Amidst the picturesque landscapes of U.S. National Parks, a remarkable event unfolded in 2024, as a staggering 331.9 million visits were recorded, surpassing the previous all-time high set in 2016. However, a startling revelation emerged when an internal memo circulated by the Resistance Rangers group, comprised of present and former National Park Service (NPS) staff, disclosed that employees were instructed not to share external communications regarding this record-breaking turnout.
The NPS Visitation Statistics Dashboard publicly unveiled this remarkable visitation milestone, showcasing a notable increase of 6.36 million visits, a 2% rise from the previous year. Despite the clear public interest in this data, the internal memo advised against any proactive dissemination of this information to the media or via social media platforms, marking a departure from past practices. Instead, staff were instructed to redirect inquiries solely to the Integrated Resource Management Applications (IRMA) website, a stark contrast to prior years when comprehensive reports were released detailing the economic benefits of such park visits.
Kati Schmidt, the communications director for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), expressed her surprise at this uncharacteristic silence, highlighting the significance of external outreach typically associated with the annual visitor reports. In an email to SFGATE, she aptly noted, “The silence is a little weird,” echoing the sentiments of many puzzled observers.
### Concerns Amidst Record-Breaking Visits
As the National Parks experienced an unprecedented surge in attendance, concerns were raised by both the Resistance Rangers and NPCA regarding the precarious state of the NPS. Recent mass terminations and proposed office closures have exacerbated the strain on the parks, with over 1,000 probationary employees facing dismissal despite a court ruling deeming these firings unlawful. In addition, hundreds of employees have opted for deferred resignation, further depleting the already understaffed NPS ranks.
The imminent Phase 1 Reduction in Force plans, due in March, loom ominously over the national parks, accentuating the critical staffing shortages amidst peak visitation periods. NPCA’s President and CEO, Theresa Pierno, expressed grave concern over the administration’s decision to shutter 34 NPS facilities, including essential visitor centers and emergency facilities, warning of irreversible damage to these cherished natural reserves.
### Expert Insights and Visitor Trends
Former NPS Director Jonathan Jarvis shed light on the external pressures facing the NPS, suggesting that the directive to withhold visitor statistics externally may be attributed to political influences rather than internal NPS decisions. Jarvis emphasized the intrinsic value of these visitation figures, underscoring their economic importance and the negative publicity stemming from the recent employee terminations.
Delving into the specifics of the 2024 visitation trends, NPS data revealed a widespread surge in visits across multiple park sites, with 28 parks setting new visitation records and sustained visitor numbers throughout the year, transcending seasonal fluctuations. Notably, 38 parks surpassed the 10-year average for visitor numbers each month in 2024, reflecting a sustained interest in experiencing the natural wonders these parks offer.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area emerged as the most frequented NPS site, attracting nearly 17.2 million visitors, while the Great Smoky Mountains National Park retained its status as the most-visited National Park with 12.2 million visits. Other popular destinations included Zion, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, each drawing millions of visitors seeking solace and adventure amidst nature’s grandeur.
As the National Parks brim with unprecedented visitor enthusiasm, the underlying challenges faced by the NPS underscore the delicate balance between preserving these natural wonders and providing accessible experiences for the public. The record-breaking turnout in 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring allure of America’s national treasures, beckoning visitors to explore, engage, and protect these pristine landscapes for generations to come.
