The Trump administration plans to cancel leases for 34 National Park Service buildings, including visitor centers, law enforcement offices, and museums that house millions of artifacts. If approved, eight visitor centers would close without alternative locations in place, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.
Critics argue that the closures would severely impact park operations, leading to safety issues and the loss of irreplaceable cultural and historical artifacts. The move is also seen as a significant threat to America’s natural and cultural heritage.
The proposal follows the recent firing of 1,000 probationary employees who worked at the Park Service less than a year. Critics point out that this action would further erode public trust in the administration’s commitment to preserving national parks.
Several visitor centers and museums are under threat, including those in New Orleans, Utah, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The cancellations could also affect riverfront visitor centers, which provide critical information on access and education programs for park visitors.
The GSA has announced that 443 federally owned properties were eligible for sale, but the list was removed from its website overnight without explanation. A new list is expected to be released in the near future.
Critics are calling for the administration to reconsider its decision, citing concerns about vandalism, loss of educational opportunities, and the erosion of public trust.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/03/06/national-park-service-leases-termination