By: Caroline Polen

Did you know that the United States is home to over 60 national parks? National parks are special pieces of land that are protected by the government to preserve the land from human development. Going to a national park is a great way to learn more about where you live and to explore new places. 

“My family and I have visited seven national parks over the last couple years,” Bellbrook High School French teacher Kristen Krumheuer said. “Our experience was amazing. Each day brought something new and really left us in awe of the beauty of this country and our planet.”

“I’ve been to Yellowstone and I absolutely loved it,” junior Cali Harnish said. “I’ve also been to the Badlands, and it’s my favorite national park. All of the rocks and structures are so pretty, and it really puts into perspective how small we are.” 

According to the National Parks Conservation Association, national parks are being dismantled under the new administration. Staff is being fired, building leases are being canceled, and history is being erased.

Students and staff at BHS share common opinions with a Cuyahoga Valley National Park employee. They all agree that national parks should be protected.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in northeastern Ohio. It spans over 32,000 acres and is most known for its beautiful landscapes like its forests, wetlands, rivers, and waterfalls. The park’s main attraction is the Cuyahoga river, which runs through the park. 

“[Parks] protect the stories of the places and people that make up our nation and help us share those stories with ourselves, visitors, and future generations,” a Lead Park Guide at Cuyahoga Valley National Park said.

“Not only does protecting national parks preserve unique biodiversity, it also offers families opportunities for vacation destinations where they are immersed in nature that they won’t see anywhere else,” Krumheuer said. “Each park has a history that reflects the indigenous people of that area as well as our nation’s journey.”

“We have so many endangered and extinct species already,” Harnish said. “And we can’t afford any more.”

What might happen to national parks in the future? The Trump administration has made efforts to reduce protection for national parks. This will open the lands to oil and gas drilling and it could cut budgets for the National Park Service (NPS). 

“NPS is working closely with the Office of Personnel Management to ensure we are prioritizing fiscal responsibility for the American people,” Lead Park Guide at Cuyahoga Valley National Park said. “As always, NPS will continue to provide critical services and deliver excellent customer service.”

“I’m worried that the cuts in funding will diminish opportunities for people to visit these parks as well as the resources needed to preserve them,” Krumheuer said.

“Political decisions made by parks can either protect them or harm them even more,” Harnish said. “I’m not fully aware of the different actions the government has taken though.”