National Park After Dark - Episode 285: A Love Worth Fighting For. Speaking Up For Our Public Lands

Released on March 3, 2025 by Audioboom Studios

Overview

In Episode 285 of National Park After Dark, hosts Danielle and Cassie delve into a pressing and emotional issue affecting America's treasured public lands: the recent mass termination of thousands of public land service employees. This episode seeks to shed light on the circumstances leading to these layoffs, the profound impact on national parks and forests, and the voices of those directly affected. Through in-depth interviews with former park rangers Alex Wild, Morgan Smith, and Liz Crandall, the hosts aim to inform, educate, and inspire listeners to take action in defending and preserving these natural sanctuaries.

Context of the Terminations

The episode begins with Danielle and Cassie addressing the shock and outrage surrounding the sudden dismissal of over 5,400 public land workers on February 14, 2025. These layoffs affect employees from the Forest Service, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service. The departures have sparked confusion, anger, and sadness among conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Danielle emphasizes, "There are thousands of public land workers removed from their jobs... people are really worried about our landscapes, our public lands, which we think is totally warranted."

Cassie provides further context, explaining that the termination is a direct result of executive orders from the Trump administration aimed at reducing federal spending and expanding natural resource exploitation.

Interview with Alex Wild: The Impact on Yosemite and Devil's Postpile

[10:10] Danielle introduces Alex Wild, a seasoned park ranger from Yosemite and Devil's Postpile, who was among the 1,000 National Park Service employees terminated.

Alex Wild shares his 15-year journey with the Park Service, highlighting the multifaceted nature of his role—from trail maintenance and emergency response to leading educational programs like the Junior Ranger initiative.

Alex Wild [12:49]: "Sometimes I'm actually saving someone's life... but those days are also the most rewarding... doing education programs, like field trips and teaching them about geology and the importance of parks."

Alex elaborates on the consequences of his termination, noting that without his presence, response times for emergencies could increase from minutes to hours, jeopardizing visitor safety and the integrity of park programs.

Cassie probes into common misconceptions, and Alex clarifies that his termination was not performance-based but due to his probationary status.

Alex Wild [18:05]: "Being probationary doesn't mean we did something wrong... it's just based on when you were hired."

He passionately discusses the potential collapse of essential programs and the broader implications for park conservation and visitor experience.

Interview with Morgan Smith: The Critical Role of Biological Science Technicians

[40:10] Transitioning to Morgan Smith, a biological science technician recently terminated from the U.S. Forest Service, the conversation explores her vital work in monitoring endangered species and maintaining ecological balance.

Morgan Smith details her responsibilities, including population counts for amphibians and bighorn sheep, nest checks for bald eagles and peregrine falcons, and projects like beaver mitigation and wildlife-friendly fencing.

Morgan Smith [44:19]: "Amphibians are good bio indicators of water pollution... the presence of them indicates good water quality."

She explains how the layoffs cripple the Forest Service's ability to conduct essential environmental assessments and enforce conservation measures.

Cassie and Danielle discuss the ripple effects of losing skilled technicians, emphasizing the heightened risks of wildlife disturbances and environmental degradation.

Alex Wild [26:56]: "The park staff is like our own little ecosystem, and when you start taking little pieces out, then things are going to fall apart."

Morgan expresses her determination to fight the termination, highlighting legal avenues and support from unions and law firms aimed at challenging the layoffs.

Morgan Smith [85:34]: "I have the rights as an employee, even when you're probationary... It's not legal to just toss somebody out without cause."

Interview with Liz Crandall: Legal Implications and the Fight for Fairness

[77:13] The final interview features Liz Crandall, a former field ranger from Deschutes National Forest, who discusses the legality of her termination and the broader impact on forest conservation efforts.

Liz Crandall outlines her extensive background with the Forest Service, emphasizing her competitive hire status and significant contributions over the years.

Liz Crandall [78:53]: "I've achieved cash awards every year for my good work and recognition. So that's not true [performance issues]."

She critiques the administration's misuse of probationary status to unjustly terminate qualified employees without valid performance-related reasons, violating federal regulations.

Liz Crandall [93:15]: "Probationary employees can be fired for any reason or for no reason, which isn't true. You have to follow the code of federal regulation and you have to be fired for a just cause."

Liz underscores the systemic issues within the federal government's downsizing efforts, pointing out that the lack of transparency and fair process renders these layoffs not only unethical but illegal.

Key Points and Insights

1. Severe Understaffing Threatens Park Integrity: The mass layoffs result in significant staffing shortages, hindering essential services like search and rescue, wildlife monitoring, trail maintenance, and educational programs.

2. Misuse of Probationary Status: Employees were terminated under the guise of probationary performance issues, despite strong performance records, suggesting a strategic maneuver to downsize without proper cause.

3. Interconnected Impact on Ecosystems and Communities: Reduced staffing compromises the management of wildlife, increases the risk of human-wildlife conflicts, and negatively affects local economies dependent on eco-tourism.

4. Legal and Ethical Concerns: Terminations appear to violate federal regulations protecting probationary employees, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the administration's actions.

5. Public Outcry and Mobilization: There is a significant public response, with advocates urging listeners to support affected employees through petitions, donations, and direct communication with representatives.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Danielle and Cassie conclude the episode by outlining actionable steps for listeners to support the public lands and their protectors:

• Reach Out to Representatives: Use provided templates and contact information to communicate with local lawmakers about the importance of reversing the layoffs and supporting national parks.

• Support Local Friends Groups: Donate or volunteer with organizations like the Yosemite Conservancy to help sustain park operations amidst staffing shortages.

• Adhere to Leave No Trace Principles: Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible recreation to mitigate the increased strain on under-resourced parks.

• Advocate and Educate: Share stories of affected employees and educate others about the critical roles rangers play in preserving natural landscapes and ensuring visitor safety.

Cassie emphasizes, "This is not the time to be silent. This is a very, very concerning time for our public lands. And we can't stress that enough."

Danielle adds, "We hope that this episode did its purpose and that is to just raise awareness and inspire you to take action."

Notable Quotes

• Cassie [02:36]: "Not all meals are created equal. For instance, breakfast has the spicy egg McMuffin for a limited time, and lunch doesn't." (Note: This is part of the initial ad and can be excluded.)

• Alex Wild [18:05]: "Being probationary doesn't mean we did something wrong... it's just based on when you were hired."

• Morgan Smith [85:34]: "I have the rights as an employee, even when you're probationary... It's not legal to just toss somebody out without cause."

• Liz Crandall [78:53]: "I've achieved cash awards every year for my good work and recognition. So that's not true [performance issues]."

• Morgan Smith [93:15]: "Probationary employees can be fired for any reason or for no reason, which isn't true. You have to follow the code of federal regulation and you have to be fired for a just cause."

Final Thoughts

Episode 285 of National Park After Dark serves as a crucial exposé on the alarming trend of federal workforce reductions impacting the stewardship of America's public lands. Through heartfelt interviews and informed discussions, Danielle and Cassie highlight the urgent need for advocacy and collective action to preserve these natural treasures and the dedicated individuals who protect them. Listeners are encouraged to engage actively in supporting public lands, ensuring that these spaces remain accessible, safe, and pristine for generations to come.