Budget cuts to national parks draw criticism

LOS ANGELES — Reactions are strong to proposed 2026 budget cuts made public last week by US President Donald Trump's administration, which include deep cuts to the national park and forest services that could drastically reduce staff and close parks nationwide.

"This is the beginning of the end for America's legendary national park and forest services," a forest ranger with the national forest service in California said on Tuesday.

"With so many staff laid off, who is going to maintain the parks, reduce wildfire risk and protect the safety of our wildlife and park visitors?"