Billboard Campaign Sounds Alarm on National Park Heat Deaths and Staff Cuts

A Nationwide Warning: Labor Group Raises Red Flags on Park Safety Amid Budget Cuts

As temperatures rise across the U.S., so too does concern for the safety of millions of visitors to America’s national parks. More Perfect Union, a nonprofit labor advocacy group, has launched a powerful billboard campaign to spotlight the growing risks associated with budget and staffing cuts across the National Park Service (NPS). The organization has installed approximately 300 billboards throughout key battleground states—Arizona, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida—drawing attention to the severe consequences of extreme heat combined with reduced safety personnel.

Striking Visuals Send a Stark Message

On the edge of Las Vegas, where the desert heat scorches the pavement, and tourists flock to nearby natural wonders, motorists are now greeted by a grim billboard. Styled like a classic postcard, it reads: “Greetings from Death Valley National Park,” followed by a chilling message: “Heat deaths rise. Safety staff cut. Made possible by D.O.G.E.”

D.O.G.E.—the Department of Government Efficiency—has become a lightning rod in debates over the federal workforce. Created under the administration of former President Donald Trump and associated with Elon Musk’s libertarian-leaning government overhaul proposals, DOGE’s push to dramatically shrink federal operations has triggered widespread staffing reductions across critical services, including the National Park Service (NPS).

National Park Service Suffers Major Staff Reductions

According to the National Parks Conservation Association, an estimated 2,500 NPS employees—roughly 13% of its total workforce—have either taken buyouts, retired early, or had their positions eliminated altogether as a result of the agency’s policies. These cuts threaten the ability of national parks to maintain safe, accessible, and well-managed environments, especially in areas plagued by harsh weather conditions.

“In remote parks like Death Valley, rangers aren’t just guides—they’re essential first responders,” said Faiz Shakir, Executive Director of More Perfect Union. “When someone suffers from heat exhaustion or worse, park staff are the ones saving lives.”

Heat-Related Risks in National Parks Are Rising

The timing of the billboard campaign couldn’t be more urgent. A punishing early-season heatwave has already pushed temperatures well into the triple digits across the southwestern United States. Temperatures in Death Valley, known as the hottest location in North America, are climbing past 130°F, creating dangerously high heat that can be fatal for those who aren’t properly prepared.

As part of the campaign, 19 billboards have been installed across Nevada, including prominent placements in both Las Vegas and Reno. These highlight the specific public safety threats posed by staff shortages during extreme weather events. With the peak summer tourism season fast approaching, concerns are mounting over whether current staffing levels are adequate to meet demand—or ensure safety.

Death Valley and the National Parks: A Symbol of Broader Concerns

Stretching from eastern California into Nevada, Death Valley National Park draws over a million visitors annually. Yet, with reduced personnel and growing climate extremes, the park exemplifies what’s at stake in the broader debate over public service cuts.

Abigail Wines, acting deputy superintendent of Death Valley, emphasized the park’s commitment to safety and preparedness. “We urge visitors to check alerts, carry enough water, wear sunscreen, and respect the conditions,” Wines told NBC News. “The National Park Service is committed to ensuring visitors have both safe and unforgettable experiences, even in the most challenging conditions.”

Still, many worry that even the best efforts by the remaining staff can’t compensate for the sheer scale of the cuts.

More Than a Message: A Political Strategy in Disguise?

Perfect Union’s campaign isn’t just about safety—it’s also about politics. Shakir acknowledged that the decision to focus on national parks was a strategic one. A 2024 Pew Research Center poll found that the National Park Service enjoys overwhelming bipartisan support, with 76% of Americans holding a favorable view—more than any other federal agency.

“By targeting parks, we’re highlighting a universal value,” said Shakir. “Even in red states and conservative communities, people love and support our national parks. This issue cuts through political noise.”

The billboards appear in several traditionally Republican strongholds, designed to provoke thought and spark debate about the real-world impact of small-government ideologies.

‘Save our national parks’ billboards pop up across country to protest job cuts https://t.co/serjIZpb89

— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) May 13, 2025

National Parks at a Crossroads

With the rise of climate change and increasing numbers of tourists, the future of national parks has become increasingly uncertain. Perfect Union’s billboard campaign acts as both a wake-up call and a challenge to policymakers. Will Americans tolerate deep cuts to cherished public services, even when those cuts put lives at risk?

The campaign highlights the crucial role of federal workers, particularly in high-risk environments. It also invites the public to reconsider the cost of political ideologies that prioritize budget cuts over basic safety and security.

Protecting Parks Means Protecting People

National parks are more than scenic retreats—they are public trust assets that require careful management and adequate resources. With temperatures climbing and federal staffing in decline, the stakes have never been higher.

As Faiz Shakir put it: “We’re not just talking about numbers on a spreadsheet. We’re talking about lives. We’re talking about your family’s vacation becoming a tragedy because there weren’t enough rangers to help.”

The message is clear: safeguarding our parks means investing in the people who protect them. With intense summer heat approaching, the nation faces a critical choice—should efficiency take precedence, or should public safety come first?