those that exceed expectations." I have always received outstanding performance reviews throughout my career, and yet the termination notice I was emailed claimed "your knowledge, skills, and abilities do not meet the Department’s current needs." The truth is, I was fired for no other reason than I was in a probationary period as a result of having taken a promotion. Is this how the Trump/Elon administration rewards excellence, by firing people for taking a promotion?
Is it making our government more efficient to mass fire people with no strategy for which positions are vacated? Many federal agencies are already severely understaffed with people doing the work of 2-3 positions. From what I have seen in my 18+ years of service with the federal government, the primary source of inefficiency is the staffing gaps that occur with too many vacant positions to be able to be effective. If you don't put gas in the car you can't blame the car when it stops running.
I was a career employee with over 18 years of service working for the US Forest Service when I took a promotional position with a different federal agency, the US Fish and Wildlife Service. While my service time, retirement, and leave balances all transferred with me, because I switched to a different agency I was subject to another 1-year probation period. And because of this probationary status I was fired.
The recent Fork in the Road email sent to federal employees stated that "our performance standards will be updated to reward and promote those that exceed expectations." I have always received outstanding performance reviews throughout my career, and yet the termination notice I was emailed claimed "your knowledge, skills, and abilities do not meet the Department’s current needs." The truth is, I was fired for no other reason than I was in a probationary period as a result of having taken a promotion. Is this how the Trump/Elon administration rewards excellence, by firing people for taking a promotion?
Is it making our government more efficient to mass fire people with no strategy for which positions are vacated? Many federal agencies are already severely understaffed with people doing the work of 2-3 positions. From what I have seen in my 18+ years of service with the federal government, the primary source of inefficiency is the staffing gaps that occur with too many vacant positions to be able to be effective. If you don't put gas in the car you can't blame the car when it stops running.
I was terminated from my dream job as a Ranger in the National Park Service this weekend. At least half or more of my department was also terminated, so far.
Our beloved careers were simply ripped out from under us without just cause. We received an email from someone we don’t even know after work hours last weekend saying we were “determined to be unfit in knowledge, skills, and abilities.” Yet, whoever made those decisions never looked into the education, training, certifications, abilities, experience, and skills that we have spent years perfecting to qualify for this highly competitive job, or the good hard work we were out there every day doing in our parks. I have had nothing but outstanding performance reviews and praise from my supervisors, who were absolutely torn apart to lose us. They had nothing to do with the decision or selection of who got terminated, and were holding back their tears when I met them at headquarters to turn in my badge and keys.
The mass termination that is happening in many departments is supposed to reduce the federal workforce and save the US government some money. At the Gulf Islands National Seashore, from what I understand, we aren’t paid with base funds-we collect entrance and camping fees at our park; which pays for the salaries of our staff, improvements to the park, protecting the resources, restoration projects, educational programs, etc., and we also give a large percent (20%) of our money to the government to help fund other parks, projects, and the country… on top of that, I was earning a very meager salary that did not even fully cover my rent and bills and I had to pick up shifts every month at a local restaurant to make ends meet while working full time as a federal employee… I did this job not for financial gain, but because I am passionate about the National Park Service and believe in protecting the nation’s cultural and natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
Our country is going to be in a lot of trouble in the coming years. The current administration is dismantling everything we have spent decades & even centuries to build right before our eyes, and they are doing it very quickly with no thought for the consequences. This needs to be stopped if we hope to have anything of value left for the future generations of the United States of America.
I am incredibly thankful for my NPS colleagues, supervisors, and all of the amazing experiences I got to have while proudly wearing my uniform serving the country and protecting my park.
Our beloved careers were simply ripped out from under us without just cause. We received an email from someone we don’t even know after work hours last weekend saying we were “determined to be unfit in knowledge, skills, and abilities.” Yet, whoever made those decisions never looked into the education, training, certifications, abilities, experience, and skills that we have spent years perfecting to qualify for this highly competitive job, or the good hard work we were out there every day doing in our parks. I have had nothing but outstanding performance reviews and praise from my supervisors, who were absolutely torn apart to lose us. They had nothing to do with the decision or selection of who got terminated, and were holding back their tears when I met them at headquarters to turn in my badge and keys.
