Former U.S. Forest Service member says federal cuts could impact safe outdoor recreation

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - In February, the Trump Administration terminated a large number of federal workers who manage public lands.

Colorado is known for its 11 national forests, four national parks, and abundance of outdoor recreation. Members of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Parks and U.S. Fish and Wildlife help manage thousands of acres of land, but staffing shortages have caused major ripple effects. Forest Service workers at the White River National Forest are no exception.

Sheehan Meagher is a former Rocky Mountain Land Stewardship intern at the White River National Forest. He left the position in 2024, before the layoffs happened, he said the Forest Service staff was reduced by 30%, and explained how these changes could jeopardize the safety of our public lands, as soon as this summer.

“That’s less people to patrol areas, bathrooms, cut down trees, and patrol campgrounds. With our snowpack level right now, I’m really worried about wildfire risk,” he explained.

During his time as a dispersed ranger, Meagher would often come across campsites with fires that were not fully put out. Although, the impact goes beyond just those who maintain the land. A mother from Carbondale describes the impact that these federal cuts have had on rafters and boaters.

“We do an overnight river trip every year and we’re usually greeted by a Ranger to check our permits, and update us on any hazards, but nobody was at the put-in, which is highly unusual from the previous years that I’ve done the river,” said Lindsay Fallon, an outdoor advocate.

Rangers at put-ins will often inform boaters about hazards like straining trees, and fluctuating water levels. They also make sure boaters have the proper equipment to protect themselves while recreating on the river.

“We all live in Colorado because it’s a beautiful place and we want to keep it a beautiful place,” she said. “These rangers, whether BLM or Forest Service, are critical in making sure people are taking care of the land and being safe.”

These federal cuts spread far and wide across the state. With the reductions in staff, it’s important to do your part to protect public lands and recreate safely, within the limits of the law.