The situation at Zion National Park is becoming increasingly concerning due to staffing cuts linked to the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce government spending.
Seasonal workers who are vital for managing the high volume of visitors during peak season, like those seen at the park around President’s Day, have had their offers rescinded, leaving Zion’s workforce significantly reduced.
Springdale Mayor Barbara Bruno highlighted the impact on both the park and the town, noting traffic backups and strain on local infrastructure due to the lack of personnel managing the entry booths.
Despite the smaller staff, Zion’s visitor numbers have surged in recent years, and last year saw a 90% increase in visitors compared to 10 years ago, with only 11% less staffing. The mayor expressed concerns about the park’s ability to function smoothly without these seasonal workers, especially given the deferred maintenance and existing understaffing issues.
While the park’s shuttle system remains unaffected, there’s worry that the visitor experience will suffer, with services closed and fewer staff available to maintain the park. Bruno also pointed out the importance of increased funding to preserve Zion, as it’s one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.
It’s clear that the current situation is pushing Zion National Park to its limits, and the community is facing real challenges in balancing the growing number of visitors with available resources.