Protect Our Parks Protests
UPDATE: As of 6pm EST on Sunday, March 2, updated numbers are: over 170 total protest sites, over 11,600 attendees, and @resistancerangers has reached over 31,000 followers across social media platforms.
Estimated 170 National Park Sites, USA - In just three days, thousands of people passionate about public lands have mobilized to protest at 169 National Park sites across the country. On February 26th, the off-duty park ranger group @resistancerangers called for action to protect America’s public lands. In the 3 days since, the resistance account has gained 20,000 followers on social media. And on Saturday 3/1, thousands of patriotic people showed up to NPS sites to protest, representing a groundswell of nationwide public support for federal workers and the National Park Service’s mission to protect parks for the public and future generations.
Resistance Rangers is a group of 700+ off-duty park rangers, including National Park Service staff illegally fired on 2/14, and seasonal rangers whose jobs were rescinded. Our goal is to mobilize support for rangers and public lands, and inspire people to take action to protect them.
See this document for locations, this folder for photos and videos, and a public fact sheet here.
Core messages of Resistance Rangers:
National Parks are for ALL people.
We stand with all other public land agencies that share our values in stewarding the land and recognize the inherent value of biodiversity and thriving ecosystems.
Illegal firings and delayed seasonal hirings WILL impact public lands.
Termination of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility programs WILL make public lands less safe and work groups less innovative.
Parks and public lands generate significant economic benefits for surrounding areas. In short, in 2023, 325 million park visitors spent an estimated $26.4 billion in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands across the country.
Supporters of Resistance Rangers are empowered to share the message, support in person or online, so long as they follow relevant park rules and Leave No Trace.
Quote: “All of this support has brought tears to my eyes—and I know my fellow rangers are feeling the same way. It’s been scary and overwhelming to go into work everyday and not know if we can uphold our mission statement and protect public lands. The first time I’ve felt empowered again is when we asked people to show up in support, and not only did they, but they did it beyond our wildest imagination. Public lands are the heartbeat of what it means to be an American. To protect public lands is to stand up for who we are, and who we want to be.”
- Organizer of the Resistance Rangers
Organizers do not represent the National Park Service or Department of the Interior. Views and attitudes expressed in this News Release do not reflect views and attitudes of the National Park Service or Department of the Interior.