Grassroots support for public lands continues to swell
PRESS ADVISORY
For Immediate Release March 22, 2025
Contact: resistanceranger@proton.me
Nationwide, USA - On March 22, 2025, thousands gathered at over 110 national park sites across the United States to speak up for public lands and federal workers. These rallies build on peaceful protests hosted by Resistance Rangers at over 400 parks earlier this month.
These continuing demonstrations highlight Americans’ widespread support for their public lands, and their eagerness to take action to protect them for current and future generations.
During teach-in sessions, attendees shared memories of their parks and heartfelt stories of why they value public lands. Postcard stations were set up by organizers to encourage visitors to write to their elected representatives.
“Today’s protests were about community-building and action,” said an organizer with the Resistance Rangers. “There were so many visitors who stopped by to talk with us. And as soon as they did, they wanted to get involved. So many people wrote postcards that we ran out, and we had to switch to index cards. Everyone wanted to do something to help protect public lands.”
These rallies highlighted ongoing threats to the National Park Service (NPS), including staffing cuts, cancelled leases, and the threatened removal of national monuments. The Department of the Interior (DOI) is preparing Reduction in Force plans for many agencies, including the NPS, and acting on executive orders calling for increased mining, drilling, and logging on public lands.
Saturday’s gatherings also celebrate the reinstatement of the estimated 750 rangers who were unlawfully fired on 2/14. Some reinstated rangers present said they would be back at work on Monday, and that they were excited to continue their work for the American people. Others are unable to return due to financial or other reasons, underscoring the effects of the illegal firings.
Core messages of Resistance Rangers:
Public lands are for ALL people.
We stand with all other agencies that steward public lands and recognize the inherent value of biodiversity and thriving ecosystems.
We celebrate the return to work of our permanent and seasonal colleagues. However, the fight is not over. We will continue to mobilize to ensure staff are protected from upcoming Reductions in Force, appeals to court orders putting staff back to work, the cancellation of national park building leases, and other threats.
We stand against the dismantlement of national monuments. By threatening these places, the Administration threatens the local communities, businesses, and tribes who advocated to protect these sites.
See this document for locations, this folder for photos and videos, and a public fact sheet here.
Resistance Rangers is a group of 1000+ off-duty NPS rangers, including staff illegally fired 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.
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 NPS or DOI.