NewsPolitics

Actions

Lawmakers introduced bills to protect public lands and rehire NPS and USFS employees

Recent National Park Service workers cuts prompts Colorado U.S. Senator into action
Posted
and last updated

COLORADO — Colorado is home to four national parks, and the recent cuts of more than 1,000 National Park Service (NPS) workers have prompted one Colorado U.S. Senator into action.

President Trump's administration cut those workers to downsize the federal government in February.

Senator John Hickenlooper and other lawmakers say they want those workers to get their jobs back.

"I've been to Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon," said park visitor George Castro.

Castro says he understands why the Trump administration wanted to cut NPS jobs to downsize the government, but it's not the best way to do it.

"I have personally experienced park rangers going down on various times, and checked on campsites and hikers. That to me was ultimate," said Castro.

On March 11, Senator Hickenlooper and other lawmakers introduced the Protect Our Parks Act and theSave Our Forests Act.

The goal is to rehire the staff at NPS and the U.S. Forest Service who lost their jobs. The hearing for those bills has not been scheduled yet.

"It is very important to have them to maintain them and to keep us safe and enjoy the outdoors. You want positive experiences instead of negative ones to enjoy the country," said Castro.

___

YMCA of Pueblo to close Camp Jackson after more than 100 years; here's why

Nearly 1,000 people have signed an online petition calling for answers after the YMCA of Pueblo announced it’s permanently closing Camp Jackson in Rye.

YMCA of Pueblo to close Camp Jackson after more than 100 years; here's why

News Tips
What should KOAA5 cover? Is there a story, topic, or issue we should revisit? Have a story you believe should make the light of day? Let our newsroom know with the contact form below.

____

Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.

Sign up for our Morning E-mail Newsletter to receive the latest headlines in your inbox.