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What budget cuts and reduced staffing could mean for the National Park Service

As budget cuts and staff reductions continue across the federal government, some are concerned about the future of national parks, including those in the mid-Atlantic region.

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Take the C&O Canal: It began the year with 70 employees. The staff has since been reduced to 65.

Following criticism of nationwide cuts to the National Park Service staff, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum ordered parks to “remain open and accessible” in April and called for a review of parks’ operating hours and limits on visitor services.

HuffPost labor reporter Dave Jamieson examined President Donald Trump’s ongoing cutbacks and how those changes may impact national parks, including some in the D.C. area. He spoke with WTOP reporter Steve Dresner about the state of some of the parks and what could be on the horizon.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. You can read Dave Jamieson’s report here.

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