California (Thechieftainspear) – Nearly 4,000 campsites across 18 national forests could be forced to shut down this summer due to anticipated federal budget reductions.
According to a recent report from The New York Times, the U.S. Forest Service is preparing for significant funding cuts following a federal spending freeze and mandated staff reductions implemented during the Trump administration.
For outdoor enthusiasts like Clovis resident Kathryn Sanchez, the potential closures would be devastating.
“It’s really unfair,” Sanchez said. “A lot of families rely on these places for vacations, and now they might not have anywhere to go. It’s not just about camping—it’s about jobs and communities that depend on these parks.”
Sanchez frequently visits outdoor destinations such as Pine Flat Lake and has already noticed the effects of federal budget constraints. She believes even major parks, like Yosemite, are feeling the strain.
“I heard they aren’t renting out campsites, and there aren’t enough park rangers,” she said. “It’s like the park is just sitting there, with no one to take care of it.”
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The Times reports that California forest supervisors recently received an email requesting a list of parks that could be shut down to save money. If these closures move forward, it could mean an end to essential services such as restroom maintenance, trail upkeep, and search-and-rescue operations.
However, the U.S. Forest Service clarified in a statement to Action News that the list being circulated is part of a preliminary planning process, and no official decisions have been made.
The agency emphasized its commitment to maintaining public access to national forests while continuing to provide the many benefits they offer.
For now, outdoor lovers and local communities must wait to see how these budget cuts will impact their favorite camping spots.
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