When journeying along State Route 161 on the northeast side of Columbus, one might notice a billboard intended to resemble those that promote tourist attractions. This particular billboard draws attention to the decreased staff at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), Ohio’s only national park, as a result of the decisions made by the Dept. of Govt. Efficiency (DOGE). It proclaims, ‘Greetings from Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Now with Reduced Staff Made Possible by DOGE.’
Similar billboards can be found scattered across the U.S, wherever CVNP or other national parks are located. Funding for these billboards comes from More Perfect Union, a progressive organization led by a staff member of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Approximately 70 such billboards have been erected near Cleveland and Akron in Ohio, and similar sightings have been reported in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Erie, Pennsylvania.
The billboards aim to draw attention to a series of staff reductions that were instituted this year by the federal government in park staff. Positions effected by the cuts included roles as varied as a biologist, maintenance worker, engineer, and planner.
CVNP has commented on the cuts without showing too much concern. A spokesperson for the park reassured the public that operations would largely continue as before. ‘Despite the staff reductions, most of the trails and facilities at Cuyahoga Valley National Park will continue to operate during normal hours this upcoming summer,’ the spokesperson confirmed.
However, the spokesperson clarified there would be few changes including the temporary closure of the Towpath Trail between Fitzwater Road and Tinkers Creek Aqueduct due to required riverbank stabilization works to combat active erosion. They also mentioned the closure of two of the park’s 28 public restrooms.
The executive director for More Perfect Union validated the rationale behind funding the billboards. According to him, the billboards are a medium to raise public awareness of the job cuts and its impact on the park’s operation.
The director objected to the perception of these roles as fodder for combatting government inefficiencies or fraud. He argued that there were better-suited targets for such initiatives, and these roles were not among them. ‘There are more suitable avenues for addressing government inefficiencies or waste, in my opinion,’ the director stated.
He also voiced criticism towards how DOGE determined these staff reductions, arguing that their approach was flawed. The billboard campaign, he argued, was an essential awareness tool, particularly due to the looming peak tourist season during which national parks anticipate a substantial increase in visitor numbers.
He shared a concern that the overall quality of the visitors’ experiences could be impacted by the reductions. ‘Year round, families anticipate the opportunity to visit national parks. Unfortunately, this year might see a diminished quality of experience due to these cuts,’ he cautioned.
The group is also monitoring additional measures proposed by the Trump administration. These include potential further budget cuts as well as proposals to sell parklands or other federally-owned lands for industries like mining, drilling, and others that might result in corporate ownership.
The executive director views their billboard campaign as more than an information-dissemination tool; they anticipate discussions and debates spurred by the billboards. They believe these discussions are vital to comprehend why these reductions were deemed necessary.
Regardless of the billboards’ nature, the executive director does not believe they will discourage potential visitors. However, he cherishes the hope that they will spark conversations around the quality and inclusivity of national park experiences.
‘Regardless of whether one is a billionaire, or earns only $10,000 annually, the national park experience should remain unchanged. That’s the essence we wish to preserve and sustain,’ he emphasized.
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