Joshua Tree National Park hit by staffing cuts ahead of busy season

"The Department determined that you have failed to demonstrate fitness or qualifications for continued employment."

This, a line from a U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) termination letter, was delivered to some Joshua Tree National Park employees on February 14 — just as the park’s busiest season approaches.

The letter, obtained by Z107.7 FM in Joshua Tree, comes from the DOI’s Deputy Director and is part of a broader push to downsize the National Park Service (NPS).

The cuts target several probationary fee division positions, like recreation fee technician.

"A big impact here," Steve Smithie a local business employee said. "Who's going to run the park? Who's going to take care of it?" 

He said the layoffs are devastating for the community and for local business.

"That's what makes this town, is the park," Smithie said "Will it impact our business? Yeah, of course. We rely on most of those people that come."

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson spoke with locals, visitors and business owners about the impact of these layoffs.

Stay with KESQ at 10 and 11 p.m. for the full story.