Parks Employees

Question

I can't speak for the entire state, but here in Southeast I've gotten firsthand reports from Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and Wrangell and our Forest Service and Parks staff have been laid off in droves. The last hired approach to firing is particularly devastating in our small towns where we were already short staffed, had a mobile workforce and were authorized frequently for temporary hires. The assumption nationwide I am guessing is salaried employees can be replaced with temps but we already have an enormous labor shortage here in SE, no housing left, and no real hope of anyone having a full staff this summer, much less the feds who now seem completely unreliable as employers. This could greatly impact access to places like Mendenhall Glacier, Anan Bear Viewing, Russian Bishops House, The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, some campgrounds or trails. I honestly just don't know yet but as everyone here likes to "plan" be prepared for the unexpected.

Answer

In Southeast Alaska, recent reports indicate significant layoffs among Forest Service and Parks staff in towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Wrangell. This has been particularly impactful in small communities that already faced staffing shortages and relied on temporary or mobile workers. The typical assumption that salaried staff can be replaced by temporary hires does not hold well in these areas due to an extreme labor shortage and limited housing availability.

For travelers, this situation may affect the accessibility and quality of services at popular destinations. Many parks, trails, and visitor centers may operate with reduced staff, or in some cases, may not be open at all. Examples of potentially impacted sites include:

Mendenhall Glacier – visitor center services, guided tours, and trail maintenance may be limited.
Anan Bear Viewing Area – operations or guided tours may be fewer or canceled.
Russian Bishop’s House – staff availability for tours could be inconsistent.
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center – exhibits, information desks, and programs may not run fully.
Campgrounds and trails – reduced maintenance and fewer park rangers on site, affecting both safety and accessibility.

Travelers should be prepared for the unexpected. Recommendations include:

Check official park websites or call ahead to confirm hours of operation, guided tours, and services.
Have backup plans for outdoor activities in case trails, viewpoints, or facilities are closed.
Allow extra time for travel and expect possible limitations in amenities and staffing.
Consider booking private tours or guided experiences through local operators to ensure access to certain sites.

Overall, while Alaska’s natural beauty remains accessible, flexibility is key this season. Planning ahead, but with contingency options, will help ensure a successful and enjoyable visit despite staffing uncertainties.

Parks Employees

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