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How the Inflation Reduction Act could help National Park Service staffing shortage

The National Park Service has lost a number of workers in the past decade, even though some national parks have seen a record number of visitors.

But the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act may help offset the shortage.

Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility noted the labor shortage in a recent report.

One concern is that, as the number of rangers has gone down, the number of search and rescue operations has gone up.

But the nonprofit says that the legislation provides $500 million toward vacancies and new positions over the next decade.

That will at least get parks staffing back to 2010 levels. 

“With overcrowding in national parks, along with public safety concerns, it’s imperative that these staffing deficiencies are addressed," said Colleen Teubner, with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

Visitation at Grand Canyon National Park has remained strong in spite of a decline in international tourism.

Ron Dungan was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2020 to 2024.