The mass termination that is happening in many departments is supposed to reduce the federal workforce and save the US government some money. At the Gulf Islands National Seashore, from what I understand, we aren’t paid with base funds-we collect entrance and camping fees at our park; which pays for the salaries of our staff, improvements to the park, protecting the resources, restoration projects, educational programs, etc., and we also give a large percent (20%) of our money to the government to help fund other parks, projects, and the country… on top of that, I was earning a very meager salary that did not even fully cover my rent and bills and I had to pick up shifts every month at a local restaurant to make ends meet while working full time as a federal employee… I did this job not for financial gain, but because I am passionate about the National Park Service and believe in protecting the nation’s cultural and natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
Our country is going to be in a lot of trouble in the coming years. The current administration is dismantling everything we have spent decades & even centuries to build right before our eyes, and they are doing it very quickly with no thought for the consequences. This needs to be stopped if we hope to have anything of value left for the future generations of the United States of America.
I am incredibly thankful for my NPS colleagues, supervisors, and all of the amazing experiences I got to have while proudly wearing my uniform serving the country and protecting my park.
Hello everyone. I just lost my job with the US Forest Service after nearly 9 years of service because I am a Schedule A probationary employee. The reasoning that the new administration put on my termination letter is:
“The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your
further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest. For this reason, the Agency
informs you that the Agency is removing you from your position of FRSTRY TECHNCN (RES)
with the Agency and the federal civil service effective immediately.”
My performance evaluations all state that I have been fully successful in my role, and I am a front line employee who is directly public facing out in the field. I have been a type 2 Firefighter since 2018 and have worked on multiple wildfires, as well as called in multiple fires throughout my time in service. I am a Forest Protection Officer, and have written tickets to people causing resource damage in our forest and prevented numerous people from lighting fireworks out in the national forests. I have cleaned up thousands of pounds of trash and educated countless visitors on leave no trace and ethics. I based my college studies around working in the outdoors for the Forest service. Although I am young, I have dedicated my life to this career I have chosen.
Only now, it has been ripped out from under me.
I hope you all who are reading this can understand just how devastating these terminations are for federal employees. Thousands of hard working, dedicated people have lost their jobs because the new administration does not see us as worthy of keeping. They are targeting people who barely make a livable wage, such as myself who lives check to check in an expensive mountain town. Please stay informed and fight for us. These are incredibly scary times and I have never felt so vulnerable in my career.
On another note, if anyone knows of any recreation or natural resource jobs hiring, I am all ears. I’m open to anything just so I can put food on my table, coffee shop or book store, anything.
Thank you to all who have reached out to me and offered support. It means so much more than you’ll ever know. Love to you all.
“The Agency finds, based on your performance, that you have not demonstrated that your
further employment at the Agency would be in the public interest. For this reason, the Agency
informs you that the Agency is removing you from your position of FRSTRY TECHNCN (RES)
with the Agency and the federal civil service effective immediately.”
My performance evaluations all state that I have been fully successful in my role, and I am a front line employee who is directly public facing out in the field. I have been a type 2 Firefighter since 2018 and have worked on multiple wildfires, as well as called in multiple fires throughout my time in service. I am a Forest Protection Officer, and have written tickets to people causing resource damage in our forest and prevented numerous people from lighting fireworks out in the national forests. I have cleaned up thousands of pounds of trash and educated countless visitors on leave no trace and ethics. I based my college studies around working in the outdoors for the Forest service. Although I am young, I have dedicated my life to this career I have chosen.
Only now, it has been ripped out from under me.
I hope you all who are reading this can understand just how devastating these terminations are for federal employees. Thousands of hard working, dedicated people have lost their jobs because the new administration does not see us as worthy of keeping. They are targeting people who barely make a livable wage, such as myself who lives check to check in an expensive mountain town. Please stay informed and fight for us. These are incredibly scary times and I have never felt so vulnerable in my career.
On another note, if anyone knows of any recreation or natural resource jobs hiring, I am all ears. I’m open to anything just so I can put food on my table, coffee shop or book store, anything.
Thank you to all who have reached out to me and offered support. It means so much more than you’ll ever know. Love to you all.
Sad. this will cost the US more in the long run.
If you aren't following "Alt National Park Service" it is pretty interesting reads.
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