The Department of the Interior Proposes Major Budget Cuts to National Park Service

DOI circulated a memorandum Thursday night announcing a workforce realignment to emphasize visitor-facing roles, accompanied by a White House 2027 budget proposal that would reduce NPS funding by about 20 percent. This structural shift could reshape how parks are managed nationwide, with potential consequences for stewardship and conservation.

The Department of the Interior proposes a $736 million budget cut to the National Park Service.

The NPS employs roughly 20,000 people across 2,400 locations, operating on an annual budget of $3.2 billion. The proposed budget would reduce the construction budget by about 72 percent compared to 2025, and in 2025 layoffs eliminated about 1,000 NPS jobs. DOI is offering deferred resignation and voluntary early retirement options, and has not specified how many positions will be affected or when changes will take effect. Critics warn these moves risk accelerating damage to national parks, while Secretary Doug Burgum frames them as modernizing efforts to enhance service.

Montana businesses and communities that rely on tourism and outdoor recreation could face ripple effects if park staffing diminishes. The state’s economy might feel pressure as visitor experiences and resource management adjust to these federal shifts. Montana’s rugged landscapes and dispersed populations may also influence how workforce realignment impacts local park operations and regional economic activity.