Greetings from Olympic National Park

I’m writing this as not only a park visitor and member of NPCA, but as a seasonal ‘Visitors Use Assistant’ / backcountry Park Ranger. I took the accompanying photo while on-duty on a backcountry trip on the North Pacific Coast section of ONP. There is a famous picture of Rialto Beach, taken from atop the rock formation known as Hole-in-the-Wall, facing south (shot by professional photographer Alexander Hamilton); this shot was taken from the same place, looking north. I’ve felt fortunate, in 3 out of the last 4 summer seasons, to work as a Park Ranger; it’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, in terms of personal satisfaction. Unfortunately, as a result of the federal government’s
“across the board” sequestration budget cuts, I most likely won’t be working at ONP next year, and maybe not even working for the National Park Service at all. The visitor center where I work has been operating reduced hours this season, and is slated to be closed entirely by the end of this year. While it’s a blow to me personally, it’s most truly bad news for visitors to the Park. This is an appeal from an “insider”, people - IF YOU WANT TO SAVE THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM, write to your Congressional representatives, and Senators, and let them know that they not only need to work to restore the entire federal budget, but to MAKE AN EXTRA EFFORT ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE! Even while the overall federal budget is being reduced, the NPS should be EXEMPT from ALL further cuts, and, in fact, should have full funding restored! The NPS is one of the most chronically UNDERFUNDED agencies in the federal government, despite being one of the most beloved by the American people. CONGRESS NEEDS TO STOP JUST PAYING “LIP SERVICE” TO OUR NATIONAL PARKS, which are often described as “America’s best idea”.

Sincerely,
Ranger Randy