Public Lands Are in Crisis: What Mass Layoffs Mean for Outdoor Recreation
Our public lands just took a massive hit. In this episode of Tarin It Up, I’m joined by Katie Hawkins from Outdoor Alliance to unpack the recent mass layoffs in the federal outdoor recreation sector—and why this matters more than most people realize. This conversation is more than just a reaction to the news—it’s a rallying cry for community action, civic engagement, and protecting the places we love.
🎧 Listen now:
This Isn’t Just About Jobs—It’s About Access and Stewardship
Thousands of federal land managers and outdoor professionals have been impacted by sudden layoffs. These aren’t just positions on paper—they’re the people responsible for keeping our public lands accessible, safe, and sustainable.
“It’s okay to feel this way right now.”
We talk about the emotional toll of this news—grief, frustration, and uncertainty—and why validating those feelings is part of the process. But we don’t stop there. This episode explores how these changes ripple through local economies, tourism, and outdoor communities as a whole.
What You Can Do Right Now
Feeling powerless? You’re not. There are actionable ways to show up:
📣 Use Outdoor Alliance’s Action Alert to write your member of Congress (it takes less than a minute).
🗳️ Talk about this with your network—awareness leads to action.
🏔️ Get involved locally: join a trail crew, attend a town hall, support conservation nonprofits.
“The people have the power.”
Why This Matters
These cuts affect more than the federal workforce—they impact how we hike, camp, fish, climb, and connect with nature. Outdoor recreation isn’t just recreation. It’s tied to mental health, economic vitality, and democratic engagement.
“Public lands are part of our community and our democracy.”
Key Takeaways from This Episode
✅ Outdoor recreation is facing a real crisis due to mass layoffs
✅ These layoffs threaten access, stewardship, and community well-being
✅ Public lands are vital to democracy and local economies
✅ Civic engagement is more important than ever
✅ It’s okay to feel grief and uncertainty
✅ Grassroots movements can lead to big changes
✅ You can make a difference, even with small actions
✅ Support impacted individuals through your voice and your vote
The Fight Isn’t Over—It’s Just Beginning
This episode is a reminder that the outdoors belong to all of us—and that means we all have a role in protecting it. Whether it’s through voting, organizing, donating, or simply starting a conversation, your voice matters.
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