Skeleton crews, low morale, and a fear for the future: Park ranger exposes impact of 2025 public lands layoffs

Colorado lost the most public lands jobs in 2025, with 1,753 positions eliminated, according to a report by consulting firms Prospect Partners and Hawk Eye Strategies. A national park ranger described operations as running on a 'skeleton crew,' while advocacy group Mountain Mamas highlighted concerns over forest safety and climate impacts. The layoffs disproportionately affected junior employees and field operations.