Protecting Our Parks: The Fight for Public Lands

Hundreds of people gathered at national parks in Southern California to voice their concerns about the future of public lands. The protests were sparked by the recent mass firings of federal employees, including many who worked in national parks. Protesters in Joshua Tree National Park waved American flags and held signs expressing their fears about the potential for commercial development in these protected areas. At King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, a group of over 100 protesters led by filmmaker Cris Graves shared their memories and fears about the future of public lands. They discussed concerns about oil and gas drilling, as well as other industrial uses that could threaten these natural spaces. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as attendees broke into smaller groups to discuss why public lands mattered to them personally. Omar Pichardo, a field organizer with the Council of Mexican Federations in North America, highlighted a different concern. He raised awareness about the potential threats to undocumented residents who might feel unsafe visiting federal parks due to the presence of U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. This added layer of worry underscored the broader implications of the recent government actions. The protests were organized by Resistance Rangers, a group of off-duty park rangers dedicated to saving public lands and protecting civil servants. Their mission is to educate the public and advocate for the preservation of these natural treasures. The organizers emphasized that this was just the beginning of their efforts to create a movement for change. Heather Felix, a 42-year-old engineer, showed her support by jogging between intersections with her 3-year-old goldendoodle, Hazelnut, who was dressed in matching butterfly wings and a pink mohawk. Felix believes that the federal workers were fired illegally and wanted to show her support for them. She emphasized the importance of being vocal and standing up against those in power. The mass firings of federal employees, including nearly 1, 000 National Park Service workers, have left many parks operating at reduced capacity. Joshua Tree National Park, for example, is now functioning at a 30% vacancy rate. This has raised concerns about safety and the overall management of the parks. The protests also highlighted the personal stories of those affected by the firings. Katie Preston, a former park ranger, shared her love for the Santa Monica Mountains, where she grew up and later worked as an archaeological technician. She expressed her deep affection for the park and the regret she felt over losing her job. Kallie Martinez, another park ranger, was fired just minutes before her shift ended. She had been working in the Santa Monica Mountains since 2020 and was considered probationary because her most recent position started in June. Martinez was one of only two federal workers responding to emergencies in the park, and her knowledge of the area was invaluable. She now faces the challenge of finding new housing and health insurance. The protests also included younger voices, like 12-year-old Noemi Arias, who made her own sign demanding the rehiring of park rangers. She emphasized the importance of protecting public lands for future generations, noting that many kids have magical experiences in national parks. A federal judge in San Francisco ruled that the mass firings of probationary government employees were likely unlawful. However, the decision did not immediately reinstate the fired employees or guarantee that more terminations won't take place in the future. The National Park Service has stated that it is hiring seasonal workers as part of its efforts to optimize and innovate workforce management. The protests also highlighted the economic impact of national parks on local communities. Joshua Tree National Park, for example, is a significant tourism draw that helps sustain the local economy. Community members emphasized the importance of protected natural areas for clean water and fresh air, noting that the destruction of these lands would have dire consequences for the species. The city of Twentynine Palms took a precautionary step to ensure that the Joshua Tree National Park visitor's center remains open. The City Council voted to amend the center's lease, transferring some obligations from the Park Service to the Joshua Tree National Park Association. This move aims to prevent the center's closure, which could harm the downtown area and prevent visitors from receiving important safety information. The protests in Southern California were part of a broader movement to protect public lands and the people who work to preserve them. The organizers and participants emphasized the need for continued vigilance and action to safeguard these natural treasures for future generations.