Hundreds of Rangers “Consolidated” to DOI; NPS Communications Now Under DOGE Oversight
May 6, 2025
Contact: resistanceranger@proton.me
In a new move by the Trump administration to hide the continued dismantling of the National Park Service, hundreds of employees were removed from NPS on Sunday, May 4. Affected staff received an email Friday informing them that they were being moved into the Department of the Interior, the agency that oversees NPS. A total count of “consolidated” employees has not been provided, but internal communications suggested it would affect over 1,600 staff—9% of the remaining workforce.
These employees work in parks across the country, serving as spokespeople, IT workers, and media staff who manage websites, update park social media, and design interpretive signs and exhibits. In at least four parks, emergency services dispatchers were also consolidated to DOI.
The email did not include details about what this means for affected employees, but noted that they would receive new email addresses and government IDs, while their supervisory structure “will not change immediately.”
This move establishes direct oversight of park communications by the Department of the Interior. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has delegated authority to DOGE staffer and former oil executive Tyler Hassen. Park signage, press releases, websites, digital media, social media posts, and other online content will be directly under the authority of DOI.
Consolidation notices were also received by staff that manage NPS’s agency-wide employee training programs, putting training of rangers in DOGE control. Staff at Harper’s Ferry Center, the hub that produces media, exhibits, and the iconic park maps, were also shifted to DOI.
“I live and work at a park in a remote area, and I am the only staff member with the skills to create wayside exhibits and media that tell my park’s story and help visitors explore safely,” said a consolidated ranger. “I’ve devoted my career to the NPS, and I’m confused and sad. I’m afraid this is designed to make it easier for DOGE to quietly eliminate my job by saying it’s redundant with other DOI positions—which it’s not. Nobody in Washington, DC could do my work.”
Separately, a mass firing of up to 1,500 employees is expected to begin later this week, focused on regional and national programs that support park operations. Together with consolidations, that move would bring NPS staff losses under DOGE and the Trump administration to 28%.
Resistance Rangers is a group of 1000+ off-duty NPS rangers. Our goal is to mobilize support for rangers and public lands, and inspire people to take action to protect them. Learn more at @resistancerangers on Instagram and BlueSky.
Organizers do not represent the National Park Service or Department of the Interior. Views and attitudes expressed in this News Release do not reflect views and attitudes of the NPS or DOI.