Our National Parks Are in Crisis: Why It Matters and How You Can Help In 2025

What’s Happening to Our National Parks?
Why This Affects Everyone—Including Eloping Couples
What You Can Do to Help
Why Nature Preservation Matters
Get Involved: Resources to Help

If you’ve wanted to visit a national park on vacation, or have dreamed of eloping in a national park with breathtaking views, you are not alone. These protected lands are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the world. But right now in 2025, our national parks are in crisis. Now more than ever, the U.S. National Parks and Forests need our help.

Due to recent budget cuts under the Trump administration, staffing shortages, and record-breaking crowds, the future of these cherished landscapes is uncertain. As adventure elopement photographers and videographers at Elope With TKM, we’ve seen firsthand the impacts of these challenges—and why they matter to anyone who loves the great outdoors.

What’s Happening to Our National Parks?

National parks and forests across the U.S. have always faced budget cuts, but now in February 2025, we’re facing a new type of crisis. The Trump administration’s decision to reduce the federal workforce led to the firing of approximately 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) and 3,400 US Forest Service employees as part of a government downsizing effort. These permanent staff cuts have raised concerns about the potential impacts on park maintenance, operating hours, and public safety.

Popular national parks are now even more understaffed, resulting in reduced visitor center hours, uncleaned restrooms, delayed maintenance, and closed campgrounds. Seasonal staff (essential during peak visitor months) are also affected, which will impact tourism as well as the safety and enjoyment of millions of yearly park visitors.

At the same time, more people than ever are flocking to these beautiful places, putting strain on already limited resources. Without enough rangers, trails go unmaintained, wildlife faces greater threats, and emergency services become stretched thin.

Climate change also plays a role—rising temperatures, wildfires, and unpredictable weather patterns are reshaping the landscapes we love. When parks are underfunded, they have fewer resources to respond to these crises.

AND, as of mid February 2025, there is a new secretarial order (SO 3418) which is currently reviewing national monuments and public land (your national parks and forests) for the purpose of oil drilling and mining.

Without action, we risk losing the natural beauty and solitude that make these places so special.

Why This Affects Everyone—Including Eloping Couples

If you’re considering a national park elopement, these challenges could directly impact your plans. Fewer staff means fewer permits available, longer processing times, and potentially more restrictions in place to control crowds. Overcrowding can make it harder to find those intimate, secluded spots, and some areas may be temporarily closed due to environmental damage.

Beyond elopements, the loss of national park resources affects travelers, hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. If we don’t take care of these lands, they won’t be the same (or even exist!) for future generations.

National Park Elopement Photo Video Duo In Yosemite National Park, California

What You Can Do to Help

Even small actions make a big difference when it comes to protecting our national parks. Here’s how you can do your part:

Follow Leave No Trace Principles – Stick to designated trails, pack out all waste, and leave nature as you found it. This helps prevent damage to delicate ecosystems.

Respect Wildlife – Never feed or approach animals. Human interference disrupts their natural behaviors and can be dangerous for both animals and visitors.

Follow Fire and Trail Rules – With wildfire risks drastically increasing, it’s more important than ever to follow fire restrictions and also to stay on marked trails to avoid damaging fragile landscapes.

Be Kind to Park Staff – Rangers and staff are working hard with limited resources. A little patience and gratitude go a long way.

Support Conservation Efforts – Donate to or volunteer with organizations that help preserve national parks. Groups like the National Park Foundation and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics provide valuable resources.

Advocate for National Parks – Contact your representatives and urge them to prioritize funding and protection for public lands.

Why Nature Preservation Matters

Our national parks and forests are more than just scenic backdrops—they are vital ecosystems, cultural landmarks, and places of refuge from the chaos of everyday life.

Protecting them ensures that future generations can experience their beauty and wonder. Whether you’re eloping in the mountains, hiking through the desert, or simply enjoying the fresh air, we all have a role in safeguarding these spaces.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island, Hawai’i

Get Involved: Resources to Help

National Parks Conservation Association – Advocates for policies that protect national parks. Use your voice to advocate for parks, and easily send a prewritten (or self-written) message directly to congress here.

National Park Foundation – Supports conservation and preservation efforts.

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics – Offers education on minimizing human impact in nature.

Volunteer.gov – Connects volunteers with opportunities to help maintain public lands.

Taking action today by making your voice heard (sending a prewritten message to congress, contacting your representatives, etc), donating to the National Park Foundation, and acting on Leave No Trace practices while traveling can help preserve our national parks for tomorrow.

Whether you’re planning an elopement or just love the great outdoors, your efforts matter. Let’s work together to protect these incredible places so that they remain wild, beautiful, and accessible for all.