I am fired up. Like many in our community, I am concerned and continually asking myself the same questions: “Who is going to clean out the trailhead restrooms and pick up the trash?” “Who is going to protect our community from a large wildfire?” “Who is going to take care of the public lands we cherish and love?”
Our community is deeply connected to the public lands that surround us and our desire to care for them. We are facing a serious challenge with the recent decision to reduce staffing with the Forest Service. These cuts not only jeopardize the maintenance and accessibility of our natural spaces but also pose a direct threat to the local economy, wildlife, and overall quality of life.[^1] But this is just the latest blow to our federal land managers and it may be a critical tipping point.
Trails, public lands, and the outdoors belong to everyone, regardless of political affiliation or background. Nature doesn’t recognize party lines, it welcomes all who seek adventure, solitude, and connection. Whether you hike, bike, run, hunt, or simply enjoy our mountain landscape, we all share a common love for these spaces. Protecting and enjoying the outdoors isn’t a political issue; it’s a shared value that unites us.
Let me be clear: this isn’t just about the recent administration’s layoffs and funding freezes. For over a decade, the Forest Service has faced increasing challenges, with declining support across multiple Democratic and Republican administrations. If you don’t follow federal government and U.S. Forest Service news like I do, you may not know that the U.S. Forest Service was already facing a potential shortfall of $750 million in 2025, hiring freezes, and a significant reduction in seasonal workers.[^1]
Public lands make up over 80% of Eagle County. A majority of which falls under the White River National Forest (WRNF) which is the busiest national forest in the country. In 2011, visits to the WRNF were estimated at around 10 million, and by 2022, that number had increased to 18 million.[^2] While most of those visits were from skiers, nearly 7 million occurred during the summer season. Meanwhile, the WRNF’s budget has decreased from $30 million in 2009 to $18 million in 2023. Our public lands and visits contribute an estimated $1.6 billion in economic impact to the surrounding communities and support over 22,000 jobs.[^2]
So what do these numbers mean? In short, they don’t add up. While visitation and use continue to increase, the number of boots on the ground maintaining these natural resources is in steep decline.
The recent layoffs, which include the termination of 3,400 U.S. Forest Service employees or about 10% of its workforce, hit close to home. Right in our backyard, hardworking, dedicated individuals, our local boots on the ground, have lost their jobs.[^1] Thankfully, there are still dedicated Forest Service employees in our community who are staying strong and will continue to serve our community and I am extremely grateful for them.
But these staffing reductions make it even harder to manage recreation users and mitigate impacts. Fewer personnel mean a diminished ability to enforce seasonal closures, manage trailheads, clean bathrooms, perform trail maintenance, oversee camping areas, and, ultimately, maintain our public lands. This directly affects our outdoor recreation economy, natural resources, and the health of our community.
In light of these challenges, it is imperative that we, as a community, reaffirm our commitment to the stewardship of our public lands. Public lands and trails are a shared value, transcending political affiliations and personal beliefs. They offer solace, adventure, and a tangible connection to the natural world for everyone. With U.S. Forest Service support further weakened, local engagement is now more crucial than ever.
The future of staff and budget reductions remains very uncertain and it’s easy to go into a spiral thinking about what may be next. Instead of dwelling on what we cannot control, let us come together as a community and focus on what we can control. Here is how you can make a direct positive impact:
- Volunteer: Become a Steward of Our Public Lands – Join us for a local trail maintenance day or volunteer with organizations like the Eagle Summit Wilderness Alliance to help protect our cherished wilderness areas.
- Support Local Conservation Groups – Whether it’s the VVMTA, Eagle Valley Land Trust, Eagle River Coalition, Walking Mountains, or other local organizations, many are stepping up to fill the gaps left by federal cutbacks. Your time, resources, or financial contributions can help bolster these efforts.
- Advocate for Our Public Lands – Engage with local, state, and federal representatives to express the importance of funding and supporting public land management. Support legislation like the SHRED Act[^3] and Protect the West Act.[^4]
- Practice Responsible Recreation – Adhere to Leave No Trace principles, educate fellow trail users, and Respect the Vail Valley[^5] while enjoying our trails and public lands.
By coming together, we can help ensure that our public lands remain vibrant, accessible, and well-maintained for generations to come. Our collective action is not just a response to the current challenges, it’s a testament to our enduring dedication to the landscapes that enrich our lives and sustain our community.
At the VVMTA, we promise you, the community we love and serve, that we will continue to step up and support the trails, natural resources, and public lands we cherish, now and into the future.
References
[^1]: The Colorado Sun. (November 14, 2024). Forest Service hiring freeze and layoffs impact Colorado communities. Retrieved from https://coloradosun.com/2024/11/14/forest-service-hiring-freeze/
[^2]: The Colorado Sun. (December 20, 2022). White River National Forest’s recreation economy continues to grow. Retrieved from https://coloradosun.com/2022/12/20/white-river-national-forest-recreation-economy/
[^3]: Senator Michael Bennet. (February 28, 2023). Bennet, colleagues reintroduce SHRED Act to invest in outdoor recreation and public lands. Retrieved from https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2023/02/28/press-releases-id-5ad53a8f-5317-48ea-a320-82507ec7af54/
[^4]: Senator Michael Bennet. (February 2, 2023). Bennet introduces Protect the West Act to invest in wildfire mitigation and watershed protection. Retrieved from https://www.bennet.senate.gov/2023/02/02/press-releases-id-850eaa23-31f6-43ad-9335-7ea31e1e43c8/
[^5]: Visit Vail Valley. Respect the Vail Valley: Responsible recreation and conservation efforts. Retrieved from https://www.visitvailvalley.com/respect-the-vail-valley/